Here's to the next 40 years

Cranes. Community. Conservation. Celebration.

Photo by Patrick Myers

On all fronts, the 40th Anniversary of the Monte Vista Crane Festival was a phenomenal success. The combination of excellent weather, fabulous crane viewing opportunities, and a variety of special events drew in visitors from across Colorado and beyond.

While the cranes themselves are always the star of the show, this year's impressive lineup of speakers, special events, and the premiere of the short-format documentary "Where the Cranes Meet the Mountains," gave visitors even more opportunities learn about these fascinating creatures and their habitat.

The well-attended art and nature fair was another highlight of the festival, with a wide range of vendors showcasing their wares and sharing their passion for nature and wildlife. Visitors had the opportunity to browse a variety of artwork, crafts, and other goods while enjoying the community of fellow crane and nature lovers and the fantastic hospitality of the city of Monte Vista.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers, the festival was able to sell over 1400 tickets and attract more visitors than ever before. It was truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved—both our hardworking volunteers and generous sponsors—that the festival was able to come together so successfully.

One of the most remarkable things about the festival was the sense of community that it fostered. Visitors from all walks of life came together to celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature, and to share their passion with others. It was a truly magical experience that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

300 crane enthusiasts came out to hear the keynote speaker and see the premiere of "Where the Cranes Meet the Mountains."

As we reflect on the success of the 40th anniversary of the Monte Vista Crane Festival, we are grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate the natural world. We look forward to many more years of sharing our passion for cranes and other wildlife with visitors from all over the world. Here's to another 40 amazing years and we will see you all in 2024!