The sixth annual BurroFest is set for Saturday, June 21 in downtown Mancos and Boyle Park, planning to transform the town into a whimsical celebration themed “Burros in Wonderland.”
“Each year, we’re going to play up a different theme,” said Stephanie Hallam, Mancos Creative District marketing and event manager. “This was kind of an idea to go down the rabbit hole and have some fun with ‘Alice and Wonderland’ as our theme.”
The annual event combines art, local culture, burros and other family-friendly events.
Local artists are paired with a burro as a subject for their art. Fourteen burros and nine burros are scheduled for the show, located on the sidewalk south of the music pavilion. Visitors may walk on the sidewalk between them.
The event and vendors open at 9 a.m., and the main event, the burro obstacle course, begins at 10 a.m. The course follows the “Alice in Wonderland” theme and will feature 10 obstacles for novice and advanced burros and their handlers.
“We have about 10 obstacles,” Hallam said. “They’re all themed. It’s the same as last year, although we are hoping to provide more seating, better viewing and a longer obstacle course. … We just had a great crowd last year, and we didn’t really anticipate the amount of people, so we’re really trying to fine-tune that so everybody has a fun, entertaining and safe event.”
Six burros are confirmed for the obstacle course, but additional crowd-friendly and lead-trained burros are welcome
“We definitely are still looking for burros, and we don’t want people to be intimidated to join us,” Hallam said. “These are animals that just really bring out people’s heart.”
A new initiative, the Burrito Squad, engages youths age 8 and up in supporting burro handlers. They’ll meet handlers on event morning and assist with tasks like providing hay and water. During the grand parade, they’ll lead burros while carrying signs introducing each of them. One burro, Alice, handled by local Gretchen Seashore Botha, will be represented by two squad members, tying into the “Wonderland” theme.
The Makers Market on Grand Avenue expands to 26 vendors, showcasing a diverse range of artisans, including high school students and regional artists. Ryan Matthews of Mancos Game Parlor will unveil the “BurroFest Board Game – BurroFest: Bank Heist,” developed with support from the Mancos Creative District.
Food trucks will set up in the park and along Grand Avenue, and a cooling-off area in the makers market will have tables, chairs and misters. Featured performances include live music by Cricket and Ed Kabotie in the afternoon at the Boyle Park Music Pavilion and special performances along Grand Avenue throughout the day by the San Juan Circus.
At 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., the Mancos Library will host Storytime in the Park west of the pavilion. This space will allow children to enjoy stories and crafts throughout the day. “Biblioburro” Lucky, with handler Jim Duke, will distribute free books to the children.
Care Beyond Care will provide shuttle services and accessible routing for seniors. Event T-shirts, featuring the Alice in Wonderland theme, will be available for purchase, galleries will remain open, and burro ambassadors will be available.
“We have what we call burro ambassadors,” Hallam said. “They’re are burros that partner with some of our local businesses and walk around and get a chance to mingle with the crowd.”
Handlers will share information about the responsibilities of raising burros. One new handler will also bring three mini burros.
On Friday, June 6, prior to the BurroFest on June 21, a Mad Hatter Workshop will be hosted by Mancos Creative District board member Tess Lynston. At this workshop, attendees will decorate hats that will be showcased at the Mad Hatter Fashion Show at the Mancos Brewery on June 20. Details are available online at www.burrofest.com.
“We’re always looking for volunteers, and it’s just one or two hours of your time, and then you get to enjoy the rest of the event,” Hallam said.
Information for volunteers may be directed to Hallam at events@mancoscreativedistrict.com.
