FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Heidi Schaiberger, Parks & Recreation
Monday, June 09, 2008 Telephone # 375-7306
Animas River Days “Flows” into Durango
Durango, CO – Animas River Days flows into town on June 20, 21 and 22, with numerous festivities planned and more community support than the event has seen in years. The three-day event honors and celebrates the Animas River - the heart and soul of Durango. With an expanded slate of events, the 2008 Animas River Days will appeal to all ages, interests, music fans, arts and crafts collectors, and river rats.
The weekend events will be kicked off by 4 Corners Riversports on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. with the much anticipated River Parade. Following the Parade, “On the One”, a “funky soul rock quartet,” will perform at The Summit for the Animas River Days opening night party, starting at 9:00 p.m.
Saturday features the festival’s classic river events, the Slalom Race, 500 dollar cash prize!!!!!! You must be at the racer meeting to be eligible for the cash prize!!!! Everyone has a chance to win!!!!!!!!!! Salmon Slalom in the afternoon, as well as live music by Annie Brooks, Formula 151, and Aftergrass. Additional activities and festival highlights on Saturday include: fly casting and tying demos, fly fishing clinic, dog competitions, local food and beverage vendors, flavorful brews, arts and crafts vendors, kids’ activities zone, and dance performance groups. The Animas River Days celebration continues into the evening on Saturday with the exciting flicks “Hotel Charlie 3” and “Whitewater Gods.” The shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and admission is $5.00 at the door.
The festivities continue on Sunday morning at Santa Rita Park with a pancake breakfast and slideshow of the weekend’s events. The river will buzz with excitement as the Down River Race, the new DUD Race (Down Up Down), and the Whitewater Rodeo take place on the Animas River. Don’t miss the opportunity to do your part to help clean up the Animas River and earn a barbeque lunch afterwards at Backcountry Experience. For the fishermen in the crowd, Sunday incorporates another fly casting and tying demo. For land enthusiasts, a skate and BMX competition takes place on the basketball courts at Santa Rita Park and the Durango BMX Races will be held at the BMX Track.
Parking for Animas River Days at Santa Rita Park is extremely limited. The City of Durango Transit will offer a FREE transit day on Saturday for Animas River Days. On Sunday, Durango Transit will provide a FREE Shuttle service for Animas River Days. The shuttle drops off and picks up at the Durango Community Recreation Center, Chapman Hill, Backcountry Experience, Albertsons, Santa Rita Park and 4 Corners Riversports. Please utilize this FREE transportation opportunity or opt to walk or ride your bicycle via the Animas River Trail.
The City of Durango Parks and Recreation Department is excited to partner with Animas River Days this year. Durango Parks and Recreation rolled their plans for Durango Rocks! Summerfest into the Animas River Days festivities to create one large festival and to help support the growth and success of Animas River Days. This exciting collaboration and partnership has proved to be successful with the creation of new events as well as fostering a plethora of community support and participation.
Animas River Days t-shirts will be available for sale for $10.00 throughout the weekend. Proceeds benefit the future growth of Animas River Days.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Heidi Schaiberger, Parks & Recreation
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