The inaugural Cortez Summerfest Carnival will take place Friday and Saturday at the American Legion grounds, 320 N. Harrison Street.

The new fundraiser will have carnival rides, games, food, and drinks. A teen dance will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday. The Cortez American Legion Post No. 75 and the local chapter of The Knights of Columbus, a charity group, will host the event.

Twenty local nonprofits also will participate to raise money, generate awareness of their programs, and to put on a fun activity for local youth and families.

There will be a 3-D simulator ride, a Ferris wheel, a helicopter ride, space wheel, a golf event, three jumping houses, plus more.

Booths will feature traditional carnival games, such as the ring toss and darts, while also providing information about local community programs and services.

The Saturday night teen dance will be held in the Legion Hall, and a local DJ will provide music.

“It’s an old-fashioned carnival for youth and families,” said Scott Magness, Commander for the American Legion. “The plan is to make it annual event.”

There will burgers, hot dogs and brats, and beer for adults.

“We wanted a fun, local activity for the younger generation, because a lot of our kids are going to Durango or Farmington for events there,” said Leroy Roberts of the Knights of Columbus.

Bringing together all the nonprofits helps to get their information out, and promotes networking and sharing of ideas to help the community, he said.

Entry to the event is free, and tickets are sold to exchange for rides, games, food and drinks.

Police and fire trucks will also be at the event for kids to check out and learn about. The Cortez Fire Academy will set up its dunk tank as well. Hit the target, and the firefighter falls into a basin of water.

The carnival will be held from 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call the Cortez American Legion Post No. 75 at 565-8151.