Lyons shows grit amid disaster recovery

The big picture: Lyons endured a catastrophic 2013 flood and a ruinous 2022 downtown fire, compounded by pandemic-related setbacks.

Context: Last year, the small town in northwest Boulder County completed the last of its 100-plus rebuilding projects in the wake of the devastating 2013 flood.

• In addition, just as the world began to emerge from the COVID pandemic, a fire destroyed several businesses in downtown Lyons in 2022.
• While last year's Stone Canyon Fire did not cross into the town, many residents were evacuated.

Between the Lyons: The slogan "We've got grit" reflects a hard-won sense of identity, first adopted on bumper stickers after the 2013 flood.

• "Lyons is nothing if not resilient," the town's mayor, Hollie Rogin, said.
• Yes, but: "Like many small towns, our economy is struggling. It's mostly seasonal, which adds challenges," Rogin added.

Zoom in: The town boasts six wedding venues, the James Beard finalist Marigold restaurant, outdoor and recreation opportunities, and a vibrant music scene highlighted by two major summer festivals at Planet Bluegrass.

What's next: Construction is underway on a new two-story retail and office space where the 2022 fire destroyed key businesses. A long-anticipated hotel project is also slated to begin this year.

The bottom line: Lyons is hoping resilience — and maybe a bit of reinvention — will be enough to win back the crowds.