38th Annual Territory Days
- Old Colorado City
- May 25th – 27th, 2013
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm / Monday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Hello Interested Vendors / Sponsors
Deadline to apply has passed for 2013. This year’s Territory Days is FULL. Applications are accepted from January through March 15th each year. Thank you for your interest.
If you need additional information or need to contact the Event Committee / Coordinator, send an eMail request. Please include your contact information and the nature of your request or you can call ProPromotions with any questions you may have at (719) 487-8005.
Welcome to the 2013 Territory Days celebration, hosted by Old Colorado City Associates, Ltd (OCCA), the merchant association for the West Side. Here’s a bit of our history.
In 1859, the small settlement of El Dorado, located at the eastern entrance to the pass, that went thru the mountains to the west, was renamed Colorado City, by its founders, and became the first permanent town in the Pikes Peak region.
Early settlers included farmers, ranchers, freighter and outfitters for the people who were rushing to the western minefields. By 1886, the Colorado Midland Railroad was one of the city’s largest employers, with headquarter offices, terminal, and repair yards located here.
A Glass Works was established in 1887, where bottles were made for Manitou Mineral Water, liquor, and wine, by Bohemian glass blowers. Anheuser Busch, Mayor Charles Stockbridge, and others, also bottled beer here at the turn of the century.
When Gold was discovered in 1891 at Cripple Creek, prosperity came from the four gold ore reduction mills, operating in Colorado City.
The town soon became more famous for its many Saloons and Brothels, while the hardworking residents were much more proud of their schools, The Carnegie Public Library, and the churches. As time went on, change was inevitable for Colorado City, and in 1917, it was annexed by Colorado Springs.
TODAY – With over 100 Fine Galleries, Specialty Shops, Boutiques, Museums, Restaurants, and services available, Historic Old Colorado City, has it all. The tree lined streets beckon you to stroll and enjoy the largest concentration of independent retail establishments in Colorado Springs. Enjoy turn of the century architecture and rich history from Colorado’s Gold Rush Days.
Enjoy the fun this weekend, remember our fallen brethren, and please do come back to Old Colorado City often. Shop, Dine, Discover – Historic Old Colorado City!
Attendees are encouraged to ride the FREE SHUTTLE from Coronado High School running every 15minutes to avoid parking hassles. There will be a FREE bicycle valet courtesy of CS West Bikes as well!
To contact the OCCA please call (719) 577-4112
History
Territory Days began in 1975 as the “Rampart Range Sertoma Territory Days Parade and Buffalo Barbecue”. In 1976 the named was changed to Territory Days to commemorate Old Colorado City as the first capitol of the Colorado Territory in 1861. Territory Days has grown from a small neighborhood craft fair into a three-day street festival which now hosts over 180 craft, commercial and food booths. Between 80,000 and 140,000 guests, (depending on the weather), enjoy this event every Memorial weekend.
Features
The historic district on Colorado Avenue between 23rd Street and 27th Street will come alive with live music, food, fun and entertainment for the entire family. One of the state’s largest craft vendor fairs is highlighted with features including pony rides, kids play area, petting zoo, mechanical bull, Cowboy Church Service, toy train rides, gold panning, wild west gunfight re-enactments, live blacksmithing, period costumed characters, live birds of prey, native American dancers, quick draw competition, and two beer gardens with live music running all three days.
Click To Read Territory Days Official Program
Click image to open larger in a new window
Click image to open larger in a new window
