Bronc Day promises family fun as Green Mountain Falls turns 135
Looking for a fun-filled day in the mountains? Mark your calendar for the 87th Annual Bronc Day Festival on Saturday, July 26, in Green Mountain Falls. As one of the longest-running festivals in the Pikes Peak region (since 1939), Bronc Day is more than an event – it’s a snapshot of what makes this small town special.
Celebrating history and community
This year’s festival theme is “Celebrating 135 Years of Green Mountain Falls.”
“We’re honoring the generations that built this town, and inviting the next generation to shape its future,” say organizers.
Activities for all ages
Bronc Day offers a full day of entertainment. Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m., followed by a parade at 10 a.m. The day continues with live music, food trucks, children’s games, a bounce house, a pie contest, artisan vendors and a free swim at the GMF Pool. The celebration wraps up with a free evening dance featuring the Tender Foot Bluegrass Band of Manitou Springs.
Classic kids’ games
A Bronc Day favorite is the lineup of old-fashioned kids’ games, including gunny-sack, stick-horse, egg-and-spoon and rubber-duck races. “This is playtime that doesn’t need batteries or screens,” says Darlene Jensen, games organizer. “It’s simple fun, the way many of us remember it – and kids still love it.” No sign-up required. Just show up and play.
Parade route expanded – you’re invited
The Bronc Day Parade route has been extended this year to free up parking and offer a better viewing experience. The new route begins at Joyland Church and ends on Hotel Street. Parade registration is open to the public and free of charge.
Parade organizer Nancy Dixon encourages families and other groups to join the fun. “Make a banner, decorate a bike or stroller, pull a decorated wagon, create a small float – use your imagination!” she says.
Shop local at vendor market
The vendor market is another festival highlight, drawing shoppers eager to connect with local makers. This year’s vendors include jewelry designers, wood and metal artists, and more. Only five booths remain, with a preference for Western- or kid-themed products. Vendor applications accepted online.
Bake with heart – pie contest returns
Also returning is the beloved pie contest. Pies are judged on appearance, taste, and texture. Lisa Huizenga – known affectionately as “The Pie Lady” – offers this advice: “If you’re using a butter crust, keep your ingredients, bowl, and utensils chilled. If the dough warms up, chill it again for 5-10 minutes. Always put a chilled pie into a hot oven (375+ degrees) to prevent the butter from leaking.” Her top tip? “Bake with your heart.”
Limited edition t-shirts support festival
This year’s Bronc Day t-shirt is a perfect keepsake and costs $25. Organizers suggest ordering early through the contact listed at broncdayfestival.org to guarantee your size. Every purchase supports the festival.
Volunteers welcome – be part of the fun
Volunteers are needed to help with kids’ games, carry banners in the parade, direct traffic, or assist with setup and takedown. “Bronc Day simply doesn’t happen without our amazing volunteers – and we’d love for you to be one of them!” says volunteer coordinator Dinah Mann. Those who volunteer for 4 hours or more receive a free Bronc Day t-shirt. “It’s a day packed with joy, laughter, and small-town charm,” Mann adds. “Seriously, how can you say no?”
Families at heart of celebration
In a year that celebrates both the legacy and future of Green Mountain Falls, families are at the heart of it all. Whether you’re pushing a decorated stroller in the parade, cheering on your kid in the sack race, or having lunch by Gazebo Lake, Bronc Day offers a full day of memory-making.
“This event is welcoming, low-key, and designed with families in mind,” says Lisa Bonwell, president of Building Ute Pass Community, the nonprofit organizing the festival. “There’s something for everyone. You leave feeling connected.”
Support a thriving Ute Pass
Businesses and individuals are invited to become Sponsors or Community Partners. Sponsorship supports a thriving, united Ute Pass community where people know, respect, and trust one another through a shared sense-of-place and belonging.
Find details online
Everything you need to know – including the schedule of events, venue maps, parade and pie-contest registration, volunteer sign-up, vendor applications, t-shirt orders and sponsorship opportunities – is available online at broncdayfestival.org.
