Cars + Arts + Crafts = A Banner August Weekend in Gunnison, Colorado

What better place to talk cool cars than leaning under the hood of a ’62 Studebaker GT Hawk against the cool mountain backdrop of beautiful Gunnison, Colorado? Combine that camaraderie with an arts and crafts festival across the street for a winning combination of the 20th Annual Gunnison Car Show and the High Octane Arts & Craft Festival on Aug. 24 – 26.



20th Annual Gunnison Car Show, August 24 – 26

Several hundred prime vintage and custom cars will cruise the Gunnison Valley’s mountain roads during the 20th Annual Gunnison Car Show, Aug. 24 – 26. The event, sponsored by the Gunnison Car Club, includes a cruise-in and free street dance on Gunnison’s Main Street, an open car show, poker run, and breakfast cruise to Crested Butte.



This year’s theme will be “Cool Cars. Cool Mountains.” The show traditionally attracts vehicles from throughout Colorado and from several surrounding states. “This is a great weekend to celebrate cars and the people who enjoy them, all in a fantastic mountain setting,” says Gunnison Car Club President Mike Callihan.



The family-friendly car show begins in downtown Gunnison on Friday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. with a cruise-in. A portion of Main Street will be closed to regular traffic during the event, so there’s plenty of room for more than 150 cars to park where they can be viewed by the public. At dusk, a live band kicks off a free street dance that is open to everyone.



On Saturday, a full car show begins at 8 a.m. in Jorgensen Park, surrounded by trees, green grass and water. This is an “open” event, which means any vehicle in any condition--from barely moving to full blown restoration--is welcome. It’s not unusual to see exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked out pickup trucks and a gaggle of British cars all parked together on the lawn. Food, games and contests are also a big part of the day that typically showcases 250 to 300 vehicles. Judging of the cars continues until midday, when an awards ceremony is held. A poker run through the streets of Gunnison concludes the fun at 5 p.m.



On Sunday, approximately 100 cars leave Gunnison at 7:30 a.m. to drive the scenic 28 miles to Crested Butte’s Elk Avenue, the town’s colorful historic business district. Elk Avenue is closed to traffic on this morning so that the vehicles are available for viewing while their owners enjoy a gourmet breakfast at one of Crested Butte’s restaurants.



Admission to the award-winning Gunnison Car Show is free to the general public, but there is a registration fee for cars that are entered. Car show proceeds are donated to community causes. For more information and to register, check out the Gunnison Car Club’s website at www.gunnisoncarclub.com



High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, August 25

The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce invites arts and crafts lovers to experience the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival being held in conjunction with the Gunnison Car Show on Aug. 25. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Legion Park, located across the street from Jorgensen Park, where the car show will be held on the same day.



High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival (previously known as the Big Blue Marketplace and The Festival of Crafts & Arts) will showcase arts and crafts from around the region. Also enjoy a barbecue lunch and refreshments prepared by F Bar Catering. Fun for the whole family will be available.



For individuals interested in registering for a booth to sell arts and crafts or food, contact the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce at (970) 641-1501 or visit www.gunnisonchamber.com. The deadline for booth applications is August 15, 2007.