(CAÑON CITY, Colo.) — The 87th Music & Blossom Festival is in full swing, and Southern Colorado has come together to celebrate. It’s the largest community-run school and music competition in Colorado, but it’s more than just music. The festival marks the beginning of summer with a 5k race, a vibrant parade, rodeo events, and much more.
“It signifies the end of snow and the beginning of everything flowering in summer festivals,” said Debbie Melvin, a festival goer.
It’s a tradition that acknowledges the new growing or harvest season, celebrated by the community.
“It’s one of the best parades I’ve seen in a long time, it was a beautiful parade right there on Main Street,” said another community member.
The event is held on the first weekend of May each year and hosts nationally recognized competitions featuring several band competitions, and even a rodeo.
“Last year, I fell off, so hopefully I make some money this year, but it’s really cool down here, I actually really enjoy it, it’s a beautiful day,” said Joren Rodriguez, a rodeo compeitor.
It attracts thousands of people from acorss the statem with an endless amount of family freidnly activites inclduing face painting, food trucks, and an opportunity for local artists to show off their craft.
“You can’t find a parking spot, so i’d say that’s a pretty good turnout,” said another person at the event.
One local artist said this year is his thirty-fifth year attending the Blossom Festival.
“It’s kind of a family thing that we hold onto, it’s something that my dad did and my mom making wind chimes,” said David Dunhill a local wood craftsman.
Dunhill spent Saturday, May 3, demonstrating to festival goers how he makes each windchime. Dunhill says he has made more than twenty-five thousand since he started.
There is another chance to attend this year’s Blossom Festival, the last day is Sunday, May 4.
