NEDERLAND — George Blevins has been quietly, or not so quietly, making a scene most of his life. To honor the artist, writer, librarian, and Civil Rights activist, the Carousel of Happiness is hosting George Blevins Days on August 1 and 2, 2026.

Blevins' life has been incredible. Before Blevins came to the Nederland area he was a Freedom Rider in the early 1960s. He, like the other Freedom Riders, risked their lives for equality. Blevins lived in New York City and one of his jobs was writing advertisements.

He came to Nederland in 1982. In 1983 he started drawing editorial cartoons for The Mountain-Ear. He drove the Gilpin County Library bookmobile starting in 1992. When the library building was completed, Blevins became a librarian with Gilpin County and is still there today.

Editorial cartoon by George Blevins

Blevins has authored three volumes of his book "Cabin Fever" and a delightful and thought-provoking book titled "Mr. Turtle Meets Ms. Ladybug."

He has also played an integral role in the sketching of the animals on the Carousel of Happiness before they were carved by Scott Harrison. Blevins created the Carousel's logo and hand-drew the font for their lettering.

Blevins is one of those people going about our community making it better, but he always kept a low profile.

Come to the Carousel of Happiness on August 1 and 2 to say "hello" to George, get a free signed copy of his book while supplies last, and take a ride on the carousel and leave happier than you came.

The Carousel of Happiness is located at 20 Lakeview Drive, Nederland, Colorado.