Breckenridge
Celebrates its 150th with New Major Events
BRECKENRIDGE,
Colo.- Way before Breckenridge was a ski resort, it
was a town. And over the past 150 years, the spirit of the town
didn't shift much. Equal parts outcast and visionary, frontier
and fine living. With the approach of Breckenridge's 150th Anniversary
in 2009, it is important to reflect on the history, heritage
and especially the characters that made this Victorian mining
town what it is today.
Full
of gold finds and mining, exploration and adventure, brothels
and saloons, booms and busts, the town's history set the stage
for the modern day adventures Breckenridge is known and loved
for. Founded in 1859 by a small group of prospectors, the town's
Gold Rush brought settlers in droves seeking their fortune.
While some found gold, each adventurer discovered the glory
of the Ten Mile Range and the bounty of its beautiful landscape.
2009
will be a time to celebrate Breckenridge's history. From the
enhancement of existing events and the addition of new history-focused
events to encouraging visitors and locals to explore the town's
history on the trails and capital improvements being made to
various historic sites and museums, the town's history can be
experienced and celebrated by families, adventure seekers and
history buffs alike.
Highlights
to take place during Breckenridge's 150th Anniversary
include:
*
The Breck150 Retro Ski Weekend, April 4, 2009.
This event will include a fashion show of ski apparel through
the decades, spring skiing in retro garb and more. The Retro
Ski Weekend will be a part of Breckenridge's Annual Spring Massive
celebration that includes live concerts, comedy nights, on-mountain
competitions, the Massive Brewfest and other events throughout
April.
*
The complete restoration of the Edwin Carter Museum
to be unveiled in the spring of 2009. Exhibit themes
at the 1875 Edwin Carter Museum will trace the evolution of
Carter's life as a miner, taxidermist, and scientist. Also featured
in the museum will be a new theater room and an interactive
learning center where children can try hands-on activities related
to Carter's work. Edwin Carter was Breckenridge's original naturalist
who paved the way for the town's modern environmental efforts.
*
History comes to life during Kingdom Days, June 20-21,
2009. This event offers a robust line-up of events
and activities including historic mine tours, museum exhibits,
gun fights, live music, old time arts and crafts, storytelling,
historic hikes, kids' activities and the Annual Outhouse Races
as seen on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
*
The unveiling of new additions to the Arts District
of Breckenridge. Historic buildings are being renovated
to form a cutting-edge arts campus that will house a ceramics
studio, performance arts venue, artist in residence studios,
workshop spaces and more.
*
With a goal of fusing history with recreation,
interpretive signage will be added to French Gulch so outdoor
enthusiasts can learn about pieces of Breckenridge's history
on the trails. The signage will tell the stories of the mining
camps that once thrived in the area and show "then"
and "now" pictures that depict how the landscape has
changed.
*
The Breck150 Official Anniversary Weekend, August 7-9,
2009. Almost 150 years to the day Breckenridge first
came to life as a mining town and all the stops will be pulled
out to make this weekend a truly Grand Celebration. Aug. 10
is the official anniversary and will be celebrated with history-focused
activities.
*
The new Mining and Railroad Weekend on Aug. 15-16
will highlight the railroads that helped develop the mining
town and will showcase the historic rail route from Breckenridge
over Boreas Pass.
These
highlights only dust the surface of the excitement in-store
around Breckenridge's 150th anniversary. For more details on
Breck150, visit gobreck150.com, call 877-593-5260 or email Carly
Grimes at cgrimes@gobreck.com.
Photos available.
Breckenridge
Resort Chamber
CONTACT: Carly Grimes
TEL: 970-453-5064
E-MAIL: cgrimes@gobreck.com
WEB: http://www.gobreck.com
