By:
Robin Tierney Special to The ExaminerJanuary 31, 2010
Nestled between peaks near the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake turns traditions into wild spectacles. Its Feb. 6 Winter Carnival include such alt-Olympics games as Teapot Curling, Snow Sculpting, Human Bowling and the Town Tug-of-War.
After the games, townies and tourists alike celebrate at the Olympic Medal Party & Dance at Pancho & Lefty's.
As Colorado's largest natural lake, Grand Lake (elevation 8,369 feet) has served as a backdrop for antics and action. Centuries ago, when Ute and Arapaho waged war, women and children fled by raft, only to be cast overboard by gusting winds. Survivors dubbed the cobalt-blue waters "Spirit Lake." In 1883, a proposal to move the county seat triggered a deadly Fourth of July shootout.
These days, Grand Lake's about friendly competitions, such as parades with revelers dressed as cowboys, call girls and other characters. "It's a place to have fun," said Eileen Jones. In town for her annual family reunion, she brought her 14-year-old water-loving dog and an sport utility vehicle-load of boating gear.
At dawn, mist rises from the 400-foot-deep lake; when it clears, the glassine surface mirrors cottony clouds, surrounding peaks and colorful boats docked at the arcade.
"[Grand Lake] is the quiet side of Rocky Mountain National Park, so it's not very touristy," said Linda Gricius, of Reston. "It's also a big area to spot moose and elk."
Boasting lakeside homes built in the late 1800s, the town was one of Colorado's first resorts. People now come to snowmobile and ski, get rowdy at Grumpy's Saloon, hunt knickknacks in shops along the short Old West-themed Grand Avenue, and cruise the sky-high lake in motorboats, sailboats, pontoons, kayaks and canoes. Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre offers professional productions -- and everyone gets into the act at festivals from Winter Carnival to July's Buffalo Parade with gunfights and other Old West antics.
Grand Lake is among the few places that allow snowmobiling on roadways. But if you prefer dancing in the street, you'll attract partners in no time.
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