STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Oak Creek Mayor Nikki Knoebel has no problem telling people what the Labor Day celebration means to the small mining town of Oak Creek, less than a half hour south of Steamboat Springs on Colorado Highway 131.

“We look forward to it all year long,” Knoebel said. “It’s our biggest event of the year, and it’s just a great way for our community to get together and see each other. It’s a chance to appreciate everything that has been done through the year, and this is kind of our celebration of the year.”

The event began at 5 p.m. Friday with a luau on main street, a movie night in Decker Park and a tiki mixer for the entire community. This year’s event also featured  the Gong Show, a talent or no-talent show depending on how you look at it.

“The Circle R has brought back the gong show … we are happy that they are willing to take that on, and bring it back” Knoebel said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize that we do a live auction at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the Colorado Bar. That’s where we raise the money that is needed to put this on every year. So, we ask everybody to come out and support the Labor Day Celebration through the auction.”

The weekend events will keep rolling Saturday, Sept. 1, starting at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. Other events include a cribbage tournament, fishing derby and car show.

At noon, there will be a family fun day with kids games, a hula hoop contest, music vendors and much more. The afternoon will include one of several bingo sessions, the crowning of the king and queen and a comedy show and band that night at the Colorado Bar.

“I love the whole weekend,” Knoebel said. “But I’m really looking forward to the comedy show and the band on Saturday night. I think it will be one of the best things and it is always fun to have live music in town.”

Sunday’s events will include softball, a live auction to help raise money for future celebrations and a barbecue cook-off.

Things will also heat up Monday with the town’s marquee event, the 2018 Labor Day Parade, plus a running race, field games and a dunk tank. The day will come to a close with the grease pole climbing contest for those who are not afraid to get a little dirty for a chance to win $100.

Knoebel is also looking forward to the tug-of-war.

“My team has won tug of war the past few years, so I’m looking forward to that on Monday,” Knoebel said. “I want to challenge people to come out an beat the mayor’s team.”

For a complete schedule of events, visit https://www.facebook.com/260609583958313/photos/a.1033786393307291/2092507564101830/?type=3&theater.

To reach John F. Russell, call 970-871-4209, email jrussell@SteamboatPilot.com or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966.