OCTOBER
1 – 2: Elk Fest, Saturday 10 to 5pm, Sunday 10 to 4 pm, Bond Park Downtown, 970-586-6104, Free.
8 – 9: Surprise Sidewalk Sale, Downtown Estes Park, Free.

NOVEMBER
20: Bridal Show, 10 to 4pm, Estes Park Conference Center, 970-584-9771, $5 online, $7 at door.
25: Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration and Parade, 5:30pm, Downtown Estes Park, Free.
25 thru Dec.31: 9th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition & Sale, 12 to 3pm, Cultural Arts Center Fine Art Gallery, 970-586-9203, Free.
26: Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, 9 to 3pm, Estes Park Conference Center, 970-586-7205,$1.00 at the door.

DECEMBER
2 – 3: Friends of the Library Holiday Book Sale, 10 to 4pm, Estes Valley Library, 970-586-8116, Free.
9 – 10, 16 – 17; Miracle on 34th Street, 7:30pm, Hempel Auditorium, YMCA of the Rockies, 970-586-3450, Adults $13, Youth 18 and under $7.
10: Fantasy Ball, 6:30pm, Stanley Hotel, 970-586-9519, $85.00.

This high altitude race was co-founded in 1979 by Chip Salaun, who was a mountaineer, triathlete and author. Salaun had a passion for the area and laid out the course to challenge all levels of runners. In April of 1985 Salaun fell into a crevasse while climbing Mt. Cook in New Zealand, his remains were not recovered. Runners claim the breeze that blows during the race is his spirit pushing them on.

The races have multiple age divisions, with check in at the Town Hall in downtown Estes Park, 170 MacGregor Ave. January 30th; start time for the 5K is 11:00 a.m., the 10K at noon. Call for entry fees at 970-586-8191.

Unwind after the race here at the Silver Moon Inn, within walking distance of delicious restaurants and after dinner dessert and aperitifs. Cozy rooms are still available so make your reservations now.

7th: Artists and Students Party at the Art Center of Estes Park, 5:00 pm to 7:00. A gathering of new artists, students and mentors. FREE Contact info: 970-586-5882 www.artcenterofestes.com.

14-17: Winter Festival! Downtown Estes Park event features a chili cook-off, scavenger hunt, horse and carriage rides, contests and more. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES or www.estesparkcvb.com.

19th: Rocky Mountain National Park Full Moon Walk. Make reservations at 970-586-1223. Gorgeous opportunity to see the park by the light of a full moon. Estes Park sporting goods stores provide snowshoe and pole rental if necessary. More at: www.nps.gov/romo.

22nd: Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Families at the Wild Basin Ranger Station, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Four hour fun and educational snowshoe hike suitable for families. Ticket price: $10.00. To register call 970-586-3262 or to register on-line go to www.rmna.org.

30th: 32nd Annual Frost Giant 5K & 10K Races. The Estes Valley Recreation and Park District sponsors these high altitude 5K and 10K races down MacGregor Avenue and through the historic MacGregor Ranch pastures. Multiple age divisions. Check in at the Town Hall, 170 MacGregor Ave. 5K race starts at 11 am; 10K at noon. Call 970-586-8191, or www.estesvalleyrecreation.com.

FEBRUARY:

5th: Rocky Mountain Harmony College Barbershop Concert, Assembly Hall behind Ruesch Auditorium, YMCA of the Rockies, at 7:30 pm. Features small barbershop groups and full choruses from the area. Ticket price: $10.00. Call 970-586-0927 for more info.

Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Families at the Wild Basin Ranger Station, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Four hour fun and educational snowshoe hike suitable for families. Ticket price: $10.00. To register call 970-586-3262 or to register on-line go to www.rmna.org.

12th: 19th Annual Imagine This! Wonderful art festival for children and adults. Featuring live music and dance performances, and lots of hands-on activities for creative expression. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park. Ticket price: $1.00. www.estesarts.com and 970-586-9203.

18th: Rocky Mountain National Park Full Moon Walk. Make reservations at 970-586-1223. Fantastic opportunity to see the park by the light of a full moon. Estes Park sporting goods stores provide snowshoe and pole rental if necessary. More at: www.nps.gov/romo.

19 and 20th: Rails in the Rockies Model Railroad Exhibition at the Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Vrain Ave. Saturday 9 am to 5 pm; Sunday 9 am to 4 pm. Loads of model train layouts on display, various scales, and a junior layout set up specifically for children to operate. Fun family event. Ticket price: $5 per person; children under 12 free with an adult. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES, and www.estesvalleymodelrailroaders.org.

MARCH:

March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Savor Estes Park. Every Thursday in March from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 27 restaurants and the Movie Theater are participating in “Savor Estes Park”. Begin with a matinee special at The Reel Mountain Theater, followed by a 6-inch specialty sampling plate and a glass of wine, beer or soda at any one of the 27 restaurants. The cost for each restaurant is $3 per person. Visitors and residents are encouraged to sample two or three different restaurants each week. Just ask the restaurant for the “Savor Estes Park” specialty plate and enjoy fabulous cuisine and atmosphere for only $3.00. www.enjoyestespark.com/savorestes.php.

4 – 6th: Light and Snow: Winter Photography Seminar at the RMNA Field Seminar Center, 1895 Fall River Rd.. Friday: 7-9PM, Saturday: 5AM-7PM, and Sunday: 5AM-1PM. Lessons include mastering cold weather photography conditions, handling high contrast scenes and snowscapes, planning best time for shoots, and more. Enrollment: $200.00. Contact: 970-586-3262 or www.rmna.org.

5th: Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Families at the Wild Basin Ranger Station, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Four hour fun and educational snowshoe hike suitable for families. Ticket price: $10.00. To register call 970-586-3262 or to register on-line go to www.rmna.org.

6th: Bridal Crawl – Tours of Wedding Venues. A guided tour starting at the Stanley Hotel, 333 W. Wonderview Ave., at 9:00 am and continuing to venues throughout Estes Park. View wedding sites mocked up for a wedding – complete with flowers, cake, linens, photography, music and more. Caterers and cake vendors will offer samples and refreshments throughout the day. Sponsored by the Estes Park Wedding Association. Ticket Price: $30.00 for the bride and one guest; or $20 per person. 970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES, www.estesparkweddings.com.

Windy Peak Recital, at the Stanley Hotel, 2:00 pm. Performing with fiddle, electric piano, and dulcimer. From the Estes Park Music Festival. Ticket price: $5.00 adults, children and students FREE. 970-586-9519, www.estesparkmusicfestival.org.

19th: Rocky Mountain National Park Full Moon Walk. Make reservations at 970-586-1223. Fantastic opportunity to see the park by the light of a full moon. Estes Park sporting goods stores provide snowshoe and pole rental if necessary. More at: www.nps.gov/romo.

Winter Ecology: A Snowshoeing Trek for Families at the Wild Basin Ranger Station, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Four hour fun and educational snowshoe hike suitable for families. Ticket price: $10.00. To register call 970-586-3262 or to register on-line go to www.rmna.org.

20th: Sherwood Park Flute Ensemble Recital at the Stanley Hotel, 333 W. Wonderview Ave., 2:00 pm. From the Estes Park Music Festival. Ticket price: $5.00 adults, children and students FREE. 970-586-9519, www.estesparkmusicfestival.org.

27th: Giddyup Kitty Bluegrass Band Recital, Stanley Hotel, 2:00 pm. Four piece, award winning, all female band performs high energy, uplifting music. From the Estes Park Music Festival. Ticket price: $5.00 adults, children and students FREE. 970-586-9519, www.estesparkmusicfestival.org.

Fall has arrived in all her splendor here in Estes Park and excitement is building for the upcoming “Catch the Glow” Christmas Parade on Friday, November 26th, at 5:30 pm.

The parade is fun and beautiful with sparkling lights, decorated floats, marching bands, and the guest of honor, Santa and his sleigh filled with toys and goodies end the parade.

Beginning at noon on Friday, Elkhorn Avenue will host strolling carolers, storybook characters, hay rides, pony rides, and most importantly, an opportunity to visit with Santa himself.

Come on up to the prettiest little town in the mountains, the day after Thanksgiving at noon, with the parade starting at 5:30, and all of it is Free!

More information:
970-577-9900; 800-44-ESTES

SEPTEMBER THROUGH NOVEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
SEPT. 4
John Denver Tribute Concert, at the Fairgrounds, Stanley Park. For tickets and info.: www.estesparklionsclub.org,  970-577-1027

Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show 4th, 5th and 6th, at Bond Park, Elkhorn Ave. and MacGregor Ave., over 100 booths. www.estesparkartsandcrafts.com, 970-577-9900.

Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo 4th and 5th, a state-wide competition of Sheriff’s Dept.s, Fairgrounds, Stanley Park. Info. at: 970-586-6104.

SEPT. 9
Long’s Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, at Stanley Park, Hwy. 36 and Community Dr., tickets at www.scotfest.com.

SEPT. 11
Longís Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival Parade, downtown, starting at 9:30 am.

SEPT. 17
5th Annual Estes Park Film Festival 17th, 18th, and 19th, Park Theater, 130 Moraine, www.estesparkfilm.com, or 970-231-2580.

SEPT. 25
Autumn Gold: Bands, Brats n Beer 25th and 26th, Bond Park, downtown, 970-577-9900.

OCTOBER
OCT. 2
Elkfest 2nd and 3rd, a celebration of Estes Park’s most famous residents, downtown Bond Park, 970-577-9900.

OCT. 9
Surprise Sidewalk Sale 9th and 10th, downtown merchants, the sale isn’t a surprise – it’s what you’ll find there that is.

OCT. 26

Friends of  the Library Annual Potluck, at the Walnut Room, YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park Center, 6:00 pm., www.esteslibrary.org, (970) 586-8116.

NOVEMBER
NOV. 7
Estes Park Music Festival Winter Concert 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, Stanley Hotel, 333 Wonderview Ave., 2:00 pm., www.estesparkmusicfestival.org and 970-586-9519.

NOV. 20
7th Annual Holiday Art Exhibition, Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 423 W. Elkhorn Ave., beginning at noon, www.estesarts.com, 970-586-9203. Exhibit thru Dec. 30th.

NOV. 21
Estes Park Wedding Assoc. Bridal Show, Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Vrain, noon to 3:00 pm., www.estesparkweddings.com/bridalshow.

NOV. 26
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration and Evening Parade, beginning at noon with events around town including a visit from Santa followed by the lighted parade downtown at 5:30 pm.

NOV. 27
Holiday House Christmas Bazaar, an annual event to benefit the Estes Park Medical Center, at the Estes Park Conference Center, 201 S. St. Vrain. 9:00 am. to 1:00 pm., 970-586-7205.

June
5 Fishing Derby
12 EP Marathon, Kids Fun Run and Festival
12 Rocky Mountain Brewfest
17 – 20 2010 Quilt Colorado
25 – 27 The Best of Estes Wild West Fest
26 – 27 Scandinavian Midsummer Festival

July
2 – 4 Arabian Horse Show
4 Coolest Car Show
4th of July Fireworks
6 – 11 Rooftop Rodeo and Parade
9 Rooftop Rodeo Parade
21 – 25 Copper Penny Horse Show

August
7 – 8 Alice in Wonderland Children’s Theater
14 Auto Extravaganza
20 – 21 The Senior Professional Rodeo
20 – Dressage at the Peak Horse Show
21 – 22 Heritage Festival
22 Draft Horse Show
28 American Cycling Assoc. Master Championship
28 – 29 EP Bicycling Fest

For more information on these events talk to the Events Department, call 970-586-6104, or e-mail  them.

Everybody’s gearing up, reservations are being made, and plans are in the final stages.

Also, if you can’t make it to those events there are some fun and unique weekends planned for horse lovers, car aficionados, music and art connoisseurs and lots more.

If you do plan to attend either of these events, it is recommended that you make your reservations now as they tend to sell out early.

The Estes Park Rooftop Rodeo and Parade
July 6 thru 11, Parade is on the 6th
This is a fantastic week long summer vacation beginning with the annual Fourth of July Fireworks on Sunday followed by the kick off of the Rooftop Rodeo with a parade on Tuesday, the 6th at 10:30 am. Professional Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. (PRCA) cowboys compete in bull riding, bareback bronc riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, and steer wrestling.

The Long’s Peak Highland Scottish-Irish Festival
September 9 thru 12, Parade on the 11th
This international event is world renowned, and for a good reason. It is arguably the finest representation of Irish and Scotch culture outside of Europe. Many regiments make the long trips to participate in this festival. Bagpipes & drum corps, highland & Irish dancing, jousting and other athletic competitions plus an hour long parade of bands make this festival spectacular and one of a kind. Be sure to get your tickets now if you plan on attending any of these events: online at www.scotfest.com or www.ticketswest.com.

Can’t come for a week? Here are a couple of really fun upcoming weekends:

MAY
Jazz Fest and ArtWalk is coming up May 15 and 16. Don’t miss two extraordinary days of beautiful music and fine art. Music performed at Performance Park next door to the Silver Moon Inn on Elkhorn Ave. downtown. Pick up your map of the gallery tour at Performance Park or at the Silver Moon Inn. All absolutely free.

JUNE
Talk about something for everyone – check out the Best of Estes Wild West Fest and the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival scheduled for the same weekend in June – the 25th through the 27th. This is promising to be a very eclectic weekend!

JULY
If you can’t stay for the whole week to take part in the Rooftop Rodeo at least come up for the weekend of July 2nd through the 4th.

The Arabian Horse Show will be here and the Coolest Car Show, topped off by an unforgettable and magical fireworks display.

The cars will be on display in Bond Park which is in the center of town on Saturday the 3rd, the Arabian Horse Show will be at the fairgrounds of the Stanley Hotel through the weekend, and the most beautiful fireworks in the high mountains can be seen all around the valley but the Stanley is definitely the place to be.

July
2-4 – Arabian Horse Show
4 – Coolest Car Show, 4th of July Fireworks
6-11 – Rooftop Rodeo and Parade
9 – Rooftop Rodeo Parade
21-25 – Copper Penny Horse Show

August
7-8 – Alice in Wonderland Children’s Theater
14 – Auto Extravaganza
20-21 – The Senior Professional Rodeo
20 – Dressage at the Peak Horse Show
21-22 – Heritage Festival
22 – Draft Horse Show
28 – American Cycling Assoc. Master Championship
28-29 – EP Bicycling Fest

September
4-5 – Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo
9-12 – Long’s Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
11 – Long’s Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival Parade
17-19 – 5th Annual EP Film Festival
25-26 – Autumn Gold – A Festival of Bands, Brats ‘n Beer

March 3 – 7, 12, 13 – Final Curtain, a 1940’s era murder mystery, Hempel Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies, 7: 00 pm, 2:00 pm

March 6 – In Celebration of Women’s History Month: Linda Batlin as Isabella Bird, Estes Park Museum, 2:00 pm, www.estesnet.com/museum

March 7 – Bridal Crawl, beginning at the Stanley Hotel and at various locations, scheduled and guided tour of mock weddings complete with cake, flowers, linens, music and photographer, free samples and more, 9:00 am, estesparkweddings.com

March 12 – Golda: Letters to Mama’: A Living History Presentation of Golda Meir, Estes Valley Library, 4:00 pm, 970-586-8116

April 10 and May 1 – Brassworks Concert, presented by the Fine Arts Guild, EP High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm, 970-586-9203

March 10 thru 25 – 13th Annual Student Expressions Art Show, Cultural Arts Council Gallery, beginning at noon, 970-586-9203

April 22 – Taste of Estes, Stanley Hotel, 5:30 pm, 970-577-9900

April 23, 24 – Estes Park Sings the Legends, the Park Village Playhouse, 7:00 pm

April 25 – Estes Park Chamber Singers Concert, Stanley Hotel, 2:00 pm, www.estesparkmusicfestival.org

May 1 – Brassworks Concert, presented by the Fine Arts Guild, EP High School Auditorium, 7:30 pm, 970-586-9203

May 1 – Estes Park Duck Race, begins at Nicky’s Resort and ends at Riverside Plaza downtown, Noon, www.rotaryclubofestespark.org

May 2 – Jubilate Chorus in Concert, Stanley Hotel, 2:00 pm, www.estesparkmusicfestival.org

May 7 – Representation to Abstraction, Cultural Arts Council Fine Art Gallery, 5:00 pm, 970-586-9203

May 14, 15 and 21, 22 – Cheating Cheaters, a comedy about a man who is mistakenly told he does not have long to live, Estes Park Repertoire Theater, 7:00 pm

May 15, 16 – Jazz Fest and Art Walk, Performance Park Amphitheater, Jazz Performances Noon to 5:00 pm, Art Walk 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, 970-577-9900

May 15, 16 – Parade of the Years, classic auto show, Estes Park Senior Center, 9:00 to 11:00 am, www.estesnet.com/museum

May 29, 30 – Best of the West Sampler, Elkhorn Lodge, 970-586-4416

May 29, 30, 31 – Estes Park Antique and Collectables Show, Barn W Fairgrounds at Stanley Park, 10:00 am, 970-577-9900

Performers and specific schedules are released in March.

More info at the Town of Estes Park Colorado site