CREEDE - Early summer weather broke out above the small mountain town of Creede this weekend bringing warm sunshine, a hint of rain and guests from all over the US gathered to celebrate the first event of the 2025 summer season. 

Artists were gathered immersed in works of art by 10 a.m. on Sat., May 24 scattered along Main Street among vendors selling different wares and homemade goods. Crowds began to gather to enjoy the brisk early summer day with music floating along the breeze thanks to the talents of Rivertown Folk as children laughed and played in the bounce house set up at Basham Park.  

The big blue and white striped tent was set up at the southern end of Main Street signaling the return of the Silver Chef Competition. Thanks to the generosity of the new owners of Kentucky Belle Market, one of the highlights of the Taste of Creede was able to make a comeback. 

The Creede Farmer Market was set up near San Juan Sports who also had their sale racks out for guests looking for that special gift or to treat themselves for the coming summer. There was everything from early season produce, jewelry, hand carved trinkets and so much more. 

Even the younger crowd had something to keep them busy between the bouncy house in the park to a collage workshop hosted by the Creede Center for the Arts.  

The Creede Repertory Main Stage Theatre was adorned with this year’s Creede Arts Council National Small Prints Show where participating artists displayed their talents. This year’s winners were Dispersing by Diane Tomash of Little Egg Harbor, N.J., who won first place. Flow by Louise Grunewald of Durango, Colorado was awarded second place. And third place was Trouble Moon by Danuta Muszynska of Corvallis, OR. Two Honorable Mentions were Fatiqué by Janet Best Badger of Houston, Texas, and Primrose with Cups by James Mullen of Endwell, N.Y.  

As the day wore on, more and more people ventured out to enjoy the many shops, restaurants, and artists demonstrations. By 2 p.m. Creede was packed with spectators eager to watch the cooking competition. 

Fresh ingredients lined the tables set up under the tent, and participating chefs were given the task of making the best burger in town. The grills were fired up, and each chef set to the task, working quickly to make something to please the judges. Chef Kris with the Creede Hotel won first place and a year of bragging rights while Chef Kip with Kip’s Grill came in as a close second. 

On Sunday, Artists once again gathered along Main Street for the Quick Draw Competition followed by a live auction. Several artists including Taste of Creede founder Steven Quiller joined in on the fun and after an hour’s time, produced wonderful works of art that were sold to support the future of the event.  

Monday bloomed sunny and bright with rain clouds gathering in the west over the San Juans as a crowd gathered in Basham Park to honor the fallen for Memorial Day. A huge thanks goes out to all who helped make this weekend a success.