Steamboat Springs — Recognizing South Routt’s local talent, the second annual Ditchfest will take place this weekend in Oak Creek.

“There is an unbelievable concentration of musical and artistic talent in Routt County and … and there is no outlet for it, really,” said Callie Bradley, one of the event’s main organizers. “This is a great event for people to come and see what we have here and bring a broader audience to the area.”

On Saturday, the bazaar of music and art will kick off in Decker Park with DitchDigger Games, which were a favorite at last year’s festival. Games include the Coal Cart Dash, the Mineshaft Escape and a Big Wheel Race for kids of all ages. Throughout the day, there will also be a car show, a live art demonstration and show, a live tattoo demonstration and a welding exhibition.

New to this year’s festival are the musical acts, which include action-packed jam bands to bluegrass, rock, R&B, folk and a bit of country. Among this year’s acts are Split Lip Rayfield, Grant Farm, Interstate Stash Express, Old Town Pickers and the local R&B folk group, Daredevil Flo.

“It’s inspiring to see that there are so many incredibly talented people here and some of the best musicians I have ever played with live in this tiny place,” Bradley said. “The festival allows people to appreciate the creativity and quirkiness of Oak Creek.”

Initially, the idea for the festival came from Bradley’s plans to stage a backyard festival with close friends. Fostering support from the community, Bradley said, the event evolved into Ditchfest, with more musical acts, art exhibits, vendors and games for all ages to enjoy.

“It’s fairly diverse and not your average festival,” said Jamin McKee, another event organizer. “There is this super cool community in South Routt that I think often gets overlooked, but it’s a pretty neat place, and the festival is a good way to see all different kinds of music and art from here.”

Showcasing local artists, the festival will feature a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, glass blowing, tattooing, welding, graphics and handmade jewelry. Artists will also have a chance to win “Most Innovative Art Exhibit,” along with awards given to the top three innovative pieces based upon a people’s choice voting process. To enter the art show at the festival, participants need to bring their art work to the park, as well as something to display them on.

In addition to supporting the local artistic community, the festival will award a scholarship to one local, innovative and insightful high school senior to encourage creative opportunities for future generations. Last year, Michelle Ondrejka, of Phippsburg, won the $500 scholarship. The application timeframe for the scholarship is Oct. 15 through Dec. 1.

“It’s a really small community trying to expand, and this is one of the ways we can do that,” said Dutch Dolan, with OC Ink Drilling, who was part of the live tattoo parlor last year. “It gives businesses extra support, and it’s fun to have an event of our own. It’s really a family orientated event.”

With this festival, organizers hope Oak Creek will become known as a destination for its variety of local artists and musicians.

“We are hoping it’s going to be bigger and better this year,” Dolan said. “It’s a good blend of Oak Creek’s character — the old and the new.”

Tickets for the festival are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased online at ditchfestoc.com/tickets/

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@ExploreSteamboat.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1