Category Archives: Colorado

*Colorado Weekend* – June26-28, 2009

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Bikes, Brews, Blossoms and Bulls

Accompanied by Lots of Music

Welcome web visitor – I’m on the road in the Pacific Northwest, the laptop is in for repairs in Spokane and I’m trying to get this out from a motel business center. No details this week, if something sounds interesting or you’re going to be in the aBikers near Crested Butterea click on the link for more information. Enjoy the weekend!

*Colorado Weekend* – June 19-21, 2009

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Bikes, Boats, Cars and More Cars

Father’s Day weekend seems filled with modes of transport. Cars reign supreme in Grand Junction, Holyoke, Steamboat Springs and Walsenburg. Pedal in Breckenridge, Colorado Springs and Salida. Competitions focus on outhouse races in Breckenridge and tractor pulls in Simla.Pack Mule Sculpture in Breckenridge

  • Gold Strike Festival – Arvada, June 20-21. The 8th annual celebration of Lewis Ralston’s 1850 discovery of gold in Ralston Creek with kid and pet parades, activities and live music.
  • Kingdom Days – Breckenridge, June 20-21. Gather a team, build an outhouse, then push or pull it to the finish line in Breckenridge this weekend. Part of the 1859 gold boom the Kingdom of Breckenridge parties with gold panning, historic sites and mine tours, Wild West gun fights on Main Street and activities for all ages.
  • Starlight Spectacular! – Colorado Springs, June 20, 11:5Garden of the Gods Formations9 pm. Bike the night away on this non-competitive ride that begins and finishes at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and  Nature Center. Routes for all ages and abilities range from 14-25 miles through downtown Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City and Garden of the Gods. Proceeds benefit the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
  • Denver Juneteenth Celebration – Denver, June 20. Denver’s Five Points Neighborhood commemorate the day that Texas slaves learned they were free with a 9am parade and festival from 10am-6pm.
  • Greek Festival – Denver, June 19-21. One of Denver’s largest and longest running  ethnic festivals features traditional Greek music, folk dancing and tons of good food. Events include a Greek boutique and tours of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Don’t miss the homemade desserts including baklava.
  • Highlands Street Fair – Denver, June 20. The Highlands neighborhood in Northwest Denver parties at the 27th annual free street fair from 10am to dusk. Enjoy three stages of live music, classic car show, kids fun zone, 150 vendor booths plus food and drink.
  • Day Out with Thomas – Durango, June 19-21. Take a ride on a full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine on the Durango and Silverton rails. Every young railroader’s favorite engine is the star this weekend. Meet Mr. Topham Hatt, listen to music and storytellers.
  • Teddy Bear Picnic – Estes Park, June 20. Teddy bears and their human companions will gather Saturday for the 25th annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Estes Ark.
  • Colorado BBQ Challenge – Frisco, June 19-20. Sixty teams compete in th2 16th annual event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Cooking demonstrations by grillmaster Troy Black and Southern Living magazine.
  • Fort Collins Irish Festival – Fort Collins, June 20-21. Enjoy the luck of the Irish in Fort Collins this weekend with Irish culture, history, dance, music, music, music and plenty of Guinness.
  • Motorcycle at Gateway Western Colorado Vintage Motorcycle Club Rally – Gateway, June 20. First annual (?) at the stunning Gateway Canyon Resort and Auto Museum.
  • Strawberry Days – Glenwood Springs, June 19-21. Colorado’s oldest community festival, 112-years-old, includes carnival, entertainment, parade, pie eating contest and ice cream social.
  • Car Show – Auto Fest 2009 – Grand Junction, June 20-21. 34th annual exhibit of foreign, domestic, antique, classic, custom, rod, motorcycles, tractors and trucks in Lincoln Park. Friday evening Cruise Night.
  • Dandelion Daze – Holyoke, June 19-20. Auto show, Grease Lightning parade, rockin’ the oldies, antique auction and NASCAR simulator Friday night and Saturday.
  • Gold Rush Music Festival – Idaho Springs, June 20-21. Three bands play each day, each a different style – jazz, rock, big band, swing, country, oldies – all part of the year long 150th anniversary celebration.
  • New Belgium FIBArk – Salida, June 18-21. America’s oldest and boldest whitewater festival in its 61st year with events from international competitors to pancake breakfast, carnival to mountain bike races.
  • Simla Days – Simla, June 19-21. From Friday night dinner to Sunday services in the park this is a busy weekend in Simla. Saturday starts with pancake breakfast and ends with Dance @ Dusk.
  • Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup – Steamboat Springs, June 18-21. 21st annual roundup of Mustangs – the automobile variety. Friday autocross and Saturday Show n’ Shine with 450 Mustangs lining Lincoln Avenue.
  • Telluride from Gondola Telluride Bluegrass Festival – Telluride, June 18-21. Hugh festival weekend in Telluride’s summer of festivals. Ten thousand fill venues all over the mountain valley.
  • The Black Diamond Jubilee – Walsenburg, June 19-21. Recall when coal was king in this southern Colorado region. Events include classic car show, baseball tournament, vendor booths and Sunday pancake breakfast.

Bob at Palouse Falls State Park

Happy Father’s Day to fathers everywhere, especially to Bob – hubby and father of our three sons.

Happy Birthday – Golden, Colorado

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Celebrate!

Golden, Colorado – 150 Years Young

Golden Welcome Arch

Put on your party hats and head to downtown Golden Friday evening, June 12 to celebrate the city’s vitality and vision at the ripe old age of 150. After gold was discovery in the mountains west of the city and along the banks of Clear Creek, Golden quickly became an important supply post and was capitol of the Colorado Territory from 1861-1867. Today Golden maintains strong ties to its past and unique character.

Mining Sculpture in GoldenJune 12th festivities start at 5pm in Lions Park with fun for the entire family – games, history organized by the Golden Cultural Alliance plus food and merchandise booths. At 6:30 marching bands, floats and horseback riders parade down Washington Avenue. Participating businesses and organizations that make up the Golden community include the Buffalo Bill Museum, MillerCoors, Colorado Railroad Museum, American Mountaineering Center and dozens of others.

Buffalo Bill and FriendsAfter the parade (7:15) head back to Lions Park for a concert by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra and the Golden Concert Chorale. Then it’s time to for free birthday cake and ice cream.

The evening entertainment ends at dusk (9:15) with a laser light show and multimedia presentation of Golden’s history.

Golden proudly announces:

Colorado Territorial Capitol - Golden

“Whereas Golden was robbed of our rightful status as the Capitol of Colorado in 1867
…by Denver

…and we’ve never gotten over it

Therefore the Governor of the State of Colorado has declared that Golden will be the Capitol again for one day, June 12th, 2009.”

 

Golden, Cololrado
Golden, Cololrado

*Colorado Weekend* – June 12-14, 2009

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Blues, Brews and Birthday Cake

Run a marathon, pet a llama or down a beer in Estes Park. Celebrate the sesquicentennial in Golden, climb a wall in Denver and feast in Fort Collins.

  • Fiesta Aurora – Aurora, June 14. Celebrate Latino culture with music, dance, art and food at Fletcher Plaza on East Colfax.
  • Climbing wall National Get Outdoors Day – Denver, June 13. Take the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge, introduce kids to new outdoor activities, learn to plan inexpensive family outings at Denver City Park. Free.
  • Estes Park Marathon – Estes Park, June 14. Run at altitude – the Estes Park Marathon is the highest paved route marathon in the country. There’s also a half-marathon, 10k, 5k and children’s fun run in the shadow of Rocky Mountain National Park.
  • Estes Park Wool Market – Estes Park, June 13-14. From on the hoof to off the loom one of the largest all-natural fiber markets in North America is in its 19th year. Workshops, demonstrations, vendors and competitions for sheep, llama, alpaca, and Cashmere & Angora goat and children’s tent with hands-on activities – something for everyone.
  • Rocky Mountain Brewfest – Estes Park, June 13. Beers from Colorado Craft Brewers and live music.
  • Taste of Fort Collins – Fort Collins, June 13-14. Food from local Northern Colorado restaurants, music, and eclectic array of fine art with proceeds benefit Special Olympics Larimer County and Kiwanis Club International. Wear off some of the eats with a 5k run/walk.
  • High Plains Disc Golf Tournament – Fort Morgan, June 13-14. Watch for low flying objects at two days of competition for professional and amateur disc golf players.
  • Welcom to Golden Arch 150th Anniversary Celebration Golden’s – Golden, June 12. Friday night is one big anniversary party in Golden, a parade steps off down Washington Avenue at 6:30, history themed games and concert by the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra in Lions Park. Thousands of slices of birthday cake and ice cream served before a laser light show after dark. Free.
  • Golden’s Wild West Auto Roundup – Golden, June 13. More than 200 vintage and muscle cars, hot rods and street rods, trucks, original stock and race cars line Washington Avenue for the 18th Annual Auto Roundup. Lots of other activities downtown and on Clear Creek.
  • Greeley Blues Jam – Greeley, June 12-13. Greeley gets the blues two days in June, downtown on Friday – free, Island Grove Park on Saturday, ticketed event with kids 12 and under free.
  • Colorado Renaissance Festival – Larkspur, June 13-14. Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 33rd annual popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food – including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until August 2.
  • Old Spanish Trail Music Festival – Monte Vista, June 13. Highlights the music of peoples living along the old Spanish Trail – country, folk, jazz, pop, rock ‘n roll, and Spanish. Held in Chapman Park with artisans, craftsmen and food vendors.
  • Palisade Bluegrass Poster Palisade Bluegrass ‘n Roots Music Festival – Palisade, June 12-14. Acoustic music on the banks of the Colorado River with on-site camping, jam sessions, workshops, artisan demonstrations for adults and children. Of course there’s local wines, micro-brews and food.
  • Parker Country Festival – Parker, June 12-14. Three days of carnival, food, crafts and free music plus a Saturday morning parade in downtown Parker.
  • Silver Cliff Heritage and Mining Days – Silver Cliff, June 13-14. Join in celebrating 150 years of mining in Colorado. Kids can pan for gold, race their stick horses or join the scavenger hunt.

*Colorado Weekend* – June 5-7, 2009

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Eat, Drink and Make Music

Sample BBQ, chili, trout, wine and ale, listen to bluegrass and jazz, fish for free, view the Rockies from a hot air balloon or step back to the 1840s – festival season in Colorado kicks into full gear. Enjoy!

  • Colorado Free Fishing Days – Across the state, June 6-7. The Colorado Division of Wildlife allows fishing without a license the first full weekend of June. Bag and possession limits and special regulations apply, check the website for full details.
  • Arvada Trails Day – Bike, hike or horseback ride in celebration of Arvada’s 140 parks and 125 miles of trails, Majestic View Nature Center 10am-2pm.
  • Balloonvista BalloonaVista – Buena Vista, June 6-7. Balloon assents, evening glow, breakfast and dinner, art walk, dog show and kite flying contest fill the weekend.
  • Hang with Dad – Delta, June 6. Fourth annual Fatherhood events including climbing wall, dunk tank, water-balloon launchers, karaoke, food and prizes.
  • CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair  – Denver, June 6—7. Denver converges on Civic Center Park for arts and crafts, food and entertainment  – the city’s favorite kick-off to summer, free admission.
  • Denver Bronco Fan Fair – Denver, June 6. A day of orange and blue as fans meet players, coaches and cheerleaders. Autograph and picture opts plus Game Zone and Kids Zone with a special kids only autograph station, tickets at Ticketmaster.
  • First Saturday at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion – Denver, June 6. Dancing, music, painting and more honors Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian Heritage at the free family day from 11am-2pm.
  • La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: Italian Pastel Chalk Art Event – Denver, June 6-7. More than 200 artists turn the streets of Larimer Square into a gallery of amazing chalk art plus Italian food and wine.
  • Elizabeth Stampede – Elizabeth, June 5-7. Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Parade, dance and for the younger set Mutton Bustin.
  • Golden Farmer’s Market opening day – Golden, June 6. Continues on Saturdays through Oct. 3 offering fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and flowers. Master gardeners, food booths and free horse-drawn carriage rides.
  • Trout Cook-off – Keystone, June 6. Fishing derby, chef competitions, trout cooking demos, wine pairings and kids corner at this 5th annual free event.
  • Bent' Old Fort - Living History Living History Encampment, Bent’s Old Fort – LaJunta, June 5-6. Participants assume the roles of 1840 trappers, traders, blacksmiths, carpenters, soldiers, domestics and laborers 24-hours a day during the encampment.
  • Limon Railroad Days – Limon, June 6-7. Operating model layouts, swap meet, Limon Railroad Museum, food and fun.
  • Goodguys 12th Colorado Nationals – Loveland, June 5-7. More than 2,000 hot rods, custom and classic cars at the Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds.
  • Manitou Springs Wine Festival – Manitou Springs, June 6. Two dozen wineries pour their specialties in Memorial Park. Tasting tickets $30/person.
  • Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass Festival – Pagosa Springs, June 5-7. A weekend of music at Reservoir Hill Park, on site camping available. Free concert Friday night at Pagosa Spring Town Park Gazebo.
  • Boats, Blues & BBQ – Pueblo, June 5-6. Historic Arkansas River Pueblo celebrates with its 8th annual event including Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off competition.
  • Snowmass Chili Pepper Brew Fest – Snowmass Village, June 5-6. International Chili Society and microbreweries’ summer ale competitions plus lots of live music. 
  • Telluride Balloon Festival – Telluride, June 6-7. The 26th annual festival sees colorful balloons lift off from Town Park each morning, On Saturday evening tethered balloons GLO on Main StreTelluride Jazzet, free.
  • Telluride Jazz Celebration – Telluride, June 5-7. Three days, two stages, dozens of jazz musicians entertain at this 33rd annual event.
  • Teva Mountain Games – Vail, June 4-7. Professional and amateur athletes complete in seven mountain sports – bouldering to extreme kayaking. Auxiliary events include photography contest, film school and festival and live music.
  • Vallecito Lake Fishing Tournament – Vallecito, June 5-7. Head to Vallecito Lake with rod and reel for a fishing tournament and Saturday night fish fry.

Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion – Denver, Colorado

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First Saturday – Free Family Day

The first Saturday of each month during the summer the gates to Colorado’s Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion swing open to the public for a themed free family day. Because July 4th falls on Saturday the July event is scheduled for the second Saturday. Events run from 11am to 2pm.

  • June 6 – Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian HeritageGovernors Resident from the South
    • Colorado’s Asian community comes to celebrate with dancing, music, painting and more.

 

  • July 11 – President Abraham Lincoln’s Bicentennial Governor's Mansion Side 2
    • One of our nation’s greatest presidents visits the Governor’s Residence along with soldiers and singers from the Civil War.

 

  •   August 1 – Bent’s Fort: Colorado’s Frontier Melting Pot
    • Step back to the 1830s, meet the diverse people who visited Bent’s Fort and helped forge Colorado’s future.

 Carriage House - Governor's Residence

The special events are held at the newly renovated Carriage House. Free open house tours of the mansion are offered every Saturday in June, July and August from 11am-2pm. Free guided tours on Tuesdays in June, July and August from 1-2pm. 

 

Go;vernor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion
Go;vernor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion

*Colorado Weekend* – May 29-31, 2009

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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.
  • Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park 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.

Colorado Carousel Society Promotion

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Ride Five – Colorado Carousels

Toddler on Rexburg Carousel From the thrill of a toddler’s first ride to the nostalgia of senior citizens, carousels hold a magical place in our hearts. The menagerie of carved animals, elaborate painted ornamentation, bright lights and distinctive music set the scene for an enchanted excursion. The Colorado Carousel Society encourages our whimsical journeys with a Ride Five promotion this summer.

Between May 30 and Labor Day (September 7), 2009 participants will have a special coupon punched at each carousel they ride. After completing five qualified rides the punched coupon is mailed to the society to be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Three of the five rides must be on antique carousels. Thousands of hand-carBob on Spokane Carouselved carousels  operated across the country in  the 1920s. Today fewer than 160 historic ones remain; six in Colorado, built between 1905 and 1928.

Jasmine on Denver Zoo CarouselThe Denver Zoo is home to the contemporary Endangered Species Carousel with 48 hand-carved wooden animals – lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

The Carousel of Happiness in Nederland plans to open before the end of 2009, sporting 36 newly carved animals on an antique 1910 Looff frame. unique animals include a moose, coyote, frog, alpaca, a flying pig and kangaroo with boxing gloves. A seated gorilla with outstretched arm waits to give a rider in a wheelchair a hug.Visiting this work in progress will qualify as a ride.

Three fiberglass reproduction carousels can also be found in Colorado.Cheyenne Mt. Zoo Carousel

Ride 5 kicks off May 30th at Elitch Gardens. Participants can pick up coupons at the carousels or print them from the Colorado Carousel Society website. Each carousel will have a distinctive punch, completed coupons must be mailed by September 15 to be eligiNancy with Brass Ringble for the prize drawing.

I plan to grab the brass ring this summer and Ride 5. Come along for the ride and join me?

 

 

Carousels in Colorado
Carousels in Colorado

 

Culinary Rafting Adventure – Gunnison, Colorado

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Dinner Float Trip

Three Rivers Outfitters – Garlic Mike’s

Rafting Taylor River Combine a scenic float down the Gunnison River with a tasty dinner at Garlic Mike’s for a memorable summer excursion. Begin the adventure from Three Rivers Resort in  Almont at 4pm.

After a 10-mile trip downriver you’ll arrive at the riverside restaurant approximately 5:30 for a feast including focaccia bread with garlic spread, soup or salad, choice of entree from a special menu, dessert and non-alcoholic drink.

Garlic Mike's Logo The dinner float trip is available any night of the week with 24-hour notice and a minimum of four people. Cost is $53 per person, $33 for ages 10 and under. The float trip is perfect for multi-generational family groups.

Garlic Mike Accolades for Garlic Mike’s include awards for best waiter and chef to best restaurant, date place and wedding reception. Owner/chef Mike Busse proclaims this the best Italian food west of Jersey – from which he hails. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week with indoor and outside dining available in summer. For more than a decade Garlic Mike’s has been a family favorite whenever we’re in the Crested Butte/Gunnison area.

Located at the confluence of the Taylor River and East River forming the Gunnison, Three Rivers Resort offers cabin and jeep rentals in addition to outfitting services for fishing, rafting and kayaking. For more adventure they’ll book horseback rides, rock climbing instruction, hot air ballooning, mountain bike and hiking guides or offer trail suggestions for the more independent outdoor enthusiast.

Book your dinner float trip by calling either Three River Resort at 888-761-3474 or 970-641-1303, or Garlic Mike’s at 970-641-2493.

Gunnison & Almont, Colorado


Gunnison & Almont, Colorado

Colorado Gold Rush – Denver International Airport, Colorado

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 Colorado Gold Rush

150th Anniversary Exhibit

1859 – “Gold is found everywhere, and you can make your fortune.”

The word was out, gold had been found near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River – near the center of present day Denver, Colorado. The rush was on to head to the hills in search of wealth producing veins of the precious metal. "Pikes Peak or Bust" became the rallying cry for prospectors with a serious case of gold fever.

Now through August 2009 an exhibit along the walkway to concoDIA Gold Rushurse A at Denver International Airport commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Colorado Gold Rush. Books and maps show supply lists and routes followed by hopeful emigrants. Letters and diaries detail successes and failures, longing and love, sorrow and humor. Photographs record changes in the land and the men and women who gave birth to Denver and Colorado.

The exhibition is located between the main terminal and concourse A, before the security screening area, making it accessible for everyone visiting the airport. Passing through Denver, seeing someone off or picking up an arriving passenger at DIA, take time to discover the story of Colorado’s Gold Rush.

Denver International Airport - Colorado
Denver International Airport – Colorado