From June, 2023 Powr' Pickn', by Amy Martin
Rail on the River is one of Colorado’s newest weekend festivals, but don’t let that fool you, this production is PRO! Organized and produced by Paul Rennix and Kori Loadman, this festival takes place at Parrish Ranch in Berthoud, and fully embodies and promotes community. There’s a potluck upon arrival, a community bar, and a “Wake and Bake” finish. In fact, this place is SO community, that my very first sight driving in was a gentleman named Dan’s camp that had a table set up full of trinkets with a sign that read “Take what speaks to you.” Turns out a ring pop was calling my name.
The campground is small but mighty, with full hook ups for RVs, a handful of rentable teepees, a dance hall, flushable toilets, and BONUS, there’s a river (think mini Big Thompson). You can soak, float, or fully submerge. It’s a nice way to cool off mid day, and a great way to meet new friends. There’s plenty of shade and plenty of room to spread out everywhere you go, and it’s a very refreshing feeling to not have a care in the world about set up. Your tarp and tent can go just about anywhere, and there’s no waiting in line or running. Just tarp-laying.
The stage is graced with several local bands, all who typically enjoy the fun all weekend long. (aka, there’s campground picking too y’all!) There’s variety, diversified musical genres, and pure joy in each set. I was quite pleased at the amount of dancing that took place on the day I was there, and how interactive the crowd was with each other. I was invited to dance by more than one stranger, who weren’t strangers for long.
Although this was my first time there, it most definitely will not be my last. I found myself right at home amongst all the tie-dye and smiles, and I enjoyed live music, a quick toe-dip in the water, and an afternoon pick all in a single day. I look forward to next year when I can enjoy this festival in its entirety, and I highly encourage you to do the same.
This group will also be putting on an arts and jam camp this August, which as briefly explained by Paul “is an experimental, artistic, and creative experience.” You can read more about that here.
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