Event Horizon offers camping, bands for eclipse

Crystal R. Albers
Posted 8/16/17

As with many Goshen County residents and businesses, Leland Courtney sees the upcoming total solar eclipse as not only an opportunity to witness a rare celestial event, but to capitalize on the expected influx of visitors.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Event Horizon offers camping, bands for eclipse

Posted

TORRINGTON – As with many Goshen County residents and businesses, Leland Courtney sees the upcoming total solar eclipse as not only an opportunity to witness a rare celestial event, but to capitalize on the expected influx of visitors.
Originally, Courtney planned on simply hosting campers at his lot on Road 47, about a quarter-mile north of U.S. Highway 26/85, but he soon decided to add entertainment – and in a big way.
“The whole idea was just to have tent camping and RV camping,” Courtney said. “We thought about it, and I said, ‘It’s kind of boring to just sit in a tent or camper all weekend.’”
In addition to camping, Courtney is hosting two bands at the Goshen County Fairgrounds’ Frontier Shelter this weekend. He’s calling the experience “Event Horizon.”
The Grind 5280, a Denver-based band that plays rock hits from the ‘70s through today, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday evening. Due to a roping event earlier that day, gates will open at 11 a.m. Food, a beer garden and a carnival will also greet attendees Saturday.

“Saturday is going to be a pretty good rock-n-roll show – (The Grind 5280) is renowned in the Denver area,” Courtney said.
The event is sponsored by Fireball.
Sunday, soft-rock trio The Symbols, of Fort Collins, Colo., will play at 7 p.m. at the Frontier Shelter. Gates open at 6 p.m., and there is a $5 cover charge.
“(The Symbols) is mellower music, a little lighter,” Courtney said. “We decided (the Frontier Shelter) would be a better venue in case it started to rain, and the music (if performed at the campsite) might disturb other campers.”
Those who pay for camping will receive special perks, including a free armband for both shows, a lunch wagon at the campsite and even designated drivers, if necessary.
“If there’s some folks who need designated drivers (to and from the show), we can help them with that,” Courtney said. “If they’re here camping, we’ll definitely take care of them.”
Courtney is offering camping for the entire event for $200. A single overnight stay is $100. Campers can begin arriving as early as Thursday afternoon.
“We should have something for everyone,” Courtney said.
For more information, call Courtney at (307) 575-9473.