This is a Fine Art photo of the Paonia sign that welcomes everyone who arrives to this little town high in the Rocky Mountains. It has a very interesting history, it was once the Ute Indian Reservation when the United States government started to corral the native population, however, do to the Meeker Massacre in 1880, the reservation was closed and the Utes moved to a more isolated location. Very quickly the land was sold to Samuel Wade and William Clark who had conveniently accompanied Enos Hotchkiss on his homesteading journey west. In 1902 the town was officially incorporated. Samuel Wade, in a sentimental moment, had packed with him, the roots of his favorite flower, the Peony. Wade was intrigued with the idea of calling his new town by the Latin name for the flower, Paeonia, however, the post master, refused to accept the name, because there were too many vowels, so it was simply shortened to Paonia. The Peony of the Rockies. Paonia has a population of around 1500 people, mostly involved in the growing of fruit and working in the various coal mines. However, there is the light side to Paonia, many of their on going celebrations in the summer months include The BMW Rally for the high end motorcycle enthusiasts, The DreamTime Festival filled with art of every kind, food, dance, music, sculptures, fire and theatre. The 'Rainbow Gathering' has been happening since 1992 and calls forth every living Hippie and the New Ager to this summer community in the mountains. It is held at the Overland Reservoir, some 27 miles from Paonia. At the first Gathering, an estimated 18,275 people showed up and every year this temporary village descends on Paonia, costumed perfectly for a remake of some tie died flower show from the 1960s. To cap off the festivities is The Mountain Harvest Festival held for three days, an event that captures every aspect of Paonia's personalities and her passionate, yet quirky people who call it home.