The inaugural Cortez Summerfest Carnival will take place July 20 and 21 at the American Legion grounds located at 320 N. Harrison Street.

The new fundraiser event features carnival rides, games, food, and drinks. A teen dance will be held on July 21 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.. It is being put on by the Cortez American Legion Post No. 75 and the local chapter of The Knights of Columbus, a charity group.

Twenty local non-profits are also participating to raise funding, generate awareness of their programs, and to put on a fun activity for local youth and families.

There will be a 3-D simulator ride, a ferris wheel, a helicopter ride, space wheel, a golf event, three jumping houses, plus more.

Booths will feature traditional carnival games, such as the ring toss and darts, while also providing information about local community programs and services.

The Saturday night teen dance will be held in the Legion Hall, and a local DJ will provide music.

“It’s an old-fashioned carnival for youth and families,” said Scott Magness, Commander for the American Legion. “The plan is to make it annual event.”

There will burgers, hot dogs and brats, and beer for adults.

“We wanted a fun, local activity for the younger generation, because a lot of our kids are going to Durango or Farmington for events there,” adds Leroy Roberts of the Knights of Columbus.

Bringing together all the non-profits helps to get their information out, and promotes networking and sharing of ideas to help the community, he said.

Entry to the event is free, and tickets are sold to exchange for rides, games, food and drinks.

Police and fire trucks will also be at the event for kids to check out and learn about. The Cortez Fire Academy will be setting up their dunk tank as well. Hit the target, and the firefighter falls into a basin of water.

The carnival goes from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information, call the Cortez American Legion Post No. 75 at 970-565-8151.