Though the actual 100th "birthday" for Rocky Mountain National Park doesn't arrive until September, the park is ramping up its year-long celebration with a number of special programs in the coming weeks.
January 26 marks the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the legislation that created the park, and lots of fun events have been scheduled throughout the month to celebrate.
· January 16: Western Stock Show and Rodeo Honors the RMNP Centennial
The Pro Rodeo on January 16, at 1:30 p.m. will honor Rocky Mountain National Park's 100th anniversary. For tickets call 1-866-464-2626 or visit nationalwestern.com.
· January 17: Rocky Mountain National Park's Centennial Film Release
Come join Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, and Fall River Productions for the release of the new centennial film Rocky Mountain National Park: Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder at 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. A small reception will follow the screening.
· January 18: The Town of Estes Park presents a Rocky Mountain National Park Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the 100th Birthday of Rocky Mountain National Park with cake and a viewing of the new Centennial Film by Fall River Productions at 2 p.m. at the Estes Park Winter Festival. Fun events will take place at the festival all weekend, including live music, chili tastings, local Colorado wine and beer tastings, equipment demos, and short programs on fun winter recreational opportunities in Rocky Mountain National Park.
· January 24: Centennial Speaker Series ' Dr. James Pickering
Join the Historian Laureate of Estes Park at 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center for his reflections on Enos Mills and the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park.
· January 24 ' March 29: History as Art: Rocky Mountain National Park
This exhibit at the Loveland Museum and Gallery Interprets historical objects through the use of art in order to promote engagement with creative and critical thinking. Using objects from the park's museum collection, artists interpret the objects and the park's rich 100-year history through their artwork.
· January 24 ' May 2: Harold Dunning's World View
This exhibit at the Loveland Museum and Gallery features personal items and photos from Harold Dunning, the founder of the museum and an avid outdoorsman who climbed Longs Peak 100 times. This exhibit will also feature accompanying programs about Dunning and about climbing and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park.
· January 24 : Boulder Theater ' RMNP 100th Anniversary Celebration
Join National Parks Conservation Association and Rocky Mountain Conservancy staff at the Boulder Theater on January 24, 6:30 p.m. and see the park in a whole new light. The program features a presentation by Eric Stensland, acclaimed Rocky Mountain photographer and author of Wild Lights and the Front Range premiere of the park's centennial film. The celebration includes live music, a silent auction a raffle drawing and more. Tickets are available from the Boulder Theater. Proceeds benefit the National Parks Conservation Association and Rocky Mountain Conservancy.
· January 26: Cake!
Join park staff starting at noon at the Beaver Meadows and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers for birthday cake (while it lasts!) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the legislation that created Rocky Mountain National Park back in 1915.
· January 26: Pioneers of the Peaks: Local Climbers Who Made History
'Zoomin' with Zumie' presented by Drs. Tom Hornbein and Jim Detterline. For several decades, a small group of men and women made history exploring and ascending the summits surrounding the Estes Valley. In 2013 and 2014, the Estes Park Museum and the Estes Valley Library gathered their inspiring stories. This presentation is at 7 p.m. at the Estes Park Museum and will highlight the life and climbs of Clerin 'Zumie' Zumwalt.
· January 26: Grand Lake Centennial Film Debut
Come join Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, and the Grand Lake Women's Club for a viewing of the new Centennial Film Rocky Mountain National Park: Wilderness, Wildlife, Wonder at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Lake Community House. A small reception will follow the screening.
· January 26: Grand Lake Nordic Center
Come celebrate with amazing views, free Nordic skiing, and 100th anniversary memorabilia!
· January 31: Centennial Saturday Night Programs
The first in a series of fun Saturday Night family ranger programs at 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. The programs will celebrate various aspects of the park's wilderness, wildlife, and wonder. In this program escape the winter weather and discover Rocky's Wildflowers: More than Just a Pretty Face!
For more details on these events, pay a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park's 2015 Centennial Calendar of Events on the park's website.
Check the park website regularly or follow us on social media @Rockynps for updates on 100th Anniversary events and programs! For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's Information Office at (970) 586-1206.
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