If you've got a penchant for pyrotechnics and public history, mark your calendars for Crawford State Park's upcoming Pioneer Days celebration. This Saturday, June 14, the park opens its gates free of charge, as part of a decades-old community festival now hitting its 46th year. Visitors can expect waived day-use fees for Saturday, though come Sunday, a valid park pass is mandatory.
The festivities aren't lacking in attractions, with a book release party for CPW's state parks history tome, “At Home in Nature,” set from 4 to 7 p.m. at the visitor center. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, raffle prizes up for grabs at the event will include Osprey day packs, Yeti tumblers, and more, plus discounts on the book itself for those attending the park on the day of the event. Following the literary revelry, fireworks sponsored by the local fire department will light up the evening sky. Park Manager Scott Rist, as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, enthuses, “It’s a wonderful family event, and we enjoy welcoming visitors from all over the region.”
While the event promises to deliver its fair share of oohs and aahs, patrons should be ready for traffic slowdowns, as the park anticipates a significant influx of vehicles, up to the ballpark of 250, majestically entering and exiting the premises for the fireworks show. Rist urges patience and caution, especially for the safety of pedestrians, adding, “People driving in and out of the park should expect traffic for the fireworks show,” as per Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Outdoor enthusiasts should note, the Iron Creek Boat Ramp will serve as the exclusive boat launching point, given the reservoir is 14 feet shy of full. Happily open until 11 p.m. on June 14, the ANS inspection station will also provide service despite the water challenges, ensuring boat safety protocols are met. And though the water may beckon at a tempting 72 degrees, Rist reminds would-be swimmers of the importance of PFDs: “Even in 70-degree water, it’s cold and hypothermia can set in quickly and impair your ability to self-rescue,” he said, as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
