Norwood’s “old west” small town charm and ranching heritage shines with these fun, family-friendly summer festivities.
Star Spangled Saturday – June 29, 2019
Kicking off Norwood’s summer events is Star Spangled Saturday, a fun, family-friendly community event hosted by the Norwood Fire Protection District. Star Spangled Saturday in an Independence Day themed celebration which takes place every year on the Saturday before the Fourth of July.
Star Spangled Saturday starts with the family-friendly Wrights’ Run, presented by the Norwood Fire Protection District and the Norwood Park and Recreation District. The Wrights’ Run is a 5K fun run and 10K challenge run, both starting at 8 a.m. at the Norwood Fire Department. To register for the run, click here!
Once the race is finished, the Star Spangled Saturday Parade takes off down Grand Avenue at 11 a.m. Volunteer firefighters will serve up barbecue at the “Pig Palace” located at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds following the parade.
San Miguel Basin Fair – July 13-20, 2019
The San Miguel Basin Fair and Rodeo is a century long tradition which takes place every summer in July at the San Miguel County Fairgrounds in Norwood. The event kicks off with the San Miguel Basin County Fair. Some of the biggest, most popular events of the fair include the Dessert Contest, Greased Pig Contest, 4-H Horse Show, Livestock Shows and auction, as well as a live band to kick things off. Click here for more information on the San Miguel Basin Fair!
San Miguel Basin Rodeo – 26-27, 2019
The San Miguel Basin Rodeo has a long-standing tradition of being one of Norwood and the region’s most popular events of the summer. The rodeo is a 115 year-old tradition, deeply rooted in the ranching heritage of Wright’s Mesa and its surrounding areas. You will find professional cowgirls and cowboys along with local talent strutting their best rodeo skills. The Rodeo’s adrenaline filled events are sure drive excitement and get your heart pumping with Bareback Bronc Riding, Barrel Racing, Break-Away Roping, Bull Riding, Calf, Roping, Junior Rodeo, Mutton Bustin, Ranch Bronc Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Drag, Team Roping, Tie Down Roping. Food and beer, music as well as activities for kids are plentiful during the rodeo.
Looking for a ride to the Rodeo?
New this year, Telluride Express will be offering round-trip shuttle services from Telluride to Norwood during the rodeo. Shuttles will depart Telluride at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. each day. Rodeo goers can also hop on a one-way trip to Norwood in the evening via the SMART (San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation) busses which travel between Telluride and Norwood with additional stops in Sawpit and Placerville. The SMART busses leave Telluride at 5:05 and 5:20 p.m. on Friday and 5:05 p.m. on Saturday. Click here to view the SMART bus schedule!
Pioneer Day Celebration – September 28, 2019
Norwood’s history takes center stage in September, with the Pioneer Day Celebration honoring Norwood’s homesteading heritage and long-term local residents with a parade, chuck wagon meal, car show and old-fashioned kids games.
The day kicks off with the coronation of the Pioneer Day Queen on Grand Avenue at 10:30 a.m. followed by the Pioneer Day Parade at 11 a.m. The parade travels west down Grand Avenue before turning around and heading back east, giving spectators another look. Anyone interested in participating are encouraged to preregister for the parade. The chuck wagon meal for the community is served at the Norwood School at noon and kids games follow the meal on the school’s football field.
The newest event to join Norwood’s Pioneer Day celebration this year is the Chili Cook Off & Social at The Livery, sponsored by Norwood Park and Recreation District. Enter your famous chili for a chance to be named this year’s Pioneer Day and Chili Cook Off Master! Grab your friends and family, mingle with your neighbors, play yard games and dance to music! The Chili Cook Off starts at 5 p.m. $10 entry fee includes chili tasting, fixins and lemonade. A cash bar will be available. Visit Norwood Park and Recreation District or check out the Facebook event for Chili Cook Off details!
Looking for a place to stay while visiting Norwood?
Norwood offers a number of quaint hotels, inns, vacation rentals as well as bed and breakfast and Airbnb options including the Hotel Norwood, Backcountry Inn, Norwood Inn, JAM Ranch and Pilgrim’s Road Vacation Rental and B&B.
Norwood also offers ample camping options, most of which are designated free camping areas. Enjoy camping with river access along the San Miguel River on Highway 145 between Norwood and Placerville, or camping under the wide open sky at Miramonte Reservoir. Other options for camping include designated camping areas along the Thunder Road trail system, located just two miles south of Norwood, as well as alone the Busted Arm Draw road which is located off Lone Cone Road (44ZS), 15 miles south of Norwood. Camping can also be found anywhere within the Uncompahgre National Forest. For RV campers, Norwood has an RV dump station which is conveniently located in town at the intersection of Summit Street and Cedar Street and is open seven days a week. Visit the Town of Norwood or call (970) 729-0112 for hours and information.
Please visit these resources for more information on camping on Wright’s Mesa.
- GMUG National Forest
- Miramonte Reservoir/Dan Noble State Wildlife Area
- San Miguel River BLM Camping Information
Hungry? There’s plenty to eat in Norwood!
From pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers and beer at Maggie’s Pizza, to farm-fresh produce, meats, grains and various grocery options from the FRESH Food Hub and Indian Ridge Farm, as well as local artisan handmade bread from Blue Grouse Bread, Norwood has your food needs covered!
What else is there to do in Norwood?
Wright’s Mesa and the area surrounding Norwood is full of endless possibilities when it comes to playing outdoors! Visit norwoodcolorado.com/visit-norwood/outdoor-recreation/ to learn more about recreational opportunities in and around Norwood!