It's incredibly entertaining. It's great for all ages.  And it's FREE!  But maybe the best thing about the 2nd Annual Flat Top Festival is that it's cool in every sense of the word. And - it's coming soon - August 8th from 10a.m. to 6 p.m.

High up on the Grand Mesa, just a glorious 40 minute drive from Grand Junction, sits Powderhorn Ski Resort.  A fun, family-oriented ski area in the winter, Powderhorn transforms into the ideal location for an end-of-summer festival.  To get there, just head east on I-70 and after about eight miles or so outside of Palisade look for the signage directing you to Powderhorn Ski Resort.  (My directions are always a bit dangerous, so if you want more specifics, log onto powderhorn.com and go to the very bottom of the home page to click on Directions.)

Besides being the largest flat-top mountain in the world, the Grand Mesa is a full 20 degrees cooler than Grand Junction which makes it a popular destination when the thermometer passes about 95 degrees here.

The mountain becomes oh-so much more inviting however on the second Saturday in August when the Flat Top Festival hits the ski area.  This multi-faceted festival really does offer something for everyone.  For the visually inclined, there's a wonderful (but not overwhelming) offering of fine art for sale.  Fifteen booths display photography, jewely, pottery, paintings and more.  Be sure to bring your camera too, as the vistas from Powderhorn provide photo-worthy scenery!

Now, if music is your "thing" you've hit the jackpot.  Flat Top Reed, perhaps the valley's favorite songbirds, entertain with blues, folk and classic rock tunes.  They're so much fun and you can't help but jump up and shake your booty! 

OK - I'm entertained, but what about the kids? Powderhorn has that taken care of with style (as us usual). With a Bump & Jump, kids corral, petting zoo and dog demonstrations, if your kids aren't blissful, then they might need a nap!  (Personally I think a good petting zoo does wonders for the soul!)

Now, when your  tummy is starting to rumble, you can head over to the Barbecue station for some good, juicey fare. Napkins come free with purchase of food!

And, if all this doesn't tempt you, check your pulse.  Kidding!  This is the kicker... the entrance fee to this fine Saturday afternoon is FREE!  That's right... FREE!  Even the parking is FREE. 

This is only the second year for this popular event, but it's one of the first I put on my calendar this summer.  (Unfortunately, because of a previous promise to my 14-year-old, I will be "surviving" multiple bands playing I-don't-know-how-to-label-it music at "Wharped Tour" in Denver.  Yes - I AM wharped!).  Wish I could join you at the Flat Top Festival.  Ohhhh, you don't know how much I wish I could join you...