The best way to celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday on Aug. 1? Perhaps by joining a historic celebration that showcases the Centennial State’s heritage.

Add these to your calendar:

FIBArk, June 18-21, Salida

Mining and ranching kick-started Colorado’s economy in the late 1800s. Recreation tourism grew in the decades to follow. And while there are several festivals celebrating that outdoorsy heritage, nothing is quite like FIBArk, which stands for “First in Boating on the Arkansas.” The downriver racing and adjoining festivities started 78 years ago. You don’t have to get wet to enjoy.

Strawberry Days, June 19-21, Glenwood Springs

The 129th Strawberry Days will continue one of Colorado’s oldest festivals. It’s also one of the state’s most colorful festivals — in one of the state’s most colorful regions — filled with art, live music, craft beer and food. And, yes, free strawberries and ice cream — the time-honored tradition dating to 1898, when the first festivities launched around the sweet fruit.

Deer Trail Rodeo, June 26-27, Deer Trail

Blink, and you might just miss the town of Deer Trail as you drive Interstate 70 through the plains east of Denver. Pull off, and you might just discover a bold claim here. The town calls itself the “Home of the First Rodeo,” pointing to July 4, 1869, when local ranchers got together to show off their skills and finest animals. So they do today, joined by other traditions and live music.

Cattlemen’s Days, July 9-11, Gunnison

Deer Trail claims to be the home of the first rodeo, while Gunnison claims to be the home of Colorado’s longest continuing rodeo, going strong since 1900. The town is another fitting place to celebrate the state’s cowboy culture. And the town knows how to celebrate all right, with a parade and all the rodeo action you’d expect and not expect. How about a golf tournament?

Manassa Pioneer Days, July 16-18, Manassa 

You know about the San Luis Valley — the sand dunes, the alien watchtower, the alligator farm and such. Maybe you even know about San Luis, Colorado’s oldest town. But do you know about the town of Manassa? Go find out at one of the state’s oldest festivals, dating to 1879. The packed weekend schedule includes a carnival, a rodeo, a demolition derby and fireworks.

Boulder County Fair, Aug. 5-9, Longmont

We’d be remiss not to mention Colorado State Fair, which was inaugurated in 1872 and returns to Pueblo Aug. 28 through Sept. 7. But we’d also be remiss not to mention a county fair with slightly deeper roots. In 1869, Boulder area ranchers put on the old territory’s first fair. Cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses still figure prominently, but there’s also a demo derby and tractor pull.

Leadville Boom Days, Aug. 7-9, Leadville

Leadville seemed on its way to state capitol status in the 1870s, as people from around the world rushed to this town near 10,200 feet, looking to strike it rich on silver. Silver, of course, went bust. But the boom appears alive and well during this three-day weekend featuring proper Victorian attire, a burro race, dancing, mining contests and a street lined with vendors.

Palisade Peach Festival, Aug. 21-22, Palisade

It’s not the only festival celebrating Colorado’s produce. But compared with festivals for the green chile (Sept. 18-20 in Pueblo) and sweet corn (Aug. 22 in Olathe), the peaches have drawn fans for many decades more, dating to 1887. Farmers then found just the right climate for growing. And here in this idyllic, riverside town, festival goers find just the right scene for lasting memories.