See you at Septemberfest, it’ll be great!

RANGELY I Things have been kind of crazy lately for the staff of Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District.
Moving will do that to you.
But Director Tim Webber and his crew will take time out from moving back in to the newly remodeled Rangely Recreation Center to coordinate this weekend’s Septemberfest activities.
“It’s been going slow, but we’re getting there, we’re definitely getting there,” Webber said of the move.
A grand opening for the renovated facility will be held Sunday, Sept. 20.

In the meantime, the recreation staff’s focus has been on the upcoming Septemberfest weekend — Rangely’s annual end-of-summer celebration. This is the fourth year for the recreation and park district to coordinate Septemberfest.
“Everything is coming together quite nicely,” Webber said of the Septemberfest plans. “Every day has something to it; there’s just something for everybody.”
Septemberfest events kick off Friday with the rodeo at 6 p.m. at Columbine Park, which will resume again at 10 a.m. Saturday.
First up on the schedule Saturday is a 5K walk/run, starting out at Elks Park, which will be the site of all of Saturday’s Septemberfest events.
Other events include a bike rally at 11 a.m., co-sponsored by the Rangely Police Department and the Rangely Human Resource Council. From 1:30-4 p.m. is the traditional “Day in the Park,” which includes all sorts of family oriented games and kids’ activities. And at 4 p.m. there will be a chili cook-off, followed by a new event — the Wiffleball World Series. The cost is $10 per two-person team.

The schedule is lighter for Sunday, with an ice cream social from 1:15-2:45 p.m. at Rangely Museum, and gospel singing from 6-8 p.m. back at Elks Park.
A full slate of events is scheduled for Monday, starting with the pancake breakfast from 6:30-8:30 a.m. at the fire hall, sponsored by the Rangely Fire Department.
At 9 a.m., the Do-Da Parade will begin making its way down Main Street, going from east to west.

After the parade, the crowd will move to Elks Park, where there will be a craft fair, a car show and an art show, featuring local artists and sponsored by the Rangely Arts Council. The art show features both adult and youth divisions and $500 in cash prizes will be awarded. There will also be softball-related activities in the park, including a home-run derby and longest throw.
Bob Haag will lead a history of Rangely game from 11-11:45 a.m.

At 1 p.m., the traditional barbecue in the park will get started and go until 3 p.m., with entertainment provided by the bluegrass band the Yampa Valley Boys. There will be a $2 charge per person for the lunch, which is something new this year.
“That’s just to help us cover our costs,” Webber said. “You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.”
Webber anticipates between 1,500 and 3,000 people are routinely served at the Septemberfest barbecue, which is always a highlight of the event.
“I’m thinking this year it might be more (people), because of the economy and people might be sticking around (for the Labor Day weekend),” Webber said.