2025 Dates will be May 29th – Jun 1st
The Jim Seery Memorial 36th Annual Hammer-In blacksmith event.
Jim Seery/Buzz Engleman Memorial Hammer In 2025
Hello Smiths!
We do hope your 2025 has started well Here is the current news for the Hammer In, 2025!
As many of you know, our long time host, Rusty May chose, after last year’s Hammer In, to sell his place west of Loveland and move to Missouri to be near his son, Ty. It was a good move for Rusty, but caused us a bit of concern We were contemplating several other possible sites, each, as you would imagine, with both good and not so good points. Then word cam back from Rusty to contact the new owners, who might be willing to continue to let us use the site. After some initial miscommunication, we were able to talk to them and they are quite willing to have us back! So we will once again be in the same old location, though the new folks have been busy cleaning up the pasture and it is BEAUTIFUL! The place is cleaned up giving more room, especially for camping, and just generally being nicer. Rusty’s signs are no longer there, but we will be easily visible from Hy 34, just west of the bridge over the Big Thompson.
As Jim Seery was so very fond of saying, “We have NO PLAN and we are sticking to it” As usual. Thursday, May 29 is early set up and hammer if you feel like it. Friday and Saturday are later set up and hammer if you want. Sunday is break down or hammer in the morning if you like. We’ll wrap it up Sunday afternoon.
At this point the only potential problems are, as always, the weather. As I’m sure you know, the weather has been terribly dry. As of now I know of no fire ban, but that is always potential. If one comes up, we’ll negotiate an exemption. Right now the Big Thompson is very low, Some rain would help it, too, Now its the search for dependable toilets on site on time.
As usual, camping is fine, tent or camper. There is water and some electricity. If you want a camp fire that should be OK, but plan on bringing your own firewood. For those not camping motels and restaurants are available in the city of Loveland 10 minutes away
Visitors are OK, as are behaved children. Unsupervised children will be given a high energy, sugary drink and a great Pyrenees puppy! While smithing is generally safe running through the forges is not. Nuff said.
We assume that everyone has some idea of blacksmithing and understands potential risks. Everyone is responsible for their own safety We highly recommend and insist on reasonable safe clothing, eye protection, good shoes. Gloves and apron are up to you.
We have no control over the river, could be low, could be high. Running water fascinates children. Keep an eye on them CONTROLLED dogs are probably OK, but will need to be well controlled and cleaned up after for the sanitation of the site.
We look forward to a great year in our traditional, easy to find site. Plan to come and have a good time with us.
Jan Manning
Jim Taylor
Directions: From HY 25 head west through the town of Loveland as though using HY 34 to go to Estes Park. Go through Loveland and through the hogback and down into the floodplain of the Big Thompson River. There is a new stop light at the Glade road just before you cross the bridge over the river. The site is on the right about 200 yards past the bridge and clearly in sight from the road. Be aware that people tend to romp on it past the bridge where you turn into the site. We don’t want anyone getting rear-ended
If you need, Loveland has grocery stores, motels and restaurants easily available . Come and go as you please. This event is open to anyone interested in working hot iron.