Shake, Paddle and Grow

The last weekend of May looks to be a bit quieter, a respite between Memorial Day and Summer with a capital S. Even so, Colorado paddles, peddles and belly dances, celebrates fiber and roses, and listens to bluegrass and ethnic music .

• Victory Bicycle Classic – Boulder, May 31. Ride with Olympian Davis Phinney and other cycling legends on either a 40- or 60-mile route, event benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.
• International Music Fest – Brush, May 30. From salsa and Japanese drumming to music of Eastern Europe held at the Morgan County Fairgrounds from 11am – 5pm.
• Izzy Fest 2009 – Durango, May 30-31. Al Mafra Four Corners Belly Dance sponsors dance workshops with Isidora Bushkovski on May 31, performance May 30 at Smiley Theatre.
• US Freestsyle Kayak Team Trials – Glenwood Springs, May 30-31. The best kayakers in the country compete at the acclaimed Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park on the Colorado River. Winners will qualify for the World Freestyle Championship in Switzerland
• Clear Creek History Park Blacksmith Demo Day – Golden, May 30. A Golden blacksmith shop first opened in 1859. Watch demonstrations of these time honored skills, free admission.
• Fiber Fest – Pagosa Springs, May 30-31. Spinning, weaving knitting, felting of animal fibers – alpacas, llamas, angora and cashmere goats, churro and Cotswold sheep, angora rabbits and Scottish cattle – workshops, demonstrations, fashion show and Navajo rug auction fill the weekend.
• Palisade Parade of Roses – Palisade, May 30-31. Judging and awards, rose workshops, tour of roses, Sunday brunch at Varaison Vineyards & Winery.
• Bluegrass on the River – Pueblo, May 29-31. Two stages of bluegrass entertainment at the Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo at this 20th annual event.