For eleven years, the Dolores River Festival has rocked the valley in June with national and local music acts.
But it can't happen without a successful fundraising campaign for the $40,000 in concert production costs.
Enter the Telluride Mountain Film Festival, scheduled for Friday, April 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Tickets are $10, and youths ages 15 and under get in free.
The viewing of short films and silent auction are a must-attend local party, and a main fundraiser for the Dolores River Festival.
Green chili will be available for sale by The Naked Moose Restaurant, and the Dolores River Brewery will be selling fresh beer from the keg. There will be plenty of popcorn for the movie viewing, and the event is family-friendly.
"We have a great selection of films this year," said Ryan Robison, coordinator for the Dolores River Festival. "Mountain films range from fly-fishing to adrenaline rock climbing, and we close with a really hilarious one."
Patrons will have a wide variety of art and outdoor goods to bid on at the silent auction. Outdoor gear from local favorite Osprey packs will be available, as well as from Outdoor Research, Teton Sports, and many others.
"From tents to dry bags, packs and jackets, there is a good selection," Robison said. "Then there is a lot of local artwork and unique items. Great food from local vendors will also be there."
Outstanding auction items include Ruff Wear, gear for your pets; a Dunton Hot Springs package deal; and a Durango deal that includes a train ride, hotel stay, and restaurant voucher.
Robison said the line-up for the Dolores River Festival is still being finalized. The headliner will be a national act, and there will be local and regional bands performing on two separate stages.
The nature and music theme continues after the festival as well. Proceeds from the concert go towards improvements on the Dolores River, including cleanup and a new put-in and take out for boaters on the upper Dolores.
"We're ramping up the music this year and invite the community to come out and support us during the film festival fundraiser on April 24," Robison said.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com