Refuge Roundup is back in expanded form for a third consecutive year, and, once again, everyone is welcome to step back in time onto the prairie at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for an even bigger and better celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week and our Western heritage.
"Refuge Roundup has something for everyone this year," noted Visitor Services Manager Sherry James of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge. "Whether you want to learn archery, enjoy musical and dance performances or see live animals and historical re-enactments, you'll find it here at the Refuge. You can even test your bison chip tossing skills! It's a great opportunity to get outdoors and learn about the many facets of Western history and the Refuge."
Refuge Roundup is free and will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 17. All the favorite events are back, along with brand-new acts, activities and boot-stomping musical performances. New this year are storytelling and sharp-shooting from Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley. Bison tours and hayrides are available all day by reservation (make sure to reserve your spot now, as tours fill up quickly). The bison chip toss could net you a prize if you throw yours the furthest. Western crafts and games for children of all ages will be offered all day.
Visitors can stop by to enjoy performances throughout the day by Rudy Grant and the Branded Band, Calico and Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team, and the Chimaltonalli Aztec Dancers. Live cavalry drills by the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West and an exhibition by Jose Torres and his Dancing Horses will also be featured. In addition, cowboys from An Open Range Experience will give lessons on roping and wrangling, and the South Platte Valley Historical Society will help visitors master archery.
Visitors can participate in most activities at Refuge Roundup 2009 on a drop-in basis, without making reservations.
However, due tolimited space, visitors must call in advance at 303-289-0930 to reserve space on the hayrides and bison tours.
The Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges will be offering chuck-wagon meals for a small fee.
Groups featured at the event include the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, Jose Torres and his Dancing Horses, Rudy Grant and the Branded Band, Calico and Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team, Chimaltonalli Aztec Dancers, An Open Range Experience, Plains Conservation Center, Wildly Beautiful (formerly known as PredaTour), Colorado Historical Society, South Platte Valley Historical Society archery/live history, Colorado Hawking Club and National Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository. (See below for performance schedule)
Refuge Roundup 2009 takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get to the Refuge, take I-70 and exit north on Havana St. The public entrance to the Refuge is at 56 th Ave. and Havana. For more information, call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 303-289-0930, or visit online at
http://www.fws.gov/rockymountainarsenal/.
Performance Schedule:
9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Rudy Grant and the Branded Band
9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley
9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Buffalo Soldiers of the American West
10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Calico and Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team
10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Jose Torres and his Dancing Horses
11:00 - 11:45 a.m. Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley
11:15 - 12:00 p.m. Rudy Grant and the Branded Band
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Chimaltonalli Aztec Dancers
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Buffalo Soldiers of the American West
1:15 - 2:00 p.m. Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley
1:45 - 2:30 p.m. Rudy Grant and the Branded Band
2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Jose Torres and his Dancing Horses
2:30 - 3:00 p.m. Calico and Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team