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ArtFest
Dancing Under The Stars

Artistic Expression Abounds with Color and Creativity
Community Hosts Local, National and International Artists 

Colorful paintings, dazzling jewelry, intriguing metalwork, distinctive ceramics and vibrant musicians enliven the streets of Castle Rock every September, the weekend after Labor Day. 2008 will be the nineteenth season hosting the eclectic works of over 180 juried artists from across the nation. 

In 2007, the Artfest became an international event with international artist, Tirivanhu Medziso from Zimbabwe, as a guest sculpturist.  Medziso’s hand-carved stone sculptures were part of the extensive variety of art pieces, including original paintings, handcrafted jewelry, stunning photography, hand-blown glassware, pottery, metal works and textiles that are for sale.

 “Artfest, which draws over 23,000 spectators, has grown into the largest event in the Castle Rock area, said Pam Ridler, CCE, President and CEO of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber is proud to be the organizer of the event that started in 1990”. 

This popular festival have something for the entire family, including continuous live, music; food, beer and soda vendors; strolling entertainment such as puppeteers, clowns and storytellers and an Imagination Zone with interactive art and cultural activities for the kids. 

In addition, a silent auction is held during the two days of Artfest to benefit the Castle Rock Community Art Fund.  Participating Artfest artists generously donate their art to the silent auction.  The Fund, established by the Castle Rock Chamber, helps to finance outdoor art pieces for the Town in order to leave a legacy of Artfest.

“Artfest not only promotes the community and offers a fun and family-oriented weekend, remarked Ridler, but is a significant revenue-generating source for the local economy, both of which are major focuses of the Chamber.  There is a small admission fee of $4 ($3 for seniors) and children under 12 are free.

The Chamber also hosts a merchandise booth selling the current and past years’ commemorative prints, t-shirts and tiles with original works of art and holiday ornaments.  Much of the merchandise is created by artists specifically for the Artfest and specialty packages with goodies donated by local merchants round out the offerings. 

It all adds up to a weekend filled with color and creativity, a cultural event for the whole family to enjoy.  Don’t forget to bring your appetite for lunch in our food court with hometown favorites such as barbequed ribs and homemade ice cream served with a helping of great musical entertainment.  There is something for every age and every preference at Artfest, Castle Rock’s signature community event.

In 2007, Castle Rock, Colorado was ranked number 1 by Family Circle Magazine as the best place to raise a family.


Five outdoor dances to provide small-town charm and big-time groove

Many people stay home to watch “Dancing with the Stars,” but few get the chance to dance out under the stars. This summer, everyone in Castle Rock will have the opportunity to throw on their dancing shoes and strut their stuff during five outdoor community dances.

Area organizations will host five free outdoor dances in downtown Castle Rock between June and October. Dancing Under the Stars, Saturday-evening dances at the bandstand area of the Philip S. Miller Library, will feature a different theme every month.

Residents not only can express themselves through movement to music but actually learn how to dance from professionals, who will offer instruction. Whether you prefer salsa, swing or country, the opportunity to learn a few new dance steps and enjoy a local live band is sure to entertain the entire family.

All five dances will run from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening begins with professional dancers offering
theme-specific dance instruction at 5 p.m. Local bands will play from 5:30 to 7 p.m. followed by a DJ who will play music for the crowd to cut a rug to during the final two hours. The schedule is as follows:

  • June 21   Beach party; The Rhythm will play oldies,
                     classic rock and some hula
  • July 26     Latin fiesta; The Manuel Molina Combo will     
                     play salsa and cumbia, followed by the Castle
                     Rock Band playing Americana at 7:30
  • Aug. 16    Barn dance; Rob Soloman & Friends will play 
                     country and polka
  • Sept. 20   Ballroom dance; the Castle Rock Orchestra
                      will play waltz and tango
  • Oct. 4       Country western; Dean Station will play country
                     and rock ‘n’ roll

Residents are encouraged to make the dances a family night. The Greater Castle Rock Art Guild will provide fun for kids as well as exhibits from local artists, and the Douglas County High School orchestra will sell concessions to fund their trip to perform at Disney World.

The Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, Castle Rock Senior Center, Downtown Castle Rock Merchants Association, Philip S. Miller Library and Town of Castle Rock are working together to make the dances possible.

To learn more about Dancing Under the Stars, call 303-688-7488 or visit downtowncastlerock.com.


 
Copyright Castle Rock Chamber 2004