Septemberfest blends the old, new and revamped

RANGELY I Whether you’re new to Labor Day weekend Septemberfest activities or returning for a second or third decade, expect a blend of traditional favorites, revamped versions of repeat events and fresh activities in the mix this year.
Saturday’s bike rally and chili cook off rank among the tried and true events residents have come to expect as quintessentially Septemberfest, along with the Uintah Railroad Tour headed up by local historian Rodger Polley.
The fourth annual Rock ‘N’ Bulls bull riding event wraps up Saturday night, with the Rangely Outdoor Museum ice cream social in its usual Sunday afternoon slot.
Monday is still Septemberfest’s biggest day, with the fireman’s pancake breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. Beginning at 10 a.m., Septemberfest staples are in full swing: the craft fair will host upwards of 80 vendors, the car show displays a mix of classic favorites and late-model hot rods, and the community barbecue hosted by the Elks Club is still just a $2 minimum per plate. The long-running student council duck race wraps up the day at 5 p.m.
Other events have a fresh look to them, like the Buzzard 5K becoming the Fast, Flat and Free 5K, so named because it’s a hill-free jaunt from Elks Park up River Road and back and because there’s no registration fee to join.
Activities we’ve seen in the past, like the mud tug o’ war, fall under this year’s new “Down and Dirty” event, a set of challenges that includes a muddy dip ‘n’ dash obstacle course — think Warrior Dash, Rangely-style — the 5K and a bench press contest new to the scene this year. A Down ‘n’ Dirty T-shirt is available with any or all events for $15.
What has been the Doo-Dah Parade for several years running is the Star-Spangled Parade this year. Participants show up in red, white and blue at the Rangely Fire Hall at 8 a.m., with the parade start scheduled at 9 a.m. No pre-registration is necessary.
Activities new to Septemberfest last year will make a comeback this weekend, like the cardboard boat races at the camper park ponds following Sunday’s ice cream social. Go to the recreation center to pick up a list of rules and guidelines.
A magician sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts will entertain the community on Friday night this year rather than on Monday, followed by a 7 p.m. Rangely High School football game against Dove Creek.
Happenings new to Septemberfest this year include New Creation Church hosting a 6 p.m. Sunday service and pig roast at Elks Park. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments or skits to add to worship and can bring a side dish if they’d like, organizer Elaine Urie said.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, residents and Elks Club members can compete in a trap shoot while the Elks roast meat for Monday afternoon’s barbecue. To join in, show up at the trap club on Dragon Road, where boxes of shells can be purchased for $7 each.
The Elks will host a Texas Hold ‘Em tournament at the same place Sunday evening; buy-in is $10 with participants asked to bring their own beer.
A big addition to this year’s schedule is the Colorado Springs-based Justin Lane Band playing Monday afternoon. Deemed a cross between country music’s Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, the band has played at the Elway Summer Concert Series and the Taste of Colorado Festival this year.