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Gerald Ford in Vail

By Colorado Public Radio Staff
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Midwesterners Gerald and Betty Ford spent most of their time in Washington DC after Gerald became a Michigan congressman, later Vice President, then President. But they were drawn to Colorado’s blue skies, golf in the summers, fresh powder in winter, with secret service agents in tow.

But the Fords’ interest in Vail extended beyond the slopes. They took an active interest in the community. President Ford was a founding member of the Vail Valley Foundation, and in the 80s, personally called friends to raise money for a new entertainment venue. The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater was christened with a Willie Nelson concert in 1987. The following year saw the inaugural season of the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, which made the valley a favorite destination for top musicians. Gerald Ford – America’s only unelected president – and the only one to bring the New York Philharmonic to Colorado in the summer.

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Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado. See more postcards.

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