Editor:

On behalf of the Ouray Mountain Air Music Series committee, we would like to extend a huge thank you to the entire community for embracing this inaugural year of free concerts in Fellin Park. We are halfway through the month-long series, and we would like take a few words to share some information and thanks.

First, thank you to all the attendees who have filled the park, danced to the music, supported our fundraising efforts in the beverage tents and the local food vendors. Thank you for being respectful and responsible. Thank you to all the kids who have enjoyed the bounce house and playground, played basketball and hackeysack, and filled the park with your joyful laughter. Thank you to the pets and your families for attending the concerts on your leash, and cleaning up after yourselves. In our first two concerts, we estimate we have had over 1,400 people in attendance and have had relatively few issues. 

Next we’d like to thank Rob Miller and Pickin’ Productions. Rob has handled many of the musical logistics including securing the bands, sound, and lighting. Rob is present at each concert to ensure an excellent concert for our bands and our attendees.

We’d also like to thank our incredible Ouray Police Department, who have been so supportive of the series and have worked with us patiently on this brand new event. They are there each week to ensure that everyone celebrates in a fun and safe environment.

A question has come to our attention that we would like to answer here. “How can we afford to bring in such great bands?” To answer this question, we would like to highlight the incredible financial and in-kind support provided by the City of Ouray, businesses, organizations and individuals on our corporate sponsor list. The budget for the bands has been entirely funded by these generous community members. They are the reason we have the talented and diverse bands that perform each week. Please take any opportunity to thank them for their amazing support. The committee will be organizing additional fundraising events during the fall and spring to prepare for next year’s concert line-up.   

The committee would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped us with the huge tasks and details required to make the concerts safe and successful. We will need additional help for the next two weeks, please consider volunteering for a shift – jobs include set up, tear down, band hospitality, perimeter detail and much more.  ou still get to listen to the music and know that you have made a personal contribution to the success of the concerts. 

See you in the park!

– Monica Moran, Dave Turner, Katharina Papenbrock, Heidi Pankow