Carbondale is in the midst of transforming itself, yet again, for the 54th Annual Mountain Fair — three days of music, food, good vibes and community. “Bailamos,” or “Let’s Dance,” is this year’s theme, inspired by David Bowie, of course, but also meant to incite a sense of unity.
“This year just feels complicated and messy — heavy for some and scary for others,” said Deborah Colley, Mountain Fair’s chief of operations, “and we really just wanted to have an unapologetic, inclusive invitation.”
The opening blessing by Gabriela Mejia, 3:50pm on Friday at the Gazebo, will be bilingual and followed by the “Rhythm of the Heart Community Drum Circle” hosted by Mother of the Fair Laurie Loeb.
The Mountain Fair supervising team continues to turn to its predecessors for guidance. Loeb is known to drop by the Carbondale Arts office to offer sage advice from time to time, and Mountain Fair royalty, Queen Amy Kimberly and King Mark Taylor, remain on speed dial.
While much has stayed the same and honors tradition, other aspects of the fair continue to evolve.
Oasis Block Party
With the onset of construction of the new pool and the Forest Service building last year, the Oasis space, traditionally meant for youngsters and their families, moved from the north end of Sopris Park to Main Street, spanning from Weant Boulevard to 4th Street. With construction still in progress, the Oasis will trace the same path as last year, but with a few significant upgrades.
Colley described it as a “bolstered Oasis,” inspired by fairgoer feedback last year. For one, a grass space will be included within the Oasis this year, thanks to the owner of the lot between 6th Street and the Dinkel Building, often referred to, unofficially, as “Christmas Tree Park.” For the weekend, that grassy space will be known as “Future Town,” where the Carbondale Community School Carnival along with activities offered by nonprofit partners, such as The Meeting Place, Thompson School House, Thunder River Theatre Company, the Waldorf School and Dance Initiative, will take place.
The northeast entrance/exit to Sopris Park will lead down Weant through a collection of additional art vendors and to the Oasis Activity Lounge on Main, which will be shaded by a 20 by 40-foot tent with soft surfaces and lounging areas.
Whereas last year it was coined the Oasis Family Block Party, Michael Stout, Carbondale Arts’ community engagement director and the Oasis supervisor, stated that for this iteration it will be known simply as the Oasis Block Party — a space for everyone. It will be a section where people can continue to enjoy the fair vibes, but in a more sensory-friendly setting.
It’ll still be family friendly, of course. Kids can ping-pong off the walls of the bouncy house and then the family can stroll down the block together toward 4th and Main to listen to live tunes at the new Oasis Music Tent and enjoy food vendor options and local beer from Mountain Heart or bubbly wine from Bom Dia.
“In addition to those things that had been in the traditional space, we’re adding more live music, a beer garden and some food trucks,” Stout said of the revamped Oasis. “At one end of Main Street is music, a beer garden, food and at the other end is activities and vendors.”
It’s fitting that Stout, as a parent, is taking on the management of this extension. “My first memory of Mountain Fair was bringing my newborn son and figuring out how to be in that space as a parent,” he shared. Six years later, he’s still attending with his son. “Those are some of my fondest [fair] memories — connecting with him.”
The idea is to also include the Creative District, from retail stores to restaurants, on that end of the fair and beyond. Therefore, Carbondale Arts worked with the chamber to create signage directing folks to various businesses within the Creative District to help spread the love and give people more breathing room.
“We’re trying to listen to the community and evolve what this space looks like, because in our planning and visioning this isn’t going away,” explained Stout. “It’s going to continue to grow and evolve and hopefully get better and better.”
ADA parking is available at the lot east of Thunder River Theatre and the lot south of Main Street across from Bonfire Coffee. Additionally, Carbondale’s Downtowner will have a drop off and pick up location at the Euclid Avenue entrance to Sopris Park.
And while Thursday before the fair is the last chance to register to volunteer online, people can still go to the volunteer booth to sign up in person. “It’s volunteerism that’s held the fair together for 54 years,” Colley concluded.
Remember to drink lots of water, make good choices and have fun. Bailamos!
For the daily dress code, a schedule of events and the musical lineups at both the Gazebo main stage and the Oasis Music Tent, check out the Mountain Fair program or go to www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair