History

Thanks to The Carbondale Historical Society, Carbondale Arts, Terry Glasenapp, KDNK and Independent Radio Producer, Luke Nestler.

History is really our story. The tale of the Mountain Fair has many voices. A team of people have collected stories, photos and historical artifacts around the Fair and now this story will live on and grow. The gathering started in 1972 with Laurie Loeb leading the charge. She wasn’t alone. People like Richie Marks, Wick Moses, Peggy DiVilbiss, Rick Lawrence, Barb Bush and many more, came together to make those fi rst fairs happen.

The funny thing is, 50 years later, many of those same people are still involved. That’s one of the things that makes this Fair so special. It is built upon volunteerism, handing down the responsibilities from generation to generation, young and old working and celebrating together and, most of all, taking time to gather to remember who we are and what is important to us as a community. When the Fair started, the streets of Carbondale were not paved, empty lots were many and no swimming pool sat in Sopris Park. Mary Ferguson, on her 90’s KDNK radio show, This I Remember, talks of the astounding year there were 44 cars parked on the street because of the Fair. Carbondale Arts (then known as Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities), formed in 1974 because of the success of the this event. Ethel Saunders won the fi rst Pie Contest in 1976. Sheri Draper got the Oasis going in 1982 and the permanent stage was built in 1984. Throughout the years there has been lots of music, performances

A Valley resident for 34 years, Erin can help you achieve your Real Estate goals!

Call Erin Bassett 970.309.3319

www.homesnewcastleco.com