A full day’s lineup of entertainment and activities for the entire family in a beautiful mountain setting is a not-to-be-missed event. Mark your calendars for the annual Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department Mountain Festival, held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, across from Fire Station No. 1. This year’s musicians, presented in partnership with the Bohemian Foundation, are Liz Barnez, Wendy Woo, Also Known As and Choice City Trio. All proceeds benefit the volunteer-based, donation-funded Rist Canyon Volunteer Fire Department (RCVFD).
“The Mountain Festival provides us the opportunity to welcome visitors and community members for a day of fun and entertainment for the entire family,” says RCVFD Chief Mark Neuroth. “Equally important is that it allows us to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our all-volunteer firefighters that respond to all types of emergencies.”
Rain or shine, the festival is the perfect way to kick off the fall season. Festival favorites include a gigantic used book sale, silent auction, bake sale, plant sale, firefighter dunk tank, craft and art vendors, food trucks, large-covered seating area and the 2024 RCVFD commemorative T-shirt booth. Admission, parking, tractor-pulled hayride shuttle to/from the parking area (handicapped parking available), live musical entertainment, a large kid’s activity area, farm animals, educational booths and demonstrations and ice cream all are free of charge.
The RCVFD serves a more than 110-square-mile area that includes Rist Canyon, Stove Prairie and the Buckhorn and provides mutual aid to an additional 50 square miles. The approximately 35 volunteer firefighters provide emergency response to life and property from fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, motor vehicle and cyclist accidents and all other rescue/emergency situations.
Our emergency responders want to remind everyone to be fire-wise, keep an eye on the skies for potential dangers and drive aware, watching for wildlife, cyclists and increased summer traffic throughout the year. Always stay informed and know the rules of the high country as making time in the area safe and enjoyable is a paramount priority. Tips and information are available at rcvfd.org.
“The Mountain Festival is a unique opportunity for the entire family to enjoy a day in our beautiful mountain setting,” Neuroth says. “We look forward to your joining us showing your support for our firefighters in their biggest fundraiser of the year.”
Mark your calendars and plan to bring the entire family to enjoy the festival. The festival location is 14 miles from downtown Fort Collins and 27 miles from Loveland. For more information, visit festival.rcvfd.org or follow Facebook.com/RCMountainFest.