Winter Park, Colo., … What do the circus, jazz music and Ted Nugent have in common? They all have a part in the summer activities in Winter Park & The Fraser Valley! Winter Park & The Fraser Valley is proud to announce a summer calendar of events filled with fun activities for the entire family. Below is a highlight of activities that will take place in this beautiful mountain community.

Rocky Mountain Wedding Showcase at Winter Park Resort and Devil’s Thumb Ranch (May 31 & June 1): Brides can plan every detail of their upcoming wedding while enjoying a beautiful mountain getaway with mom, bridesmaids or the lucky fiancé. A memorable Winter Park and Fraser Valley weekend getaway will be complete with an excursion on one of more than 600 miles of nearby mountain bike trails, hiking paths or just relaxing at a local spa.

La Vita e' Bella Italian Festival at Winter Park Resort (July 11-13): Travel to Italy without leaving Winter Park! This 3-day festival recreates the atmosphere of an Italian mountain village complete with a central piazza, food, wine, exhibitors, artisans and entertainment. The authentic Zoppe' Italian Theatrical Family Circus will be holding seven performances during the event, which is also their first trip to Colorado.  There will also be an Italian car exhibit featuring the winners of the 2008 Automezzi.

Winter Park Jazz Festival at Hideaway Park (July 26 & 27): This 26-year musical tradition continues this year, right in the middle of downtown Winter Park at Hideaway Park. This festival includes food and craft vendors in an intimate setting with spectacular views. The lineup includes performances by Guitars and Saxes: featuring Gerald Albright, Jeff Golub, Jeff Lorber and Jessy J., Average White Band, Dotsero, David Sanborn, Norman Brown and Friends, Hazel Miller and Soul School. 

Winter Park & The Fraser Valley Arts Week & Alpine ArtAffair (July 26 - August 2): Celebrate the beauty and grandeur of Grand County through the visual arts. Artist workshops, tours and demonstrations will be in abundance. This week includes the Youth Art Mentoring Event on July 31st, which will pair children from Grand County with a professional artist featured during Arts Week for a great learning experience. Also, Plein Air artist demonstrations will take place throughout the week.

Crankworx (July 31 – August 3): The 2008 Crankworx Colorado Freeride Mountain Bike festival will include Slopestyle, Big Air, Cross Country and Super Downhill competitions, with more events to be named the event approaches. Crankworx Mountain Bike Festivals feature the best freeride mountain bikers from around the world.

Grand County Parade of Homes (August 2-3 & 9-10): The fifth annual Grand County Parade of Homes features the best in builders and real estate that the Winter Park and surrounding areas has to offer, giving the visitor a taste of real mountain living and true residential craftsmanship.

Fraser River Days at Hideaway Park and Fraser Ponds (August 9-10): Celebrate Winter Park's Wide Open Spaces by experiencing fly-fishing, guided interpretive hikes, environmental education seminars, trail projects, live music and a special lumberjack show. There will be free fly fishing lessons and demonstrations by The Raptor Education Foundation.

Salute to American Veterans Rally and Festival (August 15-17): The 2008 remembrance ceremony will be held at Hideaway Park honoring past veterans and active duty with a military parade, military guest speakers, live music and flyovers. The Traveling Vietnam Wall, a moving tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters, will be displayed at the Fraser Valley Sports Complex during the event weekend.

103.5 The Fox HawgFest 2008 (August 16-17): AIG Live and 103.5 The Fox are proud to present HawgFest 2008 featuring Cinderella, Warrant, Lynch Mob, The Groove Hawgs and Lynam on Saturday, Aug. 16. Sunday’s lineup includes performance by Ted Nugent, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, War and a second show by The Groove Hawgs, plus many other special guests at Winter Park Ski Area. One-day passes are $35, and two-day passes are $60.

For more information on Winter Park & The Fraser Valley, visit www.playwinterpark.com or call the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-903-7275.