CHAUTAUQUA DAY SILT HISTORICAL PARK - MAY
Chautauqua is a community-based, cultural and social movement that started in the 1870's and flourished in America until the mid 1920s/ During this time there existed hundreds of touring "Chautauquas" that presented lectures, dance, music, drama, and other forms of "cultural enrichment." Eventually it broadened and organizers brought in great orators, added music, and later theater. It is a popular belief that this type of information exchange was the origin of the current adult education movement. Chautauqua has returned as a history festival to bring the past alive. Chautauqua days in Silt occur in May.
A small town celebration and tradition since 1969. On the first Saturday in August of each year the Silt Hey Day Committee, a group of local volunteers along with the support of the local businesses, sponsors a wonderful family friendly celebration. The Silt Historical Society is one of the many local groups participating and it is their biggest fund raiser of the year. The Chamber is just one of the many floats. Anyone can build one and enter, many families and children join the old tractors and fire engines as they go through town and around the park. Lots of good food, prizes, crafts, music, and information is available during the festival. The music starts early and goes late. Be sure to join in on all the fun.
STATE PARK - HARVEY GAP
Located approximately 4 miles out of Silt. Harvey Gap offers a swim beach, fishing, boating for boats with motors 20mp or less, and picnic areas.
NATIONAL FOREST - RECREATION
White River consistently ranks as one of the top five Forests nationwide for total recreation use. The Forest provides an excellent variety of recreation opportunities in all seasons. Visitors can enjoy eleven ski areas, eight designated wildernesses, several National Trails, approximately 70 Forest Service administered developed sites (campgrounds, picnic grounds, boat ramps and observation sites) and over two and one-quarter million acres for general motorized and non-motorized backcountry enjoyment. White River National Forest is located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, approximately two to four hours west of Denver on Interstate 70. The White River encompasses much of the area from the Continental Divide, west to Rifle and from Meeker, south beyond Aspen. It includes much of the area around some of Colorado's well known destinations such as Breckenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs and Aspen.
