09/07/2024
Public outdoor art events such as “Cows on Parade” have been successfully held all over the world for decades to the delight of millions of people. Other examples include “Pronghorn Pride” (Rawlins, Wyo.), “Frogs on the Rocks” (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), “What a Hoot” (Coxsacken, Ky.), and “Horses in the City” (Shawnee, Okla.).
“Ponies in the Park” will be one of Ouray County’s signature events for the 2026 celebration of Colorado’s Sequicentennial, our 150th anniversary of statehood. The event will be available for viewing 24-7 for the entire summer.
How it works: Blank white fiberglass molds of a local animal are manufactured and shipped to the host location. Our Colorado-150 Local Organizing Committee has chosen horses as the best theme for Ouray County. Local artists will creatively paint and decorate the horses for display in public places for the summer. Horses will be auctioned off for a Ouray County charity(s) related to Colorado-150 themes in the fall. There will be an artists stipend. The amount will depend on the funds raised.
Artists: Contact us NOW if you are interested in participating. We need to hear from you by November 15th, 2024. Leave us a comment to this post or send us a message. (The actual work would not be until next year - winter of 25/26), but we need to make sure we have enough artists interested to proceed.
Venues: Hartwell Park is the primary location with satellite locations along Sherman St., Clinton St., the fairgrounds, library, and Ranch History Museum. In addition, some “strays” could be displayed at Fellin Park near the Ouray city pool to promote the event and encourage people to stop in Ridgway.
Associated events: We anticipate having opening and closing receptions plus an on-line auction coupled with a live auction at the conclusion of the event. There will likely be a “People’s Choice” award.
Budget: Each life-size horse costs $1,500 and we would need to have at least 15 animals for a worthy event. A budget of $50,000 is necessary to cover associated costs such as advertising. We will need to secure funds by July, 2025 through contributions raised through grants, businesses, organizations, and individuals (via local collection jars and a website).
Benefits: (a) this proposal offers the single best opportunity for Ridgway and Ouray County to capitalize on the Colorado 150—America 250 celebration with a high profile event that would make us a significant tourist attraction for 2026.
(b) People who encounter the event will linger in town longer than they otherwise would have to discover and view all the horses. They will get to know Ridgway better and many will likely eat in local restaurants and make other purchases. By partnering with the additional national publicity generated by the state tourism office for the 2026 celebrations, we will maximize the potential visitation far beyond what we could promote on our own.
(c) This event will generate excitement by local residents for this and other Colorado 150—America 250 events. Few other undertakings could offer a better opportunity to unite Ouray County residents in a common endeavor.
(d) artistic themes will reflect how our geography, history and cultures have shaped today’s Colorado
Ponies in the Park is likely to be remembered and talked about for many years to come.
Action needed now: Grants and pledges (not actual money) from local sponsors are needed now so that we can have the funds in hand by the summer of 2025 to initiate fabrication. Spread the word!
Let’s all come together so Ridgway can celebrate Colorado’s Sesquicentennial.
We need your contribution or it won’t happen. Don’t let the party bypass Ridgway!
How you can help...
We need to raise $5
0,000 by July 2025. We can accept donations beginning now. You may also pledge any amount now and we will collect it in July 2025 if we will meet our goal.
Individuals
___ make your contribution now on
PayPal via https://ridgwayoldwestfest.com
or via GoFundMe.com/###x (coming soon)
___ pledge your contribution of $250 or more NOW for payment in July 2025. Post a reply here in the comments with your pledge. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565120024884.
___ Organize a creative event to raise funds from your friends and neighbors
___ Like this page for progress reports at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565120024884
___ Join our Pony Posse to help plan the event details
Businesses and organizations
___ pledge your contribution NOW for payment in July 2025. Post a reply here in the comments with your pledge. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565120024884.
___ ask your patrons/customers/members to make a small contribution via a collection jar (we will supply)
___ ask your patrons/customers to “round up” their change to the nearest whole dollar to contribute.
Sponsorships
___ Stallion, $1,500 or more
___ Bronco, $1,000 to $1,499
___ Filly, $500 to $999
___ C**t, $250 to $499
___ Pony, $100 to $249
___ Foal, under $100
For more information
Past projects of the manufacturer:
iconpolystudio.com
Ouray County Colorado-150 pony updates:
ridgwayoldwestfest.com
Colorado-150 information:
animasmuseum.org/a250-c150
For Ridgway-specific questions:
Edward Bovy, 970-765-4868
[email protected]
