Western Colorado is rich with a variety of festivals celebrating just about anything you can think of: fruit, vegetables, horses, film, beer, wine and dinosaurs to name a few.

GRAND JUNCTION

— The American National Bank Downtown Farmers’ Market

The summertime Farmers’ Market is on Thursdays from June 12 through Sept. 18 from 5–8 p.m. on Main Street in Grand Junction. Browse the fresh produce, craft vendors and check out the live entertainment.

— Mesa County Fair

Have fun at the Mesa County Fair set for July 22–27.

The fairgrounds play host to 4-H, Future Farmers of America and open class exhibitors as well as special performances by Reptile Adventures, Penelope the Clown, Comedian and Juggler Paul Isaak and the Puppy Park Playpen. Fair admission costs $5 for adults and $1 for seniors and children 12 and under. Pop rock band One Republic will perform at the fairgrounds on July 25. Tickets for the concert are on sale now at www.midnightsunevents.com.

For more information about the fair, go to www.mesacountyfair.com or call 256-1528.

— Independence Film Festival

Grand Junction has been added to the list of cities participating in the second annual Independence Film Festival, Sept. 3–7.

Primary locations are Salida and Leadville, but Grand Junction will get an encore presentation of a salute to comedian Don Knotts by his daughter Karen and her one woman show, “Tied up in Knotts.”

Check www.independencefilmfest.com for more information, locations and additional events.

— Oktoberfest

The German American Club’s annual Oktoberfest is Oct. 4 in downtown Grand Junction.

German beer, food and costumes are the foundation of this event. There’s also the evening street dance. Kühl.

— Apple Jubilee and Two Rivers Chautauqua

The dual events at Cross Orchards Historic Site are taking place Sept. 19–20 and are free to the public.

Celebrate the harvest and learn about World War II.

PALISADE

— Palisade Sunday Market

Sundays from June 15 through Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. is the Palisade Sunday Market, featuring Palisade produce, local artists and craft vendors, musicians, nonprofit organizations and wineries.

The market is located near the intersection at Third and Main streets in Palisade. For more information call 464-5602 or visit www.palisadefarmersmarket.org.

— Palisade Peach Festival

Things are peachy keen at the Palisade Peach Festival Aug. 14–17.

Things kick off at the Ice Cream Social and Street Dance on Aug. 14 in downtown Palisade. On Aug. 16-17, activities are at Riverbend Park. There are guided orchard tours, walking tours and bike and rafting trips.

For more information, go to www.palisadepeachfest.com or call the Palisade Chamber of Commerce, 464-7458.

— Ravenshire Renaissance and Pirate Faire

Arggg you ready for the Ravenshire Renaissance and Pirate Faire Aug. 22–24 at the Riverbend Park in Palisade?

Maidens and men in costumes entertain the crowd with shows and music. There is food, drinks and vendors.

A one-day pass costs $10 for adults, $7 for kids and seniors. Go to www.faires.com/Ravenshire for more information.

— 17th annual Colorado Mountain Winefest

Wine and dine at the annual Colorado Mountain Winefest in Palisade from Sept. 19–21 with the finer things in life: chocolates, cooking demonstrations and the best of Colorado wine.

Tickets for the festival in Riverbend park cost $40 in advance. Inquire by calling 800-704-3667. Visit www.coloradowinefest.com.

FRUITA

— Dinosaur Days

Dinosaur Journey hosts Dinosaur Days July 26 at the museum.

Kids activities and opportunities to learn about the prehistoric creatures take a bite outta this one day festival. The CeRaftasaurus Raft Race shouldn’t be missed.

More information at www.gofruita.com and 858-0360.

— Fruita Fall Festival

Happening Sept. 25–28, the Fruita Fall Festival features outdoor food and entertainment for the whole family just before the weather gets cold.

More information at www.gofruita.com and 858-0360.

GET OUT OF TOWN

— Mountainfilm in Telluride

The four-day film festival, inspired by adventure, culture and the environment, takes place May 23–26 with films, seminars and special events throughout Telluride. The 2008 theme for Mountainfilm in Telluride is water.

Passes in all price arranges are available at www.mountainfilm.org or by calling 970-728-4123.

— Telluride Film Festival

Passionate film fans descend on Telluride for the annual festival taking place Aug. 29 through Sept. 1. Immerse yourself in cinema, you might even see a celebrity or two.

The Acme Pass is already sold out, but other passes from $340 to $3,900 are still available. Order passes through www.telluridefilmfestival.com or call 510-665-9494.

— Cedaredge Applefest

Ripe, delicious apples are a reason to celebrate in Cedaredge from Oct. 2–5 along Main and Fourth streets and the town park. Oct. 2 is a chili cook off, Oct. 3 is a gala and the actual festival takes place on Oct. 4 and 5 with music, children’s activities, food, exhibits and vendor booths.

For more information call 970-856-6961 or visit www.cedaredgecolorado.com/chamber_index.html.

— Paonia Cherry Days

From July 3–5 the tiny town cheers for cherries. For more information call 970-527-3886 or visit www.paoniachamber.com.

— Deltarado Days

Deltarado Days from July 17–20 is a celebration of Delta’s history since 1936. Play games and contests, check out the parade, listen to music, eat and dance.

More information at www.deltacolorado.org or call the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce at 874-8616.

— Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

Boiled or roasted sweet corn on the cob is this festival’s specialty on Aug. 2.

Also enjoy live music, vendors, a parade and fireworks in the Olathe Community Park. This year’s headliner is country singer Travis Tritt.

Reserved Tritt tickets are on sale now. Check City Market locations for general admission tickets soon. Call 970-323-6006 for more information.

— De Beque Wild Horse Days

De Beque shuts down Main Street on Aug. 23–24 for the Wild Horse Days featuring a stampede of food and craft vendors, rides for kids, a drawing for a horse from BLM, live music, an ATV demolish derby and poker runs.

Contact De Beque Town Hall 970-283-5475 or www.debeque.org for more information.

E-mail Samantha Stiles at sstiles@gjds.com.

CATCH THESE FESTIVALS NEXT YEAR
— Fruita Fat Tire Festival in late April.
— Mike the Headless Chicken Festival in Fruita in May.
— Cinco de Mayo celebration in May.
— Wells Fargo Art & Jazz Festival in Grand Junction in May.
— Palisade Bike Festival in early May.