In this episode of Living in Salida I sit down with Paul Byars—Salida native, local musician, carpenter, and all-around dynamo of our community. Known for his role as the most recent commodore of the FIBArk Whitewater Festival, Paul is, in my opinion, Salida’s unofficial ambassador. His energy and enthusiasm for our town are truly infectious.
In our chat, Paul takes us on a journey through his life in Salida, starting with his origin story and early years. We delve into his childhood in the 70s and 80s, when he explored the rugged Arkansas River and helped create mountain bike trails in the Arkansas Hills. Paul reflects on how these formative experiences shaped him and why he’s chosen to remain in our vibrant town to raise his children and now grandchild.
Paul also opens up about his passions—his love of outdoor adventures, the bands he plays with, and his family, including his father who is one of the first artists to settle in downtown Salida. We dive into his FIBArk experience, where he not only rocked the stage every night but also joined the headlining band in front of hundreds of his friends and supporters. You’ll get the inside scoop on how he manages to juggle all these roles with such flair.
We also delve into what makes Salida special—the sense of community that shines through our celebrations and everyday interactions. Paul reflects on how Salida has grown over the years and offers his thoughts on how we can preserve the unique charm of our beloved town.
Get ready to hear from someone who truly embodies the spirit of Salida. This episode is packed with insights, nostalgia, and a whole lot of heart. Let’s dive in!
"More About Paul Byars: https://citizenspress.com/"
Connect with Me:
Watch weekly videos about Living in the Salida, CO area, including market updates, on my YouTube Channel @LivinginSalidaCO (https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInSalidaCO)
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