Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Vinotok: The Burning of the Grump
Crested Butte's Old City Hall
Children play a large role in the "burning of the Grump" celebration that takes place each year in Crested Butte, Colorado, around the time of the autumn equinox. The celebration is officially called Vinotok. It celebrates this community's eastern European heritage. The word Vinotok means fall festival in the Slovenian language. "People in harsh climates often got together to feast and celebrate in the fall. They shared food and the wealth of the land in hopes of staying connected throughout the winter," said the local paper, Crested Butte Weekly.
Each year the harvest celebration begins on Thursday with Liar's Night. It is a tall-tale storytelling contest held at a local restaurant. The following night, a harvest festival feast is held for the entire town. This is a potluck dinner that includes traditional polka dancing after dinner. On Saturday, a food fair includes specialty-food sampling at food booths. A variety of entertainment goes on throughout the day.
