CREEDE— People don’t need to be stuck in a tiny shack to feel “Cabin Fever,” but the therapy of coming to Creede for Cabin Fever Daze works just the same for everyone.
Running Saturday through Sunday, Feb. 16–17, Cabin Fever Daze will feature indoor and outdoor activities to stimulate the mind, belly and body. The ponds above town will hum with hockey, curling and skating. Fans and participants can keep warm by the bonfires, and the lights will shine into the night for more celebration.
From 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, the C. Waters Gallery will feature artists demonstrating different techniques for painting a scene with a cabin. Featured demonstrators include San Luis Valley artists Kris Gosar, Colleen DeSanto, David Montgomery and Peggy Stenmark. Also from 2 to 4 p.m., stores along main street will offer shopping specials. Kids activities will run from 3 to 6 p.m. at the “old gym.”
For amusement, fever patients can visit the Ruth Humphreys Brown Theatre (the Ruth) from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday to watch a film by Allie Quiller, a behind-the-scenes view of the children’s show production at the Creede Repertory Theatre (CRT). Later at the Ruth, shows at 5 and 7 p.m. will feature Boomtown improvisation comedy on Saturday evening. Tickets run $10 each.
CRT is a big engine behind Cabin Fever Daze, putting on two performances of their improv comedy show and presenting the film about children learning how to be actors during the summers. The kids program started around 2002, initiated by former CRT Education Director Renee Prince. Youngsters like 11-year-old Allie Quiller wanted to learn more about the profession. Her film shows how the program has evolved during the past two decades.
The history of Cabin Fever Daze dates back to the 1970s, primarily featuring outdoor activities and the enthusiasm of San Juan Sports. The tradition faded, but the Creede Community Foundation, formed in 2013 following the West Fork Complex fires, revitalized the event.
Later on Saturday evening, Kip’s Grill will feature the Baxter, Goss and Speake trio, and more music will continue at the Tommyknocker Tavern later in the night.
For the mind, the President’s Day celebration in Creede includes learning opportunities and exploration. The Quiller Gallery will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Starting at noon at the Ruth on Sunday, Stephen Quiller will deliver a free lecture about composition before showing short films about the geology of the Colorado Plateau, the Creede Repertory Theatre Summer schedule for 2019, Allie Quiller’s behind-the-scenes view of CRT and other films from Creede High School students. The lecture and question-and-answer session are free on Sunday, but attendees also have the option to order lunch for $10, catered by Arp’s.