Colorado Celebrates History and Heritage in 2006

2005-09-27

Anniversaries and Celebrations on the Map in the New Year

DENVER, (Sept. 27, 2005) Colorado, poised to celebrate 138 years of statehood, commemorates the bicentennial of Zebulon Pike’s Expedition, the centennial of Mesa Verde National Park, and 100 years of the National Western Stock Show in 2006. All year long, visitors will find a festive atmosphere throughout the state, as area communities also mark a variety of significant anniversaries at national historic sites, ski resorts and annual events.

Bicentennial of Zeblon Pike’s Expedition To commemorate Zebulon Pike’s trek, the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum (www.springsgov.com), Colorado Springs Convention Visitors Bureau (www.experiencecoloradosprings.com), and Pikes Peak Country Attractions (www.pikes-peak.com) are planning a full 15 months of activities, exhibits, public programs, and events throughout the region. Led by Army Captain Zebulon Pike, Zebulon’s expedition is considered the first trip conducted by Americans to explore the western Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. The trip marked the discovery of Pikes Peak (called “America’s mountain”) near Colorado Springs. Highlights of the bicentennial include:

• Three exhibits including, “Pike’s World: Exploration and Empire in the Greater Southwest,” set for January 21 – August 20, 2006; “Looming Large: The Artistic Legacy of Pikes Peak” from March 11, 2006 through March 2007; and “Pikes Peak in the Popular Imagination” open from May 20, 2006 – May 2007.
• The opening of a 100-year-old time capsule created during the Pike Centennial in 1906.
• Guided hikes on Mount Rosa tracing the Pike route.
• Living history presentations by Spanish buffalo hunters and horse soldiers.
• A children’s summer program called “History Explorers.”

Centennial of Mesa Verde National Park Honoring 100 years, Mesa Verde National Park (www.mesaverde2006.org) kicks off its holiday season with luminaria ceremonies in December 2005, an expanded Arts and Western Culture Festival over Memorial Day, and a four-day celebration from June 29 – July 2, 2006, with special tours, Indian dances, an art exhibition, Native American crafts, and two special concerts. Other events planned throughout the summer include:

• A seminar series on archeology, geology, history and ecology.
• Art workshops in photography, pottery and basket making.
• Outdoor discovery treks in the backcountry.
• Music in the Mountain concert performances from mid-July to early August.

Mesa Verde National Park, an internationally-renowned World Heritage Site, protects some of the most significant archaeological sites in the country and contains the greatest concentration of cliff dwellings in the world. The science of Southwestern archaeology was developed in Mesa Verde and set many of the standards for the rest of the archaeological community. Today, 24 Native American tribes currently claim a cultural affiliation to Mesa Verde National Park. www.mesaverdecountry.org

100 Years of the National Western Stock Show In Denver, from Jan. 7-22, 2006, historical tributes, professional bull riders events, two Mexican rodeos, dancing horses, SuperDogs performances, and two Wild West shows are part of what’s planned for the centennial celebration of the National Western Stock Show (www.nationalwestern.com). Considered the Super Bowl of livestock shows, National Western hosts nearly 20 breeds of cattle, horse show classes, bison, yak, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, stock dogs, poultry and rabbits. The stock show traces its roots back to 1906 when a tent was set up in the stockyards, providing ranchers and farmers a chance to show purebred livestock and compete for ribbons and prizes.

Other Significant Anniversaries in 2006

• Colorado became the country’s 38th state on Aug. 1, 1876. Colorado is known as the “Centennial State” because it became a state during the centennial of the United States.
• Chimney Rock Archaeological Area commemorates 35 years as a National Historic site.
• The Iron Horse Bicycle Classic pedals into its 35th year as one of the largest and longest continuously run bicycling events in the United States.
• Mary Jane Ski Resort celebrates 30 years of operation.
• Beaver Creek recognizes 25 years as a premier ski destination.
• Gunnison-Crested Butte ushers in the 20th year of the Annual Alley Loop on Feb. 4, 2006 (the highest Nordic cross-country ski marathon in the nation).
  
  For complete information on planning your vacation to Colorado, including lodging, attractions, and activities, log on to www.colorado.com or call 800-COLORADO for a free state vacation guide.
  
  

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