Photos by Lyndsie Ferrell The Headwaters Music Festival in Creede was a success this past weekend. Crowds of all ages gathered at Hargraves Park south of Creede and danced the weekend away to visiting and local talent.

CREEDE — A large crowd of guests began trickling into Hargraves Park on Saturday to set up blankets, chairs and shade tents in preparation for the Headwaters Music Festival.

The weather in Creede was perfect for a late summer festival as the endless blue sky stretched out over the San Juan and La Garita Mountain ranges and festival-goers were more than happy to partake in a weekend full of good tunes.

Headwaters Music Festival has been an area favorite for the past several years and though it did not take place last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, board member and event coordinator Bob Holt felt like the year off was the perfect opportunity to make this year’s event bigger and better. Holt and his team of volunteers spent the time preparing for this weekend’s event and it showed. 

Talent from across the country and out the back door of the little town of Creede seamlessly moved from easy, breezy tunes to rocking good hits throughout the weekend. The family-friendly affair was enjoyed by all who attended and allowed people the chance to get out and enjoy the last days of summer. The crowd danced the days away with family and friends and the music matched the beat of the crowd. 

“Our talent just loves coming here. They love the atmosphere and the scenery, and they keep coming back for more. Our local talent is out of this world and everything from beginning to end is successful because of that fact,” said Holt. 

Saturday featured the Rayland Baxter band, who opened the festival five years ago when it was a new event in Creede. Other talents Saturday included Rivertown Folk, Mito Desoto and the Shaky Hands Band. 

One attendee with lots of music festival experience said, “What’s so cool about our festival here in Creede is that after a band performs, they come out and spend time talking with folks where at other festivals they disappear after they leave the stage.”

Sunday featured Moors & McCumber, McLeod Mine, Thom Shepard and Coley McCabe and finished off the weekend with The Rifters. The main stage was filled with both local and visiting talent that brought the crowds to their feet. 

“The music was great. The crowd was into it and glad to be out. The weather couldn’t have been better. If only everything could click together like this every year. It was definitely worth all of the hard work and for that, we thank all of the volunteers, sponsors and everyone who helped make this year a success,” said Holt. 

Plans for next year are underway as Creede is gearing up for a fun-filled Labor Day weekend.