Business Spotlight: Community, music and mountain views at Arrowhead this Fourth of July

Celebrate a mountain-style Fourth of July this year in Arrowhead, where community spirit and stunning Colorado skies combine for an unforgettable holiday.

The festivities kick off Saturday, July 4, with the annual community picnic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehouse. Hosted as a fundraiser for the Arrowhead Volunteer Fire Department, the family-friendly event features artisan vendors from across the Western Slope, a silent auction and a donation-based flea market.

Children can enjoy relay games, a bake walk, a piñata and a new cotton candy machine, while adults compete in the second annual cornhole tournament. Guests can also purchase lunch and “stuff the boots” to support local first responders.

As the afternoon winds down, the celebration continues at Arrowhead Mountain Lodge, located at 21401 Alpine Plateau Road in Cimarron.

Starting at 6 p.m., visitors can dig into a hearty chuckwagon dinner featuring smoked pork butt, ribs, chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, baked beans and cornbread. The lodge offers walk-up service with plenty of seating inside, in the beer garden or out in the courtyard.

“The whole neighborhood looks forward to this event every year,” said Skye Reid, the lodge’s general manager of lodging, hospitality and guest relations.

Live music begins at 6 p.m. Admission is free, and guests are welcome to bring comfortable chairs to lounge in the courtyard, where local residents often set up cornhole boards on the turf. Outside food and beverages are prohibited.

Thanks to strict rules prohibiting all fireworks, including sparklers, the event is an ideal retreat for easily startled pets. Depending on local Gunnison fire restrictions, on-site fire pits may be lit.

Gather your friends and dancing shoes for good music, good people and good times.

Arrowhead Mountain Lodge is part of the Gunnison Country Times Community Connect sponsored content program.