Article Contributed on: 10/5/2008 8:03:35 PM
Fire up the time machine because Refuge Roundup is back. Step onto the prairie at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge and be transported back to the 19th century, where the Buffalo Soldiers roamed, pioneers braved the frontier and American Indians hunted the plains.
This free event at the Refuge on Oct. 18 will feature activities for the entire family. From rip-roaring musical performances to bison tours and hayrides to the very popular bison chip toss to western crafts and games for children of all ages, Refuge Roundup 2008 will pack even more into one day than it did last year.
"We loved the performances last year," said Visitor Services Manager Sherry James. "So we wanted to put on an even better event this year and give everyone a real flavor of the Refuge and the West."
Refuge Roundup 2008 will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors can stop by to enjoy performances throughout the day by the Wild Coyotes Western Band, Calico & Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team, Chimaltonalli Aztec Dancers, and Ron Ball - The Singing Cowboy.
In addition to the performances, Refuge Roundup 2008 will feature a historical re-enactment by the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, live raptor presentations by the Colorado Hawking Club, and a taste of pioneer life on the plains courtesy of the Colorado Historical Society and Plains Conservation Center. Cowboys from An Open Range Experience will teach visitors to become a cowhand for the day by teaching rope and wrangle lessons.
Visitors can participate in most activities at Refuge Roundup 2008 on a drop-in basis, meaning no prior reservations are required.
Because of limited space, however, visitors must call the Visitor Center in advance at 303-289-0930 to save a spot on the hayrides and bison tours.
Courtesy of the Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges, visitors will also be able to purchase a chuck wagon meal for a small fee.
"This is a good chance for everyone to visit our beautiful national wildlife refuge and have a good old-fashioned day on the prairie. It's important to remember how we all got here and pay tribute to the history of this great area," James said.
Groups participating in Refuge Roundup 2008 are: Plains Conservation Center, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado Historical Society, Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, Wild Coyotes Western Band, Calico & Boots Square Dance Exhibition Team, Chimaltonalli Aztec Dancers, Ron Ball - The Singing Cowboy, An Open Range Experience, and Colorado Hawking Club.
Refuge Roundup 2008 takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Saturday, Oct. 18, 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 56th 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/.