SkiJor Estes Park - January 25-2025

Promo Photo for the SkiJor Website

This was the first ever SkiJor event in Estes Park. It actually snowed earlier in the week and then it was actively snowing today during the event. We received another 4-6 inches. 

Ticket for SkiJor

I bought my event ticket online, loaded my truck with my camera stuff and headed out. 

It was snowing SO very hard that I never took my good camera out, I just used my cell phone so the images aren't great. 

I walked the shops in the building and got some memorabilia and snacks. 

Then headed out to the event - it was behind the Event Center and not in the Rodeo Arena. 

Pink Jackets were the volunteers and they had a HUGE job to do today. I was impressed with how well they put this on in driving snow. 

I watched the snow boarding event and got pictures. It got way crowded and I just didn't feel like being in the snow or cold any longer so I missed the Ski event. I hope they do this next year as I would like to get covers for my cameras to try for better action shots. 

I hope they get some temp seating so it's not standing room only and people jostling each other to see. It would be great to see the whole course. 

In the vendor area they did have delayed video feed so people could sit at the tables and watch if they got cold. 

First People's Festival - Estes Park - January 18-2025

First People's Festival Card

This was the second annual First People's Festival. I missed last year's event and this year's event started with 6 inches of snow on the ground. Thankfully, the event was indoors and at the Estes Park Events center.

The snow slowed everyone down a little, so when I arrived around 10 am, a lot of the artisans were still setting up. I did a couple of walk throughs, then really hit the shops hard. The artisan work was SO amazing. 

As I shopped, there was flutists playing and drums, as well as people talking about different tribal things. Then the Grand Entry and dancing started. I have been to many pow-wow's in my life and I always love to see the regalia that is produced by native artisans. 

I took some pictures, but couldn't get a lot of decent ones because of people crowding. I have to work tomorrow so can't return, but hope to make it to both days next year and spend some more time. 

Here are a few pictures of things that I purchased and just liked overall. 

Beautiful enameled glass mosaic 

the Teepee that was set up

One of the speakers

Another image of Teepee

Flutist

NPS Sign

NPS Sign

Crowd and Grand Entry

Crowd and Grand Entry

Crowd and Grand Entry

Flag Bearers 

Dancer

Dancer

Dancers

Dancers

Drummers

Beautiful Dream Catcher with Horse head and beaded star

Award winning Dream Catcher with Horse and Beaded Universe

Wall hanging in the Event Center

Sage Book and bundle

Two Spirit Art Mosaic print

Small art print cards of larger Canvas work

Color in postcards from the NPS

NPS booklet on Colorado River

Water Color Prints of larger pieces

Save the Buffalo - stickers for the Tribal Buffalo Initiative

Beautiful Silver Ring I bought for myself

Tin punch ornaments that were hand painted.