Did you know there are many events in Crested Butte and Gunnison? See live music, take an art class, volunteer, play trivia, watch (or participate in) a ski or bike race, and more! Check this calendar to see what’s going on.
Semi-Finalist | New York Int. Women Festival and featured in environmental film festivals across the Rocky Mountain region. A GOOD NEIGHBOR is a feature-length documentary about Lucy Molina, a Latina single mother fighting against racism and climate change as she campaigns for city council in one of the nation’s most polluted zip codes. The film begins with Lucy in the car, giving one of her famous “Toxic Tours” of the 80216 zip code – named the most polluted zip code in America in 2018. As she drives by factories, highways, and the looming oil refinery – she speaks tearfully and candidly about her children’s illnesses. “I moved here because of that park for my kids” she says at one point, “I didn’t realize I was killing them.” Lucy’s family health struggles – leukemia, brain cancer, migraines, bloody noses, diabetes – combined with inaction from her local government, motivated her to run for city council. The film follows Lucy’s campaign, using community events and campaign speeches as jumping off points to discuss larger issues such as racism, sacrifice zones, climate policy, health bias, and just transition. A GOOD NEIGHBOR culminates in a nail-biting finale as Lucy’s family and friends gather on election night to see the results. But whether she wins or not, Lucy’s intimate story highlights a global need for change, and creates empathy by putting a face to the realities of marginalized communities like Commerce City, Colorado. Join us as we deepen our understanding of the climate crisis and its impacts on human health. It is our hope that through continued education of the climate crisis we will be better prepared to make conscious and more impactful climate action!
Gunnison Valley is also host to several beloved annual events. A classic winter event is The Alley Loop, a Nordic ski race that doubles as a costume contest. In fall, Mt. Crested Butte hosts the famous Chili and Beer Festival. Every summer in Gunnison, a crowd gathers to watch America’s fourth-oldest rodeo, Cattlemen’s Days. There are also festivals in Crested Butte that celebrate local art, music, wildflowers, and more. Attending an annual event is a good way to connect with the culture of the Gunnison Valley. You might even create a new tradition for you and your family and friends!