Annual events are an important part of any town’s culture; these timeless traditions not only honor the history of the area, but also brings the local community together as well.  One particular destination that hosts incredible annual events is Durango, a mountain town of Colorado that contains beautiful scenery and a rich, historical background.  The Animas River Days is one of Durango’s best festivals; this day of fun and entertainment comes around once a year, bringing with it spirited competitions, live music, and much more!  This year’s Animas River Days will take place on Saturday, June 3, 2017, throughout numerous spots in Durango; discover everything there is to know about this thrilling event and start making your plans to attend!

Everything You Need to Know about the Animas River Days

History of the Animas River Days

In order to fully appreciate the significance of the Animas River Days, you should take a step back in time and learn about its fascinating history. The origins of this annual event can be traced back to 1982, when local legend Nancy Wiley, a paddling pro, decided to throw a whitewater rodeo in Durango, CO, for the community.  It instantly grew in popularity and even hosted U.S. National team trials and championships for numerous water sports.  Today, countless individuals, both locals and visitors alike, flock to this whitewater park to watch the brave souls take on the rapids!

Animas River Days Events

Although all the main festivities take place on Saturday, June 3, there will be a few events leading up to this monumental festival.  On Thursday, you can watch a film festival featuring the best paddling films of 2016 at the nearby Durango Arts Center.  Friday will include all the prelims for the next day’s festivities.  On Saturday, June 3, the Animas River Days schedule for 2017 begins bright and early with a kayak and canoe slalom!  Raft races, river surfing, and other additional competitions will follow throughout the day, with finalists continuing to advance to the next rounds.  The Ska Beer Garden will open at noon, so you’ll be able to enjoy a cold brew during the day’s activities.  At 6:00 p.m., the famous Animas River Days parade begins, followed by a wild, inflatable rodeo!

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