CREEDE – For the past 37 years, Creede has marked the beginning of its summer season with an unforgettable Memorial Day weekend packed with good food, great talent and a taste of what summer has in store for residents and visitors alike. 

This year, the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce was pleased to announce the return of the Silver Chef Competition, an area favorite event that has been on hiatus since 2023 when long-time supplier, Shamrock Foods pulled out of the event. 

According to chamber Director Julie Meiser, the new owners of Kentucky Belle Market are willing to throw their hat into the mix and revive the long-standing tradition and everyone is excited to see what this year will bring. 

The weekend kicks off with the Small Print Show hosted at the Creede Repertory Theatre gallery at 10 a.m. featuring pieces submitted by artists from across the US and Canada. This is a juried show that brings talent from all different media and should not be missed.  

While visitors wander through Main Street they can stop and watch as artists gather to showcase their talents live, bring life to canvass and highlighted talent far and wide. Local businesses and restaurants open their doors and welcome guests for the coming summer season with delectable food, drinks and merchandise that can’t be found anywhere else. 

This year’s featured artist is Jackie Railsback. According to her bio, “Jackie Railsback’s art is a captivating world where colors and emotions seamlessly intertwine through watercolor, acrylic, casein, and gouache. 

“Founded by Jackie Railsback, a passionate water media artist, the studio draws inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate designs of southwestern art. Jackie graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and is a signature member of the Southwestern Watercolor Society. 

“Throughout her artistic journey, she has studied under renowned artists such as Steven Quiller, Lynn McLain, Judi Betts, and Jane Jones, creating unique works that resonate deeply with art lovers and collectors alike.” 

Chefs from around the area will gather on Saturday, May 24, at 1 p.m. under the famous blue and white stripped tent to vie for the top chef designation as they create unique dishes with ingredients provided by the Kentucky Belle Market. 

This event is only one of many that will take place throughout the weekend, including the Artists Quickdraw competition and so much more.  

Be sure to grab tickets for the opening of CRT’s “Xanadu.” This is the electrifying tale of Kira, a magical Greek muse who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus to Venice Beach in 1980 on a quest to inspire struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco. But when Kira falls in love with mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters descend to create magical chaos! Based on the Universal Pictures film that starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, this hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure is about following your wildest disco pop dreams. 

For more information or a full schedule of events, visit www.creede.com.