HISTORY OF SEPTEMBERFEST

The annual Septemberfest event is a Rangely labor day community tradition and has a history of providing family fun and food!   Septemberfest started when Moon Lake Electric Association purchased a 4-H Steer at the Rio Blanco County Fair and it was donated to the community for a labor day “free” picnic event in 1974.   In 1995 the event was expanded to a three-day weekend celebrating Rangely existing 50 years as an incorporated town. 

The three-day Septemberfest weekend events continue on today and  provides the “free” barbecue for the entire community on labor day at Elk’s Park.   There is a “donation pot” available for those who desire to contribute but no charge for the picnic.

Last year new additions to Septemberfest were:  the Art in the Park, Mud Pillow Fight, Dress Up Pet Contest and an exciting Ranch Rodeo.

Regular events such as the Homemade Ice Cream Social at the Museum, Pancake Breakfast and Chili Cook-Off Contest at the Fire Department and Annual Car Show in the Elk’s Park  are very popular events and well attended.

 A Septemberfest Craft Fair is held on labor day with many vendors selling a variety of items in the Elk’s Park.  All of labor day events are started with a fun “Do Da” parade  labor day morning on down town main street.

The event is sponsored by Rangely Recreation Center and Rangely Chamber of Commerce including many community businesses and individual volunteers that help each year.