WELCOME TO ROYAL GORGE COUNTRY! In 1929, the Royal Gorge Bridge was built, spanning the chasm over the Arkansas River. Towering an amazing 1,053 feet above the river, it reigns as the highest suspension bridge in the world.

In addition to the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery, the Arkansas is the most popular river for whitewater rafting in the United States. Don't miss the world's steepest incline railway built in 1930.

The Arkansas River is at the heart of Royal Gorge Country and has left an indelible mark upon the land and communities that reside along its banks. In addition to the abundant wild-life and spectacular scenery, the Arkansas is the most popular river for whitewater rafting in the United States, offering a suitable experience for both families and thrill seekers alike.

The Arkansas River begins its journey in Colorado's highest mountains, carving its way 315 miles through the state of Colorado. The last and most spectacular geographic obstacle the river must traverse is the famous Royal Gorge, first discovered by Zebulon Pike in 1806. Even before the Europeans ventured west, the Ute, Sioux, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Comanche and Arapahoe Indians all frequented this land. The Arkansas offered a convenient source of drinking water, and the area was known for its temperate winters. As an added bonus, a number of natural hot springs throughout the area offered relief from the cold.

In the 1870's, homesteaders, ranchers, traders, fur trappers, coal miners and gold and silver prospectors descended on the area.

As the need to transport ores upstream grew, the Denver & Rio Grande and the Santa Fe railroads, each already having tracks in the Arkansas Valley, fought (literally) to have the right to lay tracks through the Royal Gorge. Eventually, after a lengthy legal fight and considerable violence, the Denver & Rio Grande won. Nowadays, visitors can ride the Royal Gorge Route which follows the most famous portion of the old line-24 miles round trip-from Cañon City to Parkdale and back. It's been called one of the most scenic train rides in the world...

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park • Buckskin Joe Frontier Town & Railway • Museum of Colorado Prisons • Garden Park Fossil Area • Shelf Road Climbing Area • Skyline Drive • Dinosaur Depot • Red Canyon Park • The Royal Gorge Route • The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey

70th Annual Music & Blossom Festival May 2-4, 2008
719.275.7234

136th Annual Royal Gorge Rodeo May 2-3
Fremont County Rodeo Grounds. Contact Dan Trujillo 719.289.4090

61st Annual Blossom Fine Art Competition and Sale May 2-31
Fremont Center for the Arts • 719.275.2790

Fremont Art Guild's 35th Annual Spring Craft Fair May 3-4
At Depot Park. Contact Jan Heinen 719.269.1709. (Handcrafts by vendor)

Brew Ha Ha May 10 Fremont Center for the Arts • 719.275.2790

VMCCA Car Show May 17
The Abbey. For more info contact Kathy Kunselman 719.275.3561

Hwy 50 Yard Sale May 17-18
Contact Ione Stroup 719.275.3482 or Walt's Appliance 719.275.2277

Shriners Circus May 19
Fremont County Rodeo Grounds. Contact Dan Trujillo 719.289.4090

2nd Annual Cañon City Western Heritage Days (formerly Historical
HeyDays) May 30-June 1

Entertainment in the Park June 3, 10, 17 & 24 Veterans Park, 7-9 pm

Farmers' Market June 4, 11, 18 & 25 Veterans Park, 7 am to 1 pm.
Contact Gloria Stultz 719.269.7683 • www.Cañoncityfarmersmarket.com

The Art of the Tattoo: A Historical and Current Perspective
June 6-July 12 Fremont Center for the Arts • 719.275.2790

Art on the Arkansas June 21-22
Fremont Center for the Arts • 719.275.2790 • Veterans Park.

Metaphysical Fair June 21-22 Presented by New Age Imports.
Abbey Field House. Contact Marlene 719.276.0032

Entertainment in the Park July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Veterans Park, 7-9 pm

Farmers' Market
July 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 Veterans Park, 7 am to 1 pm. Contact Gloria Stultz 719.269.7683
www.Cañoncityfarmersmarket.com

Local Photo Contest and Exhibit July 18-Aug 16
Fremont Center for the Arts • 719.275.2790

19th Annual Fiddlers Along the Arkansas July 25-27
Fiddle competition and craft show. Veterans Park. Contact Stan
Mingus 719.275.6685

Entertainment in the Park Aug 5, 12, 19 & 26 Veterans Park, 7-9 pm

Farmers' Market Aug 6, 13, 20 & 27
Veterans Park, 7 am to 1 pm. Contact Gloria Stultz 719.269.7683
www.Cañoncityfarmersmarket.com

Gold Wing Cycle Rally Aug 15-17 The Abbey 719.275.8631

Trappings of the West Aug 22-Oct 4
Fremont Center for the Arts, 275-2790
Farmers' Market Sept 3, 10, 17 & 24
Veterans Park, 7 am to 1 pm. Contact Gloria Stultz 719.269.7683
www.Cañoncityfarmersmarket.com

Belvedere Blues Fest VII Sept. 5-7
Benefit for selected Fremont Community non-profits. 719.275.5558

Penrose Apple Day Oct 4 Penrose Chamber • 719-372-3994