Vinotok Week is Here
The Celebration of The Harvest Mother was held on Sunday which means Vinotok week is here. Festivities kicked off at the Sunday Farmers Market around noon with a presentation by the Crested Butte Dance Collective, featuring mummers, stilt walkers, jesters and forest creatures as they introduced this year’s Harvest Mother. Patrons were invited to stop by the Vinotok booth to pick up schedules for this week’s Vinotok events, make their Vinotok wreaths and add their grumps to the Grump Box. Additional schedules and Grump Boxes can be found throughout town at several businesses as well as the Post Office.
Don’t miss Vinotok: Myth, Meaning & Ritual and Lore of Rune. Learn about the history of Vinotok Monday, September 17th at the Crested Butte Mountain Theater, presented by Vinotok founder Marcie Telander. Marcie will share the story and Old Country mythology of the real Crested Butte and preservation of roots and ritual. Learn the origins and mystery of Vinotok, one of Crested Butte’s favorite festivals.
Another Vinotok favorite is the Frank Orazem Memorial Storytelling Evening on Wednesday, September 19th. Come gather around the historic potbelly stove with a cup of hot chocolate and Croatian potica bread at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and listen to stories of Crested Butte and surrounding areas from times past. This year The Petito Sisters will be sharing how they found their way to Crested Butte in 1978 and how they have left their mark in our community.
The ever popular Botsie Spritzer Memorial Liar’s Contest is Thursday, September 20th at Kochevars Saloon. Expect a fun, wild, and a bit naughty night as the (21+) community members gather to hear and tell tall tales. Prizes will be awarded for the best liar and this year’s Green Man will be announced.
Bring your appetite for the Community Feast & Handfasting Ceremony on Friday, September 21st. The ceremony begins at 5:30 with Marcie performing the ancient Handfasting Ceremony. Be sure to bring your own plates, utensils and mugs as none are provided. The feast which is served at 6:30 features sustainable, seasonal, organic, regional vegetables and meats. Everyone is welcome to come enjoy live music, while dining with the community.
Vinotok wraps up on Saturday, September 22nd with the Vinotok Mumming, Trial & Burning of The Grump. This ancient tradition begins at approximately 5:00 as the Vinotok cast and crew produce a mini-theatre through the Elk Avenue restaurants and bars. The Trial of the Grump will begin at approximately 7:30-8:00 in front of the Talk of The Town. Come witness the maiden dances, and the play of the Harvest Mother, Dragon, Knight and Green Man. After the Trial, the procession to the 4-Way begins. Follow the cast and crew as they lead the community down Elk Avenue to the 4-Way Stop. The bonfire and burning of the Grump will begin at approximately 9:00 and will be extinguished by 10:30.
Vinotok week is here and we hope you enjoy the festivities. Remember to dress in warm layers as the evening and night temperatures in Crested Butte can get chilly.
For more information on Crested Butte events, festivals, news and real estate, please visit crestedbuttecollection.com.
Photo credit: Vinotok
