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The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association's goal when planning this year's Labor Day events was to do something completely different than everyone else.

"I think this is really a family weekend," said Jody Anagnos, director of special events for the chamber. "It's a low-key weekend with a lot of different options for people, which is what I like."

The chamber began working with Northwest Colorado aviators to publicize the Wild West Air Fest to the aviation community this year.

"A lot of these pilots are just looking for an excuse to fly," she said. "Some will come to Steamboat just for breakfast and check out what's going on and then fly home at night."

There will be a static display of all types of airplanes, including classic vintage planes from World War II.

"One place looks like the Red Baron from Peanuts," Anagnos said. "There will also be remote control and radio controlled planes. There are even helicopters that drop parachutes from this remote-controlled group."

Eighty hang gliders and para-gliders will descend from the top of the ski mountain on Sunday. They can't fly in the morning because of air currents.

"They want variable wind because that's what keeps them up and moving," Anagnos said. "Mountain air is very unpredictable, and you have to have a certain level of expertise to fly in Steamboat."

Those who would prefer to fly in their tennis shoes can participate in the 10K at 10,000 feet run on Sunday. It takes place on Rabbit Ears Pass. About 125 to 150 runners typically participate.

"It is one of the more popular races in the running series," Anagnos said. "Some years there is perfect weather, and some years there is snow. You never know what you are going to get, but the course is supposed to be really cool."

If you want to watch something more precarious than running a 10K, the bull riding event will feature professional bull riders.

"There are four or five different levels of categories, and people come from all over the country," Anagnos said. "It is a pretty dangerous sport and a Labor Day staple."

The Cayuse Classic at Sidney Peak Ranch and the Steamboat Stockdog Challenge at the Stanko Ranch are two other exciting events involving animals.

"The Cayuse Classic is the only horse event of its kind in Northwest Colorado, and it is the main signature event for the Community Agriculture Alliance," Anagnos said.

The Stockdog Challenge tests border collies and Australian shepherds on how well they can herd sheep.

"Those dogs are absolutely ridiculous," Anagnos said. "They have very specific things they have to do with the sheep, and the owner is only allowed to call them with whistles."

Other local events during Labor Day weekend include a farmers market and a sidewalk sale downtown.

"For me personally, I like the sidewalk sale," Anagnos said. "I already have my eyes on some things downtown, and I'm waiting for the sale."