What better way to start your fall than participating in the 19th Annual Elk Fest?
Estes Park becomes full of the evocative call of this majestic beast during the early days of fall. It signals the start of the rutting season, when the bull elks leave the wilderness to show up to our society and fight for affection. These antlered frequenters, along with the extensive Western heritage, are being honored yearly by wildlife enthusiasts and simple visitors alike.
Estes Park’s 19th Elk Fest
It all began 19 years ago, when the community developers had taken advantage of the huge gathering of people and even those that were only enjoying the view from the windows of their homes and establishments, by organizing the very first Elk Fest. It has become a yearly celebration since then, and people are just proud of how it has grown into something that it is today.
Everyone is up for a real treat, as this two-day festival features many fun activities to spice up the celebration.
Festival Highlights
- Bugling Contests, where the producer of the closest and best-sounding elk call, as judged by the crowd’s enthusiasm, earns a prize.
- Run/Walk Racing (Rut Run 5K).
- Archery Range by Cabela’s.
- Elk Exhibits such as artworks, handmade elk-ivory jewelry, and even distinctive elk cuisine
- Wildlife watching, wherein representatives from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program displays on a gloved hand some of their magnificent rescued birds.
- Elk Seminars that aim to educate visitors about the elk breeding season (Rut), elk biology, management and wildlife in Estes Park.
- On-site vendors that offer food, elk-inspired arts and crafts and other memorable souvenirs.
- Craft Beer Garden (Wallowing Hole).
- Children’s area for dancing, story-telling and other elk-themed activities.
There are also the Mountain Men Rendezvous where the mountain men from around the country gather to sell their wares and demonstrate their skills. On stage live entertainment from some mainstream Colorado bands that offer real country, rock and bluegrass music is also present to light up the park on both days.
The entire two-day festival (Saturday, September 30th to Sunday, October 1st) is free although there are admission fees for the bugling contest. This year’s Elk Fest is held in Bond Park and the surrounding areas. Truly, Elktober screams celebration, entertainment, and fun!
Details
Address: Estes Park
Date: September 29-30, 2018
Website: visitestespark.com/…
