The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are less than three weeks away as Steamboat Springs in Colorado gears up for its unique winter traditions.The community wants to share its heritage, legacy and traditions with the rest of the world. So from February 3 to 7 the 97th Annual Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival will showcase not only Ski Town USA® but will be cheering on Team USA competing at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.
Amazingly, Steamboat Springs is home to more winter Olympic athletes than any other town in North America. Community pride is taken to a new level as the 2010 Olympic Send-off & Community Celebration on the evening of Friday, February 5 is coupled with the history of the iconic Winter Carnival festival commemorating the skiing and ranching heritage that has made this region of Colorado famous.
Steamboat Springs’ Winter Carnival is the oldest winter celebration in the West. Traditional Carnival favorites include the snow sculpture contest downtown, ski races at Howelsen Hill, snow tubing and the pancake breakfast. Weekend activities include the Street Events on Lincoln Avenue, the Saturday Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill and the Diamond Hitch Parade on Sunday featuring the Steamboat Springs High School ski band, the world’s only marching band on skis. Local organizations participate and dress to the 2010 parade theme: “Livin’ the Dream.”
A popular highlight of the Winter Carnival festivities is the Night Extravaganza on Saturday, February 6th at Howelsen Hill. Onlookers watch young local athletes of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club participate in the exhibition that includes skiers carrying torches, fiery hoop jumpers and an impressive fireworks display.
For more information about top events in Colorado, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Colorado at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-colorado.html
Or, take a look at the official web site for Steamboat Springs at www.steamboat-chamber.com