Aspen Historical Society to honor Carl Bergman at annual Holden/Marolt Hoedown tonight

Aspen Historical Society will honor the late Carl Bergman at its annual mining- and ranching-themed summer kickoff, the Holden/Marolt Hoedown, today.

The event will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Holden/Marolt Mining & Ranching Museum, which is located in the Marolt Open Space of Highway 82.

A longtime board member of the Historical Society, Bergman was instrumental in helping create and manage the Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum.

Bergman bought and opened Carl’s Pharmacy in 1965 and operated it until his death in January. He was 85.

Bergman in 1989 led a partnership with the city of Aspen that allowed the Historical Society to lease the Holden/Marolt property to operate an on-site museum.

“His vision for the site and enthusiasm for local history helped establish the museum as an invaluable asset to the area,” said a statement from Aspen Historical Society.

The Historical Society partnered with the city to proclaim June 12 “Carl Bergman and Holden/Marolt Mining and Ranching Museum Day” in honor of Bergman’s legacy at the site.

The hoedown will honor Bergman’s role in and support of the historical society and Aspen community with a naming ceremony of the “Carl Bergman Salt Shed” as well as remarks from other Holden/Marolt volunteers.

The communal event also will include barbecue from the Hickory House, a beer garden, farm animals, activities and games for children, museum tours and demonstrations of the exhibit machinery.

There also will be live music and square dancing with Buffalo Joe Bluegrass Band as well as a photo booth, chicken poop bingo and a preview of the Zupancis building’s restoration project.

Costs to attend are $25 the day of the event and $10 per child. The price includes dinner and one beer for adults. Those wishing not to eat or drink can pay $15 for admission.