Periodically we will feature local news or stories here.
May 15. 2023
Walking tour pricing has changed this year. Most tours are now free, but attendees may make donations, if they wish, to help us cover advertising costs. In addition, the number of tours has increased, as well as times they are offered.
Those interested in Ridgway’s movie heritage now have five ways to learn about it:
1. Self-guided tour of the plaques, each of which has a map of plaque locations. FREE
2. Pre-scheduled summer tours at 3pm every Friday June 2 - Sept 1. FREE
3. Pre-scheduled tours in conjunction with two events. FREE
-the rodeo - Mon, Sept 4, 11 am tour
-railroad days - Sat, Sept 23, 12 noon, and 2 pm tours
4. Purchase and download the new audio tour at
https://gesso.fm/collections/true-grit-walking-tour $11.99
5. Email evebeckerdoyle@icloud.com and schedule a tour at a time chosen by the attendees. $10 PER PERSON
Tour goers should arrive 15 minutes early at the departure point, the Hartwell Park gazebo.
April 1, 2023
True Grit walking tours
Some changes have been made to the walking tours of True Grit downtown filming sites, now managed by the Ridgway Western Heritage Society. Formerly they were coordinated by the Ridgway Chamber of Commerce.
The time for the weekly tour is 3 pm Fridays during the summer, which runs from June 2 to September 1. Both guide and participants arrive 15 minutes early at the gazebo in Hartwell Park. The tours are free.
The True Grit walking tour was recognized nationally in True West magazine's Best of the West issue as readers choice for best historical town tour.
For questions or to schedule a tour at another time beside Friday afternoon for $10 per person contact: Eve Becker-Doyle, 469-682-9710 or Ed Bovy, 970-765-4868.
April 1, 2023
United Church of the San Juans Plans Special Cowboy Worship Service during Ridgway Old West Fest. The United Church of the San Juans will host a special Sunday cowboy worship service 10:00 am Sept. 24 as part of the Ridgway Old West Fest. This casual service will celebrate our Western heritage and God’s creation through rousing songs, Scripture, and a Bible-based sermon. Wear your Western duds and come prepared to experience an old-fashioned church service. The church is located at 295 N. Lena in Ridgway.
SOLD OUT!
2019 commemorated the 50th anniversary of True Grit's release in 1969. The Ridgway Western Heritage Society published a book, True Grit: A 50-Year Tribute, in connection with the celebration.
This 128-page book celebrates movie making in Southwest Colorado, the film career of John Wayne, and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the famous movie that won John Wayne his only Oscar.
BOOK REVIEWS -
“True Grit: A Fifty Year Tribute is a marvelous document of the making the film and is filled with rare photographs and delightful anecdotes from the lucky people who were there.”
Brian Downes, Executive director
John Wayne Birthplace Museum
“A labor of love by the Ridgway Western Heritage Society, the book is a wide-format compendium of photographs and firsthand accounts from the set and on location, including period articles from local newspapers that lend a very personal touch.”
Dave Lauterborn, Wild West Magazine
Reviews Some reviews you might enjoy by Bryce Chismire, a local Ridgway, Colorado blogger.
Book: True Grit - Novel - https://www.screenedword.com/post/true-grit-novel
Film: True Grit (1969) - https://www.screenedword.com/post/true-grit-1969
Film: True Grit (2010) - https://www.screenedword.com/post/true-grit-2010
Ridgway Old West Fest
PO Box 1435, Ridgway, CO 81432 US
Copyright © 2020 Ridgway Western Heritage Society - All Rights Reserved.
Email: ridgwayoldwestfest@gmail.com