The long goodbye. Lots of goodbyes. Golden moments too. And a good bit of philosophisizing about the power and the glory—the beauty—of the Carbondale Mountain Fair. There comes a time for any fair-goer when you look around and realize it just doesn't get any better than this.

Eleven tracks from eight different shows dating back to 2000, courtesy of KDNK's archival Mountain Fair recordings. Enjoy the music, and remember that these dbnamic performances support local arts events and programming in Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley.

Indie rock or Portland folk or elevator music. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Call it what you will, you will listen and enjoy.

20 years of sweet summer tunage at the Fair.

Here is 20 years of kickass roots music at the Carbondale Mountain Fair.

The Mountain Fair might be the biggest and best gig available for local bands in the valley. Here's a listen to the best of local bands over the last 20 years, courtesy of community radio KDNK's archive of Mountain Fair recordings.

The Drum Circle begins every Mountain Fair. It's primal and it's precious. Laurie Loeb is not only the Mother of the Mountain Fair, but also the master of its Drum Circle. Here she talks about how it began and how it evolved. And we hear some stories from the people responsible for bringing music to the Fair.

Amy Kimberly is the current, and longest-tenured, Mountain Fair Director. Here is a deep dive into her time in the spotlight.

The Carbondale Mountain Fair, over its 50 years, has not been immune to challenges. While they never threatened its existence, they certainly altered its trajectory.

A look at many of the competitions at the Fair, including the two favorites, pie and wood splitting.