Georgetown, Colorado Celebrates Bighorn Sheep Fest on Nov. 12
OutdoorHub 10.21.11
Georgetown, Colo. — The clash of ram’s horns will reverberate through the canyon as Georgetown celebrates the sixth annual Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival honoring Colorado’s state mammal on Nov. 12. The celebration is scheduled during the peak of bighorn sheep breeding season when displays of dominance are at their peak.
Nestled next to I-70 and a corridor claiming the largest herd of bighorn sheep in the state, Georgetown is set to celebrate this treasured animal and help visitors learn about the habits and nature of these home-grown, high-altitude rock climbers.
“During the breeding season, November and December, bighorn sheep display some of their most interesting behaviors,” said Mary McCormac, Education Coordinator for the northeast region at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “From clashing horns to lip curls, the sheep put on a good show for wildlife watchers and Georgetown provides the ideal location to see the sheep in action!”
Trained CPW volunteers will be on hand at the bighorn sheep viewing station to help viewers locate the sheep, as well as offer a cup of hot cider or cocoa and a brief lesson on these majestic mammals. Friends and families can enjoy the FREE educational programs and numerous activities provided throughout the day.
Activities:
- Climb like a bighorn sheep on the climbing wall provided by the Colorado Army National Guard
- Make sheep horns of your own to take home or get your face painted like a sheep – showcase all in the noon parade led by Elbert the Bighorn
- Learn about bighorn behavior while dancing the bighorn sheep hokey pokey with Elbert the Bighorn
- Sit by the fire, listen to live music, and visit partner organization booths in the park
- Try Tommyknocker’s own bighorn sheep brew, Butt Head Bock Lager, or snack on festival fare in the park
- Shop for wildlife-related art, gifts, crafts, and other merchandise in downtown Georgetown
- Enjoy mountain views and learn about Georgetown’s history and bighorn sheep on a Georgetown Loop Railroad tour
Presentations:
- 11 a.m.: Catching Poachers: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Protecting Colorado’s Wildlife
- 1:30 p.m.: Bighorn Sheep of Georgetown
- 2:30 p.m.: Winter Bird Feeding
Festival Activities Guide:
See the final schedule of events at http://wildlife.state.co.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/DOW/Viewing/PDF/GTownBighornSheepFestival2011.pdf or pick up a schedule on-site at the Gateway Visitor Center or the Georgetown Community Center. All of these events are free.
Georgetown is located just less than an hour west of Denver on I-70. Programs and activities take place in several venues throughout town, but most are on 6th Street.
WHAT: Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival: A Saturday of free family-friendly and wildlife fun.
WHERE: Town of Georgetown: One hour west of Denver on I-70.
WHEN: Saturday, November 12, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CONTACT: Mary McCormac, NE Region Education Coordinator, 303-291-7328 or mary.mccormac@state.co.us
For more information about Division of Wildlife go to: http://wildlife.state.co.us.
