Rachel OwensSopris Sun Correspondent At the 2026 Mountain Fair, the Green Team, a group of volunteers focused on waste diversion, achieved a 92% diversion rate, keeping 92% of the waste produced at the fair out of the landfill. Sixty-eight percent of that waste was diverted to compost and 30% was diverted to recycling, according to […]
Mountain Fair
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Camp Bonedale returns for the 55th annual Mountain Fair
It’s time to get excited for Carbondale’s 55th annual Mountain Fair! This year’s theme is Camp Bonedale, a tradition originating in 1981 from the graduating class of Roaring Fork High School. Camp Bonedale nostalgically embraces the heart of the fair being about connection and community. “We were very close, so when we got out of […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Summer heats up with Carbondale Arts
Summer in Carbondale is guaranteed to bring community-fueled fun and creativity to all ages — thanks in large part to Carbondale Arts! Mountain Fair and First Friday continue to be at the core of their summer work, but this beloved organization is in motion and serving our community all summer long. Whether you’re looking for […]
Posted inNews
Small town, small crime … most of the time
In mid-January, The Sopris Sun received an anonymous tip from a resident at the Crystal Meadows retirement community describing that a neighbor’s truck had been broken into. Several days later, a Carbondale Police press release detailed multiple break-ins of vehicles and residences at River Valley Ranch. This followed another press release from mid-December about the […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Artist collaboration and a sprinkle of AI at heart of 54th Mountain Fair stage
This past Mountain Fair saw good weather, food, drinks and a stage that hosted a myriad of acts who captivated the attention of fair-goers. The stage included a dancing skeleton, resembling La Calavera Catrina, entirely on par with the theme of “Bailamos” or “Let’s Dance.” The design of the mainstage was the result of a […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Carbondale enters ‘The Twilight Zone’ thanks to local author
Patrick Quinn Kitson, aka Lunar Lunatic on KDNK, is a published horror/comedy writer who grew up in Carbondale. He recently appeared at Mountain Fair to promote his most recent book, “Bonedale.” This collection of 13 original short stories, all of which take place within the Roaring Fork Valley and other iconic Colorado places, features elements […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mountain Fair 54: A Love Affair
As Mountain Fair approaches each year, there’s a special energy in Carbondale that surges as the opening of the fair approaches. The inhabitants of Carbondale and beyond have a long-standing love affair with the tradition, as the entire community comes together for three days of fun, friendship, food and frivolity. On Sunday morning during Natalie […]
Posted inFiction
Works in Progress
‘Bonedale’ excerpt: FlickerBy Patrick Kitson Editor’s note: The following is an excerpt from Patrick Kitson’s new collection of short stories, “Bonedale.” Born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley, Kitson coined the term “Valley Horror” in reference to his particular brand of homebrewed speculative fiction which largely takes place in and around the snowy climes […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Mountain Fair is for everyone
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 […]
Posted inNonprofits
Building community through service: How you can become a part of Mountain Fair 2025
This Q&A with Carbondale Arts originated from Sol del Valle and has been translated for English readers. What types of volunteer opportunities does Mountain Fair offer? (e.g., clean-up, food and drink service, wristband checkers, stage crew, etc.) All of the above! There’s something for everyone and every skillset — set-up, breakdown, Peace Patrol, Cantina shifts, […]