The 2016 Septemberfest is full of the traditional beloved activities and a few new ones.
The party kicks off the morning of Saturday, Sept. 3 with a chance to stretch your legs in the Fast, Flat and Free 5K at Elks Park. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m.
For those who want a bigger challenge than the 5K, the Blue Mountain Half Marathon is a great option. A 7 a.m. shuttle to the start at Blue Mountain will leave from the Elks Park Playground Pavilion. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Participants must pre-register and pay the $35 entrance fee in order to receive a T-shirt and medal.
If golfing is more your speed, the Dotson Memorial Scramble will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cedar Ridges Golf Course. Participants must be pre-registered.
A new addition to Saturday morning is the Wagon Wheel UTV Ride. Riders will leave from the Kevin Poole Baseball Field at 9 a.m. and can expect to return around 4 p.m. Riders will get to learn about the more than 360 miles of available trails in the area with guides Brad Casto and Jeff Rector.
Also beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday is the annual children’s favorite Bike Rally, sponsored by the Rangely Police Department. The rally will provide kids with the opportunity to test their bike skills on the course in the Elks Park parking lot and receive a new helmet.The rally will last until noon.
The 2015 Septemberfest saw the introduction of The TANK. This popular family activity will be returning with opportunities to check out the musical tank from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Another long-time favorite for Rangely children is the bouncy, water fun of the inflatables, which will be set up in Elks Park from 1 to 4 p.m.
At 2 p.m., those aged 15 and older can impress with their physical strength at the Bench Press Contest. Both men’s and women’s divisions will be held at the Elks Park Pavilion.
Saturday festivities conclude with the seventh annual Rock ‘N Bull at Columbine Park at 7 p.m. VIP rodeo tickets will sell for $20. Regular seating is $10 for adults, $5 for kids, with children 3 years and younger getting in free.
Sunday fun begins with a repeat of the Wagon Wheel UTV Ride from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., again leaving from the Kevin Poole Baseball Field.
The Rangely Museum’s annual Ice Cream Social will run from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the museum, located on the east edge of town.
At 3 p.m., local cooks can put their chili to the test at the annual Chili Cook-off Contest. Judging will occur at the Elks Park Pavilion at 3 p.m.
If getting dirty is your idea of a good time, head over to the old Parkview Elementary site next to the Recreation Center early Sunday evening for the Muddy Dip ‘N Dash obstacle course at 5:30 p.m. and the Muddy Tug of War at 7:30 p.m.
Always a beautifully done service, the Sunday Evening Worship Service will begin at 6 p.m. at the Elks Park Pavilion, followed by another opportunity to access The TANK from 7 to 9 p.m.
On Monday, which is Labor Day, events kick off with the traditional Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Hall.
After filling up your stomach, head down to Main Street for the Star-Spangled Parade, kicking off at 9 a.m.
The Craft Fair in the Park will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a huge barbecue lunch available from 1 to 3 p.m. at a cost of a $2 per person minimum donation. Last year, more than 2,000 persons were fed.
The Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District expects to have more than 45 booths at the Craft Fair.
Running along side the Craft Fair will be the annual Septemberfest Car Show, where locals and visitors will have the chance to view and vote for the best hot rods and classics. Several dozens of cars, truck and motorcycles make their way into auto show with several antiques, classics and muscle cars headlining the lineup. This is a must-see for any auto enthusiast.
At 5 p.m., the Rangely Senior High School Student Council will kick off its annual fundraising Duck Race at the Green River Bridge.
Bringing a close to the three days of Septemberfest activities will be the Kaleb Austin concert, which will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Elks Park Softball Field. Austin, a country music artist, is sure to please the locals and visitors alike.
