photo: Gunnison-Crested Butte
The Gunnison River Festival is back to kick off summer here in the Gunnison Valley. The five day event is a celebration, as well as education, of the Gunnison River Basin and all that it has to offer. As we know, this spring’s healthy snowfall has dramatically restored water totals to somewhat average levels. Conditions will be great for an awesome series of events, culminating with an eventful day at the Whitewater Park Saturday. Visit GunnisonRiverFestival.com for more info.
Wednesday, June 19
River Film Event, including “Chasing Water” by Crested Butte Film Festival I Bar Ranch $5 5PM
(purchase your ticket early in the “Shop” on this site). Come early and flyfish the Tomichi River on the IBar Ranch. Food and beverages available. Pre-Registration for all Gunnison River Festival Events
Thursday, June 20
Morrow Point Boat Tour at Curecanti National Recreation Area $12/person Includes transportation to and from Gunnison! Bus leaves Gunnison at 8AM – returning approx. 1:30PM. Pre-register at Gunnison Community Center, 200 Spencer Ave., Gunnison, CO
First Come – First Serve. Register early!
Volunteer Meeting 6PM at The Last Chance. Come pickup your volunteer swag and select your assignment. Drink Specials and Appetizers.
Friday, June 21
Gunnison River Festival Extravaganza
Live Music with Rx Flannel and Musketeer Gripweed 5:30-9PM Beer and food available
Legion Park, Gunnison. Pre-Registration for Gunnison River Festival Events
Floaty Boat Race – get in on the fun in the Gunnison ditch at the Extravaganza!
Saturday, June 22
Gunnison Whitewater Park
9AM Rocky River Resort Competitive Down River Raft Race
Rocky River Resort to Whitewater Park
$200 Purse and Prizes for Competitive Race $30 per boat for comp race
9AM City of Gunnison Community Float Percession
North Bridge to Whitewater Park
Get your costume on and be in the parade to kick off the festival!
$5/person if in a guided boat, otherwise Free! Please park in Garlic Mike’s overflow parking area.
9:30AM-4PM HCCA Kids Zone Educational and
Interactive Area Gunnison Whitewater Park
9:30AM Trout Unlimited Fly Casting Accuracy Challenge
1st Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park $200 Purse and Prizes $15 per entry
10:30AM Waggin’ Tails Canine Big Air Competition
2nd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park
$200 Purse and Prizes $15 per dog Small and Large Dog Categories
11:30AM Gunnison County Inflatable Whitewater Rodeo
1st through 3rd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park $200 Purse and Prizes $20 per boat
12:30PM Western State Colorado University Slackline Competition
3rd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park $200 Purse and Prizes $15 per entry
1PM Western State Colorado University Kayak Competition
3rd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park Novice and Advanced
$200 Purse and Prizes $20 per boat
2PM Bear Ranch Kayak Boater X
1st through 3rd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park
$200 Purse and Prizes $20 per boat
3PM Gunnison Country Shopper Hooligan Race
2nd and 3rd Feature – Gunnison Whitewater Park
$200 Purse and Prizes $35 per boat
Sunday, June 23
8:00AM UGRWCD Open Water Swim 1 mile distance
$200 Purse and Prizes $20 per swimmer