Welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It’s Friday April 23rd, and we’re here with local news, events, announcements, jobs, and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado. 

Today - With pandemic restrictions finally easing, Montrose County is relaunching the Rocky Mountain Oyster and Red Dirt Festival.

Today’s episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it’s for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at www.elevateinternet.com.

Now, our feature story…

The year 2020 was difficult for many and different for all — but now, some minds are turning to entertainment.

And Montrose County has those folks covered. Enter the Rocky Mountain Oyster and Red Dirt Festival.

The festival is presented by Debi Harmon of 20 Sleeps West Real Estate. It’s on Saturday night.

The inaugural Rocky Mountain oyster fest was canceled last year in the face of COVID-19.

But things are different this year. Fairgrounds and Event Center Director Emily Sanchez said that they thought it was important to take the first step forward in trying to get back to normal.

Although the Event Center has been hosting events since last July, its first ticketed event since the pandemic was in March. It’s second will be what the county has bluntly branded the “testicle festival”.

So what should you expect from the Red DIrt festival? There will be eclectic sounds — just off the beaten path country. Headliners include Lendon James and the Highway 34 Band out of Loveland, as well as the Sam Cox Band from Oklahoma.

Before the bands take the stage, festival goers can work up their appetite by participating in a themed obstacle course. The teams will be taking what’s thrown at them, from balls to cow-roping and all-in-all fun, goofy entertainment.

Want to enjoy the festival without the testicle? T’s Concession has you covered. In addition to the main dish, T’s will have loaded nachos, tacos, chicken fingers, chips and candy.

The Rocky Mountain Oyster and Red Dirt Festival is limited to 500 guests and although restrictions eased precautions remain. The county continues with cleaning precautions. They’ll also be keeping people 6 feet apart. But mask-use is not being enforced at the event.

Sanchez said the festival has been pared back for safety reasons. It isn’t being looked at as a money-maker this year. They’re just hoping to break even on it. 

Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, with the Games starting at 5:30. The first band will be on at 7.

Guests can get a general admission ticket for $25. There are no specially priced children’s tickets because of limited capacities and adult content. The last time we spoke to Sanchez she said there were still about 100 tickets left.

it’s a great opportunity to get out of the house and experience something you probably don’t experience every day.

To find the link for tickets visit our full story on the festival at montrosepress.com

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Now, some local history. This week's local history is brought to you by England Fence. England Fence is family owned and operated, and they're ready to help you build your dream fence, archway, gate, or deck. Give them a call at 970-249-4430, or head over to their website englandfence.com.

The Montrose Mouse became the unofficial mascot of Montrose for several years back in the late 1970’s. It’s a symbol that represents standing up to your oppressors. Montrose found itself in this position when it was battling with Washington to get the Dallas Creek Project - now known as the Ridgeway Reservoir - built. After 30 years president Carter vetoed it. Ultimately the Reservoir was built thanks to a determined town that never gave up. Jane Chamberlain was the artist behind the mouse. 

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And finally, before we go we’d like to remember the life of 

Steven Joe Carroll of Montrose.

Steven was born on September 8, 1959 in Wisconsin. He graduated from high school in 1978 and received his associates degree from Black Hawk Technical College as an electrical technician.

Steven was formerly employed by Micron. He enjoyed rebuilding and fixing motors, as well as biking, and fishing. He was generous with his time helping those that were in need.

Steven is survived by his siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Steven’s life.

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That’s all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.

And don’t forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.

For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You’ll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts.