Parachute hopes to build Rockmageddon into annual event

After months of planning and preparation, the weekend finally arrived for Parachute to host its first-ever Rockmageddon on Saturday. The town welcomed all terrain vehicle users, mud-racing enthusiasts and anyone looking to check out what town officials hope will become an annual extravaganza for the small western Colorado town.

“For the first one I think it went pretty good,” said Town Manager Stuart McArthur. “I hope it really kicks off recreation for this town. I’d like to see more locals come out next year and we hope to add to it, but for the first one, you’ve got to start somewhere.”

The event included a trail ride up to Battlement Reservoirs for registered ATV users, a soccer game and barrel racing, both of which were on ATVs, and a Mud Drag, which served as a qualifying race for the Western Mud Racing Association circuit.

“The community really got a kick out of it and for the first one, I think it was a great learning experience so that we can make it better and better for years to come,” said Derek Wingfield with economic development.

There was also a concert on Saturday night featuring ’80s cover act 6 Million Dollar Band. Wingfield said that they will definitely be invited back next year.

“Overall it was a great success,” he added. “I talked with hotels, and everyone said that they were at capacity. That never happens here. Restaurants did great business, as well.”

Wingfield added the Parachute Domino’s Pizza had a 127-minute wait to get an order in over the weekend.

Next year, Wingfield hopes to grow the Mud Run and Barrel Racing events even more and thanked the Grand Valley Parks Association and Parachute Battlement Mesa Recreation District for use of their land.