Recreation, Cultural Heritage , Archeological, Dinosaur, Natural, Scenic, Other Attractions / Events

Unique cultural celebrations are held all along the byways in the rural communities. The Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway travels through the desert of Northeastern Utah and Western Colorado. Because of the oftentimes rural experience of living in these areas, many cultural events have sprung up to give people a reason to congregate and enjoy the outdoors. Festivals and events honoring the heritage and natural features of the area have given the Dinosaur Diamond a cultural flair. The following are examples of just a few of these events.

"Mike the Headless Chicken"

Fruita's event is one event you will not want to miss. During the third week of May, celebration abounds in Fruita, Colorado to honor 'Mike'. In 1945, in an attempt to capture the perfect chicken for his mother-in-law, Lloyd Olsen chopped off the head of a barnyard chicken with an axe. However, Mike, as the chicken came to be called, survived 18 months after his head was chopped. Lloyd kept Mike alive by feeding him grain and water with an eyedropper, and Mike went on tour as the 'Wonder Chicken'

Rodeos

South Eastern Utah and Western Colorado have been and continue to be the home to many ranches and cattle. In celebration of this Western culture, rodeos are held periodically throughout the area.

The Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo "Voted by PRCA Cowboys and Contract Personnel as one of the Top Five Rodeos in the World," this competition is geared only for the fearless, bruised, and bravest cowpoke". Out of 700 annual professional events this is one impressive rating. Since 1869 rodeo has been the sport of choice for these athletes as well as an integral part of Westen American culture.

In Price, the Black Diamond Stampede Rodeo is held each year. In Vernal, Butch Cassidy Days celebrates the heritage of the areas most famous outlaws.

Fruita Fall Festival, Fruita CO

Historic Downtown Originally a harvest festival for a farming community, the Fruita Fall Festival was first staged in 1910. A bluegrass venue at Circle Park has been a main attraction for many years. After the Civic Center Pavilion stage was built, an additional music venue was added which features a variety of high quality music, from country, to blues and funk. As always they have a carnival, and over 150 vendors of every description, including food, clothing, arts and handcrafts, and the unusual.

Celebrations in Moab

Moab is known as the mountain bike capital of the world to some, but it is also home to many different festivals and celebrations. Amongst many others are the following - Every year around Easter, participants from all over gather with their jeeps for the 'Jeep Safari'. The red rock and warming temperatures in the desert at that time of the year make it a perfect location. If more traditional cultural events are what you had in mind, the 'Moab Film Festival' showcases the work of independent filmmakers. In addition to this, Moab hosts an outdoor music festival in September each year as well. In late Aug early Sept Skydivers from all across the world come to Moab to jump from 2 - 20+ passenger airplanes and free falling for over 1 minute above Moab's most amazing landscape. Over 300+ skydivers jump making over 3000 jumps in just 4 days reaching speeds well over 150 mph.

Septemberfest, Rangely CO

Historically, Rangely's Septemberfest Celebration has a long history, but it hasn’t always been a Labor Day event. Septemberfest actually began under the banner of ‘RAID’ (Rangely Area Independence Day Celebration) but fizzled out because everyone really wanted to be at the Meeker Range Call. At some point RAID joined with the Town’s efforts for a community based celebration, switched to the Labor Day and was renamed Septemberfest. Events were added each year (and some lost) but over time the event grew to a weekend event

Dinosaur Diamond Partnership