Watch CBS News

Thousands Flock To Annual Fire And Steel Festival In Colfax

COLFAX (CBS13) - A wild party brought thousands of people to a quiet foothills community with fire, DJ's and dancing.

The town of Colfax experienced a temporary boom in its economy with the invasion of the 3rd Annual Fire and Steel Festival.

Sparks were flying through the streets for the family-friendly festival of fire, art and music.

"We wear just absolutely anything, anything from just a big floppy hat to a full on chicken suit," said event director Jim Bowers.

The festival is a smaller version of Burning Man, which is held in Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

"It's really crowded and it looks like more people are coming in double," said one business owner.

Employees of the Colfax Market have been cashing in on the crowds all day.

"We want people to stay. We want them to spend money in Colfax. The local lodge has been booked for months," said Bowers.

"It's been tough in the economy to make a living; and a smaller town like Colfax, you really realize it more," said business owner Connie Marson.

Even the oldest business in town is seeing a lot of new customers.

"We've had people in and out of the store today say that it's their first time they've been here, and we've been here 83 years," said Marson.

The historic town is embracing a new tradition, and it seems to be paying off.

Festival attendance grew significantly this year to almost 3,000 people, compared to just the few hundred attendees in 2011.

The only other celebration that brings this many people to town is Fourth of July.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.