‘The Local’s Show’ reaches 20th anniversary milestone

It’s easy to have a dream. It’s another thing altogether to make it happen. Yet, that’s exactly what Erik Starvan did as the creator of Aspen’s “The Local’s Show,” now celebrating its 20th anniversary on GrassRoots Community Network and cementing its place as the longest running local TV show. 

“It’s the locals that still make this valley truly special, one of a kind,” said Skarvan.

It all began when Skarvan, a local media personality, envisioned a hyperlocal television series that could inspire others. With that in mind, he has produced more than 600 episodes highlighting local talent on this beloved Aspen-centric show.

“I’ve learned a lot about the residents,” he said. “The reason I started the show was to feature locals. I think it’s the most relevant television there is. What’s more relevant than your neighbors?”

He has stayed true to his mantra, refusing sponsorship and funding from entities outside of the area.

“It’s Erik’s idea and completely his show,” said John Masters, executive director of America’s original public access television station, GrassRoots Community Network, founded in 1971. “GrassRoots doesn’t have any input on what he does. It’s a perfect model and example of what community access is.” 

The show shoots every Wednesday at Red Brick Center for the Arts and airs on Thursdays. Each year, the show has a winter series, followed by a summer series, kicking off in June.

Prior to becoming the host and producer of “The Local’s Show,” Skarvan worked on “Aspen Today” for seven years at the top of Aspen Mountain. At his core, he knows the two things people love about Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley are mountains and the community.

“I’ve been blown away by the locals pursuing their dreams and sharing their successes is wonderful,” he said. He hopes to encourage others to get off the fence and take action on their goals.

In Skarvan’s effort to inspire others, he has had the opportunity to interview Olympic Silver Medalist Gretchen Bleiler, music legend John Oates, and ski-attire inventor and one of the original 10 ski instructors on Aspen Mountain in the late 1940s, Klaus Obermeyer.

Other notable appearances include Louis W. Dawson, author of “Avalanche Dreams,” telemark skiing expert “Tele Ned” Ryerson, bionic mobility pioneer Amanda Boxtel, and legendary magician Doc Eason. It also showcases business people, such as Mike Harrington, executive director of the Wheeler Opera House, and Masters.