The Colorado Artfest at Castle Rock, facilitated by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Town of Castle Rock and Douglas County Libraries, offers a weekend of original art, live music, strolling entertainers, art and cultural activities, food and fun Sept. 10-11.

"We have 177 national and international artists at this fine arts festival, said Pam Ridler, Chamber President. Increasingly, our promotion targets visitors on a regional and national scale. Therefore, the event name Colorado Artfest, helps visitors across the nation identify with the event in the western region."

Stretching from Town Hall to Philip S. Miller Library on Wilcox Street in historic downtown Castle Rock, Artfest is often compared with the finest art shows in the Western United States. In addition to the diverse mix of juried artists, popular regional entertainers on two stages will energize Artfest-goers on Saturday, September 10th, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday, the 11th, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children under 12 are free - no pets, please.

Other popular features of the festival include a silent art auction, consisting of donated art from Artfest artists; strolling entertainers; an Imagination Zone for Kids, with interactive art and cultural activities (see details inside); the Artfest Store with limited editions of the 2011 Artfest commemorative print by Rodgers Naylor, tee shirts with original designs, as well as past year's commemorative prints and other gifts.

It adds up to a weekend filled with color and creativity - something for every age and every preference at the Colorado Artfest, Castle Rock's signature community event.

Presented by Title Sponsors - Sky Ridge Medical Center and Webster University

Corporate Sponsors - Image Candy, Chobani Yogurt, Yakult USA, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Castle Rock Adventist Health Campus, Liberty Mutual Insurance

Gold Sponsors - FirstBank - Douglas County and Pinnacol Assurance

Silver Sponsors - Castle Rock Bank, Black Hills Energy, G. J. Gardner Homes - Douglas County, Grand Lodge on Peak 7 and Michael's Auto Body

Media Sponsors - Comcast cable, Clear Channel radio, Colorado Springs Gazette, Webolutions web design, Community Media of Colorado and Douglas County Living magazine

Community Partners - Haulaway, Pepsi Beverages Company and Pure Water Solutions

For details, visit ColoradoArtfest.com