RANGELY I Whether you’re stopping in for a day or making a long weekend of it, this year’s Septemberfest features many events people have come to expect from Rangely’s Labor Day weekend celebration. Popular newer activities also return to this year’s schedule, along with the first public opening of Rangely’s “Tank,” the water tank turned sound space that, for the last two and a half years, has been renovated into a Center for Sonic Arts.
From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 and again from 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, visitors, residents, musicians and the curious can join the Friends of the Tank during the first public events since a Kickstarter campaign in 2013 raised $46,000 to “Save the Tank,” spurring two-plus years of work to classify the Tank a public assembly space. During that time, the Friends of the Tank earned 501(c)(3) status, earned a permit allowing them to weld a new door into the Tank, among other safety measures, and added a soundproof recording studio. Performers and visiting artists will eventually offer workshops and community events during their residencies at the Tank, with programs and partnerships offered to various community groups.
During the Saturday and Sunday sessions, participants and listeners will explore the way the Tank transforms sound, and people may also sign up for individual sessions to explore what they can do in the Tank by calling community liaison Beth Wiley at 970-274-1239. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, various Tank-related events will be offered in town.
Other tried and true Septemberfest events and variations of past themes return to the schedule this year.
Friday, Sept. 4, NAPA Auto Parts sponsors Crocodile Reef, a reptile variety show, at the Rangely Junior-Senior High School auditorium. Those who have enjoyed the magic shows of the past ought to enjoy this performance.
Saturday, Sept. 5, early risers will be off for a day of exploring the Uintah railroads with local historian Rodger Polley. Participants arrive at Elks Park at 7:30 a.m. with their own vehicles, food and water, leave by 8 a.m., and return to town by 4 p.m. To find out more, call Polley at True Value (675-2454).
Also beginning at Elks Park at 8 a.m., walkers, runners and joggers will join in the third annual Fast, Flat ‘N’ Free 5K. Anyone is welcome to join registration- and fee-free, and as the name suggests, the route includes virtually no inclines or hills. T-shirts will be available for $20.
Those ready for a more physical challenge Saturday morning can join the Blue Mountain Half Marathon starting at 7:30 a.m. on Blue Mountain Highway. A shuttle to the event will leave from the Elks Park Playground Pavilion at 7 a.m. To preregister and pay $35 fee for a T-shirt and medal, sign up at the Western Rio Blanco Recreation Center. Runners can also show up to the event and pay the $20 entrance fee there.
Saturday at 10 a.m. kicks off the June and Ken Dotson Memorial Scramble golf tournament at Cedar Ridges Golf Course. The 18-hole, four-person scramble costs $50 per player or $200 per team. To sign up, call Cedar Ridges at 675-8404.
Kids can pick up goodies, register bikes, ride through an obstacle course and put in for a bike giveaway at the Rangely Police Department-sponsored Septemberfest Bike Rally Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the Elks Park parking lot.
Starting at noon, Saturday’s annual Chili Cook-Off kicks off at the Elks Park Main Pavilion, where entrants bring their completed chili for judges to taste (and others to try as available). Cash prizes will be awarded for the best red and green chilis.
Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. is also the last chance for kids to enjoy water inflatables before next spring. Bring a picnic lunch, swimsuits and lawn chairs for an afternoon of fun and visiting.
Meanwhile, in the Elks Park Pavilion, bench press contestants gear up at 2 p.m. for Septemberfest’s third annual competition. The event is free and includes men’s and women’s divisions for ages 15 and older. Medals will be awarded to winners.
The CNCC Rodeo Program’s sixth annual Rock ‘N’ Bulls event, featuring bull riders versus the bulls, begins Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the Columbine Park Fairgrounds. VIP seats are $20, adults are $10, and children are $5, with kids three and younger entering for free.
Sunday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m., it’s ice cream social time at the East End Park next to the Rangely Museum. To submit an entry for the homemade ice cream contest, participants must call in their names and flavors by Wednesday, Sept. 2 and turn in a gallon of ice cream (natural, fresh ingredients only) by Friday, Sept. 4. Winners of cash prizes will be announced at the social, which will feature the submitted flavors and additional ice cream. To enter in the contest, call Museum Director Brenda Hopson at 970-620-0624.
Sunday at 5:30 p.m., those ready to get dirty meet at the old Parkview Elementary School site (next to the recreation center) to participate in the Muddy Dip ‘N’ Dash obstacle course. At 7:30 p.m., teams of five will enter in the Mud Tug O’ War at the same location. Gift card prizes will be awarded to winners.
After the mud events, head over to the Elks Park’s Main Pavilion at 6 p.m., where New Creation Church and Rangely Christian Church will host a dinner and a movie evening. A pulled pork meal will be provided, along with a show under the stars and movie snacks.
Septemberfest events begin Monday, Sept. 7 with the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. at the Rangely Rural Fire Protection District fire station. Pancakes, sausage and eggs costs $7 for adults, $5 for children, and $25 for a family. Food will be served until 8:30 a.m.
The Star-Spangled Parade starts at the fire station at 9 a.m., with those participating wearing red, white and blue and the Viper Club joining in. No registration is necessary.
From there, people head to the all-day Craft Fair at Elks Park beginning at 10 a.m., along with Septemberfest’s annual car show. While there, you’ll want to get in lines early for the annual Barbecue in the Park from 1 to 3 p.m., which always features a hefty plateful of food for a minimum $2 donation per person.
As always, Rangely High School’s Student Council will run its annual Duck Race fundraiser from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday evening, with winners determined at the Green Bridge on North White Avenue. You can purchase ducks at the Student Council Septemberfest booth or from any StuCo member.
And to close the evening, country singer Charley Jenkins will hold a free concert at the Elks Park softball field for the second year running. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.—don’t forget a blanket or camp chairs to get the best seats.
