PONIES in the PARK - A Major Community Event

Public outdoor art events such as “Cows on Parade” have been successfully held all over the world for decades to the delight of millions of people. Other examples include “Pronghorn Pride” (Rawlins, Wyo.), “Frogs on the Rocks” (Bainbridge Island, Wash.), “What a Hoot” (Coxsacken, Ky.), and “Horses in the City” (Shawnee, Okla.).

“Ponies in the Park” will be one of Ouray County’s signature events for the 2026 celebration of Colorado’s Sequicentennial, our 150th anniversary of statehood. The event will be available for viewing 24-7 for the entire summer of 2026.

How it works 

Blank white fiberglass molds of a local animal are manufactured and shipped to the host location. Our Colorado-150 Local Organizing Committee has chosen horses as the best theme for Ouray County. Local artists will creatively paint and decorate the horses for display in public places for the summer. Horses will be auctioned off for a Ouray County charity(s) related to Colorado-150 themes in the fall.  There will be an artists stipend. The amount will depend on the funds raised.

Artists

Contact us NOW if you are interested in participating. We need to hear from you by June 15th, 2025. Send us an email to edwardbovy@yahoo.com with a message line of "Ponies". (The actual work would not be until next year - winter of 25/26), but we need to make sure we have enough artists interested to proceed.

Venues

Hartwell Park is the primary location with satellite locations along Sherman St., Clinton St., the fairgrounds, library, and Ranch History Museum. In addition, some “strays” could be displayed at Fellin Park near the Ouray city pool to promote the event and encourage people to stop in Ridgway.

Associated events 

We anticipate having opening and closing receptions plus an on-line auction coupled with a live auction at the conclusion of the event. 

There will likely be a “People’s Choice” award.

Budget 

Each life-size horse costs $1,500 and we would need to have at least 15 animals for a worthy event.  A budget of $50,000 is necessary to cover associated costs such as shipping, and advertising. We will need to secure funds by July, 2025 through contributions raised through grants, businesses, organizations, and individuals (via local collection jars, GoFundMe and a website).

Benefits 

This proposal offers the single best opportunity for Ridgway and Ouray County to capitalize on the Colorado 150—America 250 celebration with a high profile event that will be a significant tourist attraction for 2026.

People who encounter the event will linger in town longer than they otherwise would have to discover and view all the horses. They will get to know Ridgway better and many will likely eat in local restaurants and make other purchases. By partnering with the additional national publicity generated by the state tourism office for the 2026 celebrations, we will maximize the potential visitation far beyond what we could promote on our own. 

This event will generate excitement by local residents for this and other Colorado 150­­—America 250 events.  Few other undertakings could offer a better opportunity to unite Ouray County residents in a common endeavor.

Artistic themes will reflect how our geography, history and cultures have shaped today’s Colorado. Ponies in the Park is likely to be remembered and talked about for many years to come.