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Rendezvous goes big for 20th

Ryan Hoffman
rhoffman@citizentelegram.com
People mingle through the rides at the 19th annual Rifle Rendezvous after a brief shower Saturday afternoon. Despite the rain and cooler temperatures
Ryan Hoffman / Citizen Telegram |

Event Schedule

Thursday

7 p.m. • Dinner & a Movie: Bring your dinner receipt from the day of the show from ANY restaurant in Rifle to the Ute Theater and receive TWO free movie tickets (Movie will be “City Slickers’)

Friday

Noon-11 p.m. • Carnival provided by Brown’s Amusements at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

4-6:30 p.m. • Rendezvous at Jay’s Steakhouse, at 1530 Railroad Ave. Organized by the Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce.

4-8 p.m. • Food and craft vendors, along with mini putt golf in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

4 p.m. • Quick Carve chain saw carving event in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

5-11 p.m. • NSPA sled pull by the Diesel Doctor at the outdoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

7-11 p.m. • Contra dance provided by Garfield County 4-H Council in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds. There will be a silent auction and a Ford truck giveaway sponsored by 4-H and Columbine Ford. Proceeds form the auction benefit 4-H. The local Elks club will sell beer and wine.

Saturday

8-10 a.m. • Breakfast by the Little Britches Rodeo in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

8-9 a.m. • Food and craft vendors in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Rolling Rendezvous at Metro Park: Featuring the Rifle Police Department bike rodeo and a “porta-potty painting” activity provided by the Bookcliffs Arts Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m . • Art and beer show at the New Ute Events Center at 132 E. Fourth St.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. • 3-D archery shoot in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Rendezvous car show downtown in the 100 block of east Third Street. The Moose Lodge will be selling burger, hot dogs and more, as well as a beer garden.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. • The Snider Family Band will perform at the downtown car show.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Chainsaw carving competition in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

Noon-11 p.m. • Carnival provided by Brown’s Amusements.

1-2 p.m. • Churchill’s Artiluma Dance Company and Friends, Variety Dance Show and Comedy.

2:30-4 p.m. • Joey Ball and Family performing live music and entertainment in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

4-6 p.m. • Rendezvous of Faith: Featuring Gene Sullivan performing “Jump for Jesus” followed by Jeff Fenholt live in concert in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

7-9 p.m. • Bucking bulls followed by live music by Daryle Singletary.

Sunday

8-10 a.m. • Breakfast by the Little Britches Rodeo in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

8 a.m.-2 p.m. • Food and craft vendors in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

10 a.m.-Noon • Non-denominational service with seven different churches. A potluck will follow at 12:30 p.m.

Noon • Carnival provided by Brown’s Amusements.

When it was established 20 years ago, organizers created the Rifle Rendezvous as springtime get-together geared toward families. It featured buck-skinning and other elements of the West.

Since then, the annual event has been regularly retooled to broaden its appeal, but that is not to say the event does not feature many of those activities from its origins, said Scott Brynildson, president of the Rifle Rendezvous. The changes have been more of an evolution than overhaul.

“It was really good,” Brynildson said of the Rendezvous’ early years. “But it seemed like the people wouldn’t come out, so we’ve tried to accommodate the wishes of the public.”



With continued year-to-year growth, organizers have achieved success in that effort, and they suspect the trend to continue this year when the 20th Rifle Rendezvous gets under way Friday, May 13.

Among the changes, the annual car show is moving from Heinz Park to the 100 block of east Third Street in downtown. That portion of the street will be closed off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the classic cars for viewing, there will be live music and a beer garden.



One block north on East Fourth Street, the New Ute Events Center will house an art and beer event that runs the same time as the car show.

The Friday night truck pull, which was added last year, returns this year. The event was one of the biggest draws at the 2015 Rendezvous.

Brynildson said organizers have focused on increasing the quality of the entertainment Saturday, and they feel they have done that.

Gene Sullivan will get things started at 4 p.m. with his “Jump for Jesus” program, followed by Jeff Fenholt live in concert in the indoor arena at the Garfield County Fairgrounds.

The fan-favorite bucking bulls will get under way at 7 p.m. in the outdoor arena, with a performance by Daryle Singletary, a nationally touring country musician, following the bulls.

Ticket prices for certain events will vary.

Throughout the evolution of the Rifle Rendezvous, Brynildson said he suspects some people are under the impression the carnival that operates all weekend at the fairgrounds is the extent of the Rendezvous.

While it is a big attraction, he said the event is much more than carnival rides, and Brynildson encouraged people to come out all three days for the numerous offerings.

“Please set aside the middle of May to slow down and enjoy the Rendezvous,” he said. “People in the area need to slow down and appreciate what they have for one weekend of the year.”

Those who decide to do so this year might be in luck. Unlike the cold and wet conditions that lingered in the area last year, the forecast for the weekend predicts sunshine and warm temperatures.


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