Remember when… Summertime is the perfect time to look back and remember the good days and the tough ones. This summer, in Glenwood Springs, we’re taking a nostalgic stroll down memory lane to celebrate the past and pay tribute to major milestones.
Step into the Way Back Time Machine with us this month as we take a look at days gone by. In June, we’re rocking out to tunes from our favorite decade, paying our respects to fallen heroes, and commemorating the silver anniversary of one of Glenwood Springs’ most unique visitor attractions.
Blast from the Past: Strawberry Days Tribute Bands
Strawberry Days is Glenwood Springs’ annual summer festival, drawing crowds for one-of-a-kind shopping finds at artisan booths, fair food at the outdoor courtyard, and craft beer and camaraderie in the beer garden. But the most anticipated event of the 3-day celebration is the musical lineup. This year, headliners include throwback cover bands.
• That Eighties Band takes the stage Friday night, playing a bodacious mix of bangers from the decade. From rock and roll to new wave, the band keeps the hits coming all night long. Party on with favorites from Madonna, Billy Idol, Van Halen, Journey, The Cure, Depeche Mode, Simple Minds and more.
• Hell’s Belles is an all-girl AC/DC tribute band that knocks it out of the park with every performance. Booked for the Main Stage on Saturday night, these femmes are so good they even have the endorsement of Angus Young, co-founder and lead guitarist for the original AC/DC.
Strawberry Days 2024 takes place June 21-23 at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs.
Storm King Fire: Honoring the Fallen 30 Years Later
On July 5, 1994, a fierce wildfire raged near Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Firefighters and smokejumpers collaborated to create fire lines in a valiant effort to contain the blaze. However, nature’s unpredictability soon thwarted their efforts.
By July 6, a dry cold front brought heavy winds, intensifying the flames and causing the fire to jump containment lines. The Storm King Fire rapidly ascended the steep, densely vegetated terrain, trapping twelve firefighters who tragically could not escape. Two helitack firefighters also perished.
As we mark the 30th anniversary of this devastating event, we remember and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the residents of Glenwood Springs.
• Prineville Hotshots: Kathi Beck, Tami Bickett, Scott Blecha, Levi Brinkley, Douglas Dunbar, Terri Hagen, Bonnie Holtby, Rob Johnson, and Jon Kelso
• Missoula Smokejumper: Don Mackey
• McCall Smokejumpers: Roger Roth and Jim Thrash
• Helitack Crew: Rob Browning and Richard Tyler
A memorial at Two Rivers Park stands as a testament to these fallen heroes. This sacred place serves as a stop for firefighter crews passing through Glenwood Springs. As we reflect on the Storm King Mountain Fire thirty years later, we are reminded of the courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of those who perished.
From Caves to Coasters: Glenwood Caverns Turns 25
Since opening on Memorial Day weekend 1999, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has been a beacon of adventure for excitement junkies.
From the very beginning, Glenwood Caverns wowed visitors with its awe-inspiring cave tours, showcasing pristine, ancient formations. In 2003, the Iron Mountain Tramway (now the Glenwood Gondola) opened, whisking guests skyward to the Adventure Park entrance. Not long after, the Alpine Coaster, added in 2005, became a fan favorite, giving riders a high-speed dash down the mountain. The Park didn’t stop there, over the years it added more thrill rides. The Defiance Roller Coaster roared onto the scene in 2023, pushing the edge of thrills even further.
Most recently, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, along with Iron Mountain Hot Springs, received the prestigious National Natural Landmark designation, a testament to its breathtaking geological features and unique ecosystems. This milestone underscores the park’s ongoing dedication to preserving its natural wonders for future generations.
In just 25 years, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has gone from spelunking to sky-high thrills, proving that adventure never goes out of style.
A Summer to Remember in Glenwood Springs
Join us for a trip back in time, celebrating the unforgettable summers in Glenwood Springs. Whether you’re grooving to classic tunes at Strawberry Days, honoring the brave heroes of the Storm King Fire, or marveling at the thrilling evolution of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, let’s reminisce together! Join us in Glenwood Springs for a throwback good time this summer.
