Snowmass history: Deaf Camp Picnic

“A regular at the Deaf Camp Picnic the past several summers, John Denver will again sing at the annual event which is planned for Sunday, June 13,” posted The Aspen Times June 10, 1976. “Other groups that will be performing include Tumbleweed, Starwood, Twirp Anderson and the Country Cannonball, Pearly White and Cahoots.

The musical picnic traditionally draws over 3,000 people from all over the Roaring Fork Valley, who come to hear the music and have a barbeque dinner. Price of the ticket is $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 12 and under. The ticket includes barbeque and entertainment. Pop and beer are sold at a nominal price.

There will also be a drawing and prizes include a color TV, an unrestricted Aspen Skiing Corporation pass for next season at Aspen Mountain, Buttermilk, Snowmass, a CB radio, and four new tires … Proceeds from the benefit picnic go toward paying the expenses of the operation of the Aspen Camp School for the Deaf. 58 children with impaired hearing attended the camp last summer and over 100 children are expected this summer. The school is administrated by the board of directors composed of Roaring Fork Valley Citizens in conjunction with the University of Northern Colorado which provides the teachers.”