Media Contact:  Gaylene Ore Ore Communications (970) 887-2536 e-mail:  gaylene@orecommunications.com     GRANBY, COLORADO Elev. 7935 Ft. Pop. 1525   History:  Granby was established at the beginning of the last century to serve as a railhead for the recently constructed Moffat Railroad; by the 1920s, the town was a thriving commercial and service center for local farmers and ranchers.  Today, the town is the county’s commercial hub, home to many service and retail businesses, including a supermarket, medical clinic, movie theater, laundromat, and library, as well as several banks, schools, and restaurants.    What to Do:  Its central location makes Granby a perfect base for exploring the area at any time of the year. The nearby Granby Ranch offers golf, skiing, and flyfishing.  The Arapaho National Recreation Area and National Forest is just up Highway 34, and encompasses five lakes and reservoirs as well as thousands of acres of forest lands open for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and camping. Also within a 20-mile radius of Granby are Winter Park Resort, Grand Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Hot Sulphur Springs.    Lodging:  Several bed-and-breakfast inns and inexpensive motels are located in the area, and the National Forest Service district office has information on nearby campsites.  The Inn at Silver Creek offers both hotel and condo-style rooms with amenities that include swimming pool, health club, game room, restaurant, and convention center.  Visitors to the YMCA of the Rockies/Snow Mountain Ranch, just east of Granby, can choose from tent sites, RV sites, lodge rooms, and cabins sleeping up to 32 people.  Granby is also known as the “Dude Ranch Capital of the USA” for its concentration of dude and guest ranches featuring everything from rugged lodges with hands-on activities to posh resort accommodations.   Events:  February 19-20                    Grand Classic Sled Dog Races March 12-13                        Original Fisherman’s Ice Fishing Contest March 26                             Easter Egg Hunt May 20-22                           Family Fun Fishing contest June-July                            The rodeo season opens in June at with authentic small-town rodeo action each Saturday evening at Granby’s Flying Heels Arena.  4ht of July weekend                        Granby hosts the area’s Independence Day Parade and Fireworks July 30-31                           The Sagebrush Festival takes over Polhamus Park for games, carnival fun, and homemade crafts sale.  December 1                        Granby’s Traditional Parade of Lights   Fun Fact:  ·        Early settlers in Granby discovered that the climate and soil were perfect for growing lettuce; thanks to the proximity of the railroad, the area soon became a major supplier of lettuce to restaurants as far east as Chicago and New York.    ·        December 11, 2005, marks Granby’s centennial.  Check the calendar of events for fun and historical celebrations taking place throughout the year.   Grand County, Colorado is the perfect year-round destinations with activities ranging from a family ski adventure to a real Western trail ride. For additional information on Grand County and an online Trip Planner check out www.grand-county.com or call 800-729-5821.