For nearly four decades, the Rist Canyon Mountain Festival has capped off Labor Day Weekend with an awesome celebration of summer. But mind you, times have changed.
Since 1979, the Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department (RCVFD) has fired up its annual Mountain Festival, its major fundraiser and a rip-roaring day of family fun. In the early days, the legendary Festival offered a greased pig catch, black powder turkey shoot, goat roping, and chicken chases. Contests were held for log-splitting, nail-pounding, watermelon seed-spitting, bubblegum blowing, and beer chugging (adults only).
The 2017 Festival is just as exciting with ‘updated’ activities and entertainment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. Held on a beautiful meadow cradled by mountains, the Festival features a gigantic book sale (thousands of books at great deals!), live music, gift basket auction, bake sale, arts and crafts booths, free ice cream, plant sale, and food and drink vendors. Both admission and parking are free at the event across from RCVFD Fire Station 1, 11835 Rist Canyon Road.
Attractions for children include the climbing wall, bouncy house, pony rides, and barrel train. Also, education and demonstrations by Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Larimer County Search & Rescue, Lifeline Helicopter, and the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program.
Live entertainment starts at 11 am with four bands and the ever popular belly dancers. Organizations providing recreation and community information includes Rocky Mountain Flycasters, Overland Mountain Bike Club, Colorado State Forest Service, CSU Forestry Club, and Fort Collins Conservation District.
Funds raised from the Mountain Festival are vital for the financial operations of the all-volunteer, 100% donation-based fire department. RCVFD provides fire, medical, and emergency services to over 100 square miles. For more information, visit rcvfd.org.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to RCVFD Treasurer, PO Box 2, Bellvue, CO 80512 or made by PayPal or credit card at www.RCVFD.org. RCVFD is also a participant in the Amazon Smile program.