Tag Archives: Event

National Get Outdoors Day – Nationwide

Leave a reply

National Get Outdoors Day

June 12, 2010

Utah Kayakers

Get outdoors! A great idea for a June Saturday. More than 90 events in 33 states and the District of Columbia encourage Americans to spend the day in a healthy outdoor activity. Organizers hope to introduce first time visitors to public lands and connect today’s youth with the great out-of-doors.

Rock Climbing - Along Taylor River The US Forest Service, city and state parks, mountain clubs, recreation equipment companies, sport associations – dozens of organizations sponsor activities, workshops and guided hikes/rides/paddles. Log onto the Get Outdoors Day website to locate an event near you; or, create your own outdoor discovery.

Colorado Events

   National Get Outdoors Day events for 2010.

 

  • Colorado Springs – Hike for Habitat at American the Beautiful Park
  • Denver – Dozens of activities at Denver’s City Park – geocaching, Junior Ranger camp, rock climbing walls, low-ropes obstacle course and more.
  • Ft. Collins – Mountain biking, hiking with a naturalist, rock climbing, kayaking and more located at the open space south of Hughes Stadium
  • Morrison – Expert guides along the Dinosaur Ridge trail and hands on activities at the visitor center

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 11-13, 2010

Leave a reply

Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 11-13, 2010

 

Last Steep Sign

Soupcon

             June 11-18 – More than CB 20 Restaurants

              It’s a great week for foodies in Crested Butte. The magic number

             is 8885, saluting the town’s altitude. Parties of four will savor

             multi-course meals for $88.85; smaller parties will pay $22.21 per

             person. Each restaurant presents special week-long deals –

             sometimes including wine or alcoholic beverages. Taxes and

             gratuities not included. We see many of our CB favorites on the

             participant list – Slogars for family-style fried chicken dinner with

             all the trimmings, Donitas for killer margaritas and Mexican, pasta

             and desserts at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle and good old 

             reliable The Last Steep. Also check out $88.85 lodging specials

             and Denver to Gunnison airfare.

            June 11–13 – Animas River, Whitewater Park & 

                                    Santa Rita Park

          Get wet and wild as Durango celebrates the recreational

          opportunities provided by the Animas River coursing through the

          city. River rodeo and river slalom races, costumed river parade,

          workshops, events and music. Sunday river cleanup contest and

          BBQ. Reel Paddling Film Festival with award winning whitewater

          short films.

            June 12 & 13 – Fairgrounds at Stanle06 - A Man and his Llama 2y Park

            In its 20th year one of the

            largest all-natural fiber

            markets in North America 

            focuses on everything from

            on the hoof to off the loom.

            Workshops, demonstrations,

            vendors, sheep dog herding, sheep shearing and children’s tent

            with hands-on activities – something  for everyone. Competitions

            for sheep, llama, alpaca, Cashmere & Angora goats.

            June 11 & 12 – Downtown, Island Grove Park

            Free music downtown on Friday – family appropriate until 8pm.

            Family friendly all day Saturday at Island Grove Park, age 12 and

            under free. At the “Blues 101 Stage” learn about the style of

            music considered our national heritage.

            June 12  – Atlas Valley (95th St. & Arapahoe Rd)

            Kids are the focus on Saturday as families head to Atlas Valley

            for free activities and entertainment from 10am-3pm. Tethered

            hot air balloon rides, cooking demos, hula hoop contest, magic

            show, K-9 demonstrations, gymnastics, yo-yo clinic. Bounce

            House and Bungee Trampoline available for a small fee.

            June 12 & 13 + Weekends until August 1

            Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 34rd annual

            popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food –

            including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until Aug.1st,

            each weekend is themed; such as, Wine Revelry, Love and

            Romance, and Mardi Gras Style Carnivale. Opening weekend

            features a "Buy One get One Free" coupon offer from Wendy’s

            Restaurants.

            June 12 & 13 – Limon Depot & Fire Station

            Rail buffs head to Limon this weekend in celebration of the 

            Rock Island Limon Depot’s 100th anniversary. See operating

            layouts of N-scale, HO-scale, Lionel and a garden railroad. Free

            admission to Limon Railroad Museum and depot railcars. Enjoy

            dessert on the dining car. Swapmeet and train show at the fire

            station $3 admission.

            June 11-13 – Throughout the Town

            Oskar Blues Brewery sponsors an active weekend of outdoor

            sports, live music, bbq and beer. Competitions, exhibitions and

            opportunities to learn from elite pro athletes in kayaking, fly

            fishing, mountain biking dirt jump, pump track and short track

            skating. Dog competitions, chainsaw carving and a 5K Dash and

            Bash.

             June 11-13 – Riverbend Park

             A weekend of music along with songwriter and banjo workshops,

             jam sessions and activities for the kids on the banks of the

             Colorado River. Enjoy local wines, beers and spirits while

             listening. Onsite camping is available. Sunday afternoon

             culminates with Asleep at the Wheel.

             June 11-13 – Historic Downtown

             A weekend celebrating Trinidad’s past includes Hispanic Art, car

             show, pancake breakfast, reliving the “Old West” and live music.

             Sport events range from a 5K race and golf to a competitive

             horseshoe tournament.

     

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

Colorado Governor’s Residence – Denver, Colorado

Leave a reply

2010 Saturday Family Days

Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion

Families are invited to “Colorado’s Home” the first Saturday of the month this summer between 11am – 2pm.

  • Tour the historic residence
  • Explore the gardens
  • Visit the restored Carriage House

Palm Room from Outside[1]

Children’s activities, music, dance, costumed interpreters based around the monthly theme entertain the entire family.

  • June 5 – Colorado’s Beautiful Plains
  • July 10 – The San Luis Valley
  • August 7 – Northeast Colorado

FREE – No reservations required.

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 4-6, 2010

Leave a reply

Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 4-6, 2010

 

Fly Fisherman

         June 5 & 6 – Statewide

           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 website for full details.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Larimer Square

         Free street painting festival with over 200 artists

          including six madonnari – professionals in this

          medium. Youth challenge, kids corner and musical

          entertainment.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Civic Center Park

          FREE admission to multiple stages of local talent,

          arts, children activities, crafts, food, wine pavilion. 

          In 39 years this event has grown from 2,000

          attendees to 250,000.

 

         June 4 – 6 – Casey Jones Park

          Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders,

          Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the

          Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Saturday

          morning parade, evening dance and mutton bustin’ for

          the younger set.

  • Manitou Springs – Wine Festival       

         June 5 – Memorial Park

          Sample wines from 30 Colorado wineries, tasting

          tickets $30, non-tasters admitted free. Food and wine

          related booths, wines for purchase by bottle or case, 

          entertainment.

 

         June 4 & 5 – Riverwalk

          Kansas City BBQ Society competition, wing eating

          and ice cream eating contests, live music.

         June 4 – 6 – Nature & Raptor Center

          Dozens of bluegrass groups perform on two stages.

          Nature activities, arts & crafts, storytellers, camping,

          Saturday night dance.

 

  • Snowmass – Chili Pepper & Brew Fest

         June 4 & 5 – Village Mall/Fanny Hill

          A smokin’ weekend of chili, beers and music.

          Competition sanctioned by the International Chili

          Society, summer ale competition, European and exotic

          beer tasting with over 50 participating breweries.

 

         June 5 & 6 – Telluride Town Park

          Morning balloon risings plus Saturday evening GLO on

          Main Street.

 

         June 3-6 – Vail Valley

          Celebration of outdoor adventure sports – pro

          athletes and amateurs complete in 24 disciplines

          including kayaking, trail running, standup paddling,

          amateur climbing, World Cup Bouldering. Adventure

          Film School, photo competition, free concerts, art,

          expo areas and interactive family zone.

 

Summer Chair Lift

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

*Event* – Bent’s Old Fort NHS – La Junta, Colorado

Leave a reply

50th Anniversary Celebration

Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site

June 4-6, 2010

 

Fort with Flag 2 Living history, stagecoach rides, Indian dances and a fandango fill the weekend of June 4-6, 2010 at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. Festivities celebrate the 1840s fur trading fort on the Santa Fe Trail becoming a part of the National Park Service on June 3, 1960. The weekend includes movies, music, re-enactments and cannon salutes. Guest speakers will address topics from “Frontier Women” to “Bent’s Fort in the Movies”. The reconstructed fort has been used in movies and television productions including “Centennial,” “How the West Was Won,” “Dream West,” and “The Chisholms II.”

 

Koshare Dancer

The Koshare Indian Dancers will appear Friday evening at the Koshare Indian Museum Kiva and Saturday afternoon at the fort.

Check the schedule of weekend events.

Additional 2010 Special Events

  • Kid’s Quarters – July 10
  • Hispanic Heritage Celebration – Sept. 18
  • Fur Trade Encampment – October 9
  • Holiday Celebration – December 3-4

Spring Barrel Tasting – Grand Junction, Colorado

1 Reply

Barrel Into Spring

Grand Valley Winery Association

 Mt. Garfield and Vineyard - A2010

Barrels are tapped and last fall’s harvest sipped and swirled during the annual “Barrel Into Spring” weekends at wineries around Grand Junction, Colorado. Eight members of the Grand Valley Winery Association host visitors two weekends each spring, April 24-25 and May 15-16 in 2010. Each winery pours current releases as well as the first tastings of the 2009 vintages – a sneak-peak into their potential.

Sampling at Plum Creek Tickets for each weekend – good for Saturday and Sunday of the same weekend – are limited so this is not an overly crowded shoulder to shoulder experience. A commemorative wine glass, passport and map awaits ticket holders at their assigned first winery. After that everyone is on own. You’ll welcome to spend as much or as little time at each venue as you choose. It would be a real rush but I’ve met people who have visited all eight in one day. Cyclists set a more leisurely pace pedaling along the rural roads between wineries.

Participating Wineries:

Food and Wine at GR Food, the perfect wine companion is not overlooked during the tastings. Each winery features dishes to showcase their wines. At one it may be an Italian deli-like spread, at another a German theme built around their Gewurztraminer. From cheese to chocolate tasters learn great pairing tips. You may even go home with a couple of new recipes.

At Carlson Vineyards, owner/winemaker Parker Carlson encourages everyone to get a plate of food before coming to the tasting table. As the different wines are poured he suggests trying it with the lamb, the duck, etc. Italian-born chef Brunella  Gualerzi of il Bistro Italiano in downtown Grand Junction works with Parker planning and preparing these perfect pairings. At the first barrel tasting Carlson Vineyards Sign several years ago a jovial Gualerzi shared a story as she offered a plate of grape kabobs drizzled with caramelized sugar. “When I was growing up Italy we always had a two week vacation at the beach. Ever morning at eleven a vendor carrying a wicker basket would come down the beach calling, ‘Cry kids, cry kids that your mommy will buy you a kabob’. I hadn’t thought about them for years but decided to make them for today.”

Depending on your interest the weekend offers a great opportunity to increase one’s wine knowledge. A presentation or tour is offered at eacBennett Price at DeBequeh location. Bennett Price of DeBeque Canyon Winery may share his years of experience demonstrating the wine-making process with carboys, tubing and airlocks. At Canyon Wind Cellars you can tour Colorado’s only underground wine cellars. Experience the difference  that varietal blending makes, or sample the flavors imparted by oak barrels from America verses France. Leave with a greater understanding of terroir and viniculture.

Spring barrel tasting weekends seem well designed for both the casual sipper and the connoisseur stocking their private collection. The participating wineries offer a 15% discount on wines purchased by event ticket holders. You’ll see those intently taking notes of each tasting while others are simply enjoying a casual weekend getaway.

Grand Junction and the Grand Valley region of Western Colorado offer numerous outstanding options for getaways. From the sandstone formations of Colorado National Monument to the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River to the serenity of fly fishing on Grand Mesa, fruits direct from the orchard or fine dining you’ll want to return again and again.

Vine Weather Vane When You Go: Barrel Into Spring tickets for the May weekend are $60 if purchased before April 19th. Tickets for the April weekend are $65. The event usually sells out, don’t go without making reservations.  Lodging, dining and activity information available at the Grand Junction Visitor and Convention Bureau. The participating wineries all have tasting rooms regularly open to the public. Stop by the Grand Junction VCB at 740 Horizon Drive to pick up a free map to Colorado’s Wine Country and tour any time of year.

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

Leave a reply

MONDAY AT THE MANSION

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SERIES

Govenor's Mansion Front Delve into Colorado’s history and culture at the Monday at the Mansion series presented by the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund. When the fund was launched in July 2008 First Lady Jeannie Ritter said, “This is the 100th anniversary of the Residence and we want to protect it for the next 100 years so future generations of Coloradans also can enjoy it. This fund will build on the tremendous work of my predecessor, Frances Owens, when it comes to opening up the Residence to the public.”

Monday at the Mansion 2010 Schedule

  • April 12 – Art and Jazz – Colorado Style! – Champagne reception, the Jazz Connection and paintings from the First Lady’s Plein Air Art Show and Auction.

  • May 10 – Rekha Ohal – Rekha’s popular whimsical music played on the 1914 Steinway piano in the Mansion’s Drawing Room and reception in the Palm Room.

  • October 11 – In the Buff – The University of Colorado’s all male a cappella choir shares harmony and their unique style; plus, the Autumn Garden Reception.

  • November 8 – Program to be announced.

  • December 13 – Rocky Mountain Ringers – Ring in the season at the Mansion beautifully decorated for the season, reception with holiday treats and music by the Rocky Mountain Ringers.

Admission is $20 prior to the event and $25 at the door. Registration is required; cindy@grpfund.org or by phone at 303-837-8350, option 4.

Find It!

Governor's Residence at the Boettcher Mansion
Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market – Phoenix, AZ

Leave a reply
    52nd Indian Fair & Market
    Heard Museum – Phoenix
             March 6 & 7, 2010

One of the country’s premier Indian fairs and markets attracts collectors to the Heard Museum grounds in downtown Phoenix the first weekend of March.

More than 700 Native American artists display a vast array of original arts and crafts.

Umbrella for Shade

 

* Beadwork

* Carvings

* Jewelry

* Paintings

* Pottery

* Rugs

* Sculpture

* Textiles

 

Basket Hat Lady

 The artisans come from all over America, not just Arizona. To participate each artist must be jurored into the show, a prestigious acknowledgement of the quality of their work.

A basket weaver from the Pacific Northwest Coast creations represent traditional woven items of the region.

While Southwest Indian art is well represented. Tribal members from around the country exhibit contemporary and traditional art forms.

 

Booths Rows and rows of booths and large exhibit tents gives each artist individual space to display their work. Whether one is a serious collector or just looking for an inexpensive keepsake shoppers get to met the person who created their chosen purchase.

 

Hopi Baskets

The green yucca plant is an important material for Hopi basket makers. This Hopi artist was happy to explain the process from gathering the natural materials to finished product.

The more we learn the more we appreciate the time, talent and skill involved in creating each piece. Many of the traditional designs have been passed down through several generations. Artists often say they first learned from their grandmothers.

 

 

Silversmith Throughout the weekend artist demonstrations let us view the creative process. Whether it’s working a flat piece of silver into a lovely necklace or transforming a lump of clay into a pottery figurine shoppers enjoy watching the artists at Pot Polisherwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sash Weaver Questions are willingly answered. As we talk with the artists we witness an unique balance of modesty and pride in their art form.

Music, including R. Carlos Nakai, and dance performances give attendees a  break from shopping. There is so much to take in we find it helpful to switch focus from time to time.

Each year a different tribal group is featured, the Hopi in 2009 and bands of the Apache people in 2010. “Apache Peoples and Arts” will highlight elder artists, food, a wikieup (traditional Apache lodging), and storytelling by Apache entertainer Ken Duncan.

 

Hope Piki

What would an event be without food? Not to worry, there are plenty of opportunities to nosh our way through the day. Of course, there is traditional Indian fry bread. We fascinated to watch the Hopi piki maker. Piki is a thin rolled bread made with fine blue corn flour and culinary ash. The maker spreads a thin layer of the batter on a hot griddle with her hand. Almost immediately the practically transparent layer of piki is ready to be rolled. Watching the labor intensive steps we understand why this is a rare treat.

 

Stirring the Pot

Apache acorn soup will be available in 2010 as well as selections ranging from Cajun and Mexican specialties to gelato. Tables in the tree shaded courtyard are the perfect place for people watching as we have lunch.

Lunch Break

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Fair tickets include admission to the ten galleries of the Heard Museum. However, we found so much to do and see at the Fair & Market that the museum had to wait for another day.

Gates swing open for general admission both Saturday and Sunday from 9:30am – 5pm.

 

Museum Entrance

 

Sculpture

February Frivolities – Manitou Springs, Colorado

Leave a reply

Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off

&

Carnivale Parade

The fruitcake is all cleaned up, now it’s time for another Manitou Springs day of fun. The gumbo starts cooking at 8am, February 13, 2010 in Manitou Springs. The entry form defines gumbo as, “A Cajun soup containing roux and thickened with gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It usually contains a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other ingredients & seasonings and is generally served over rice.” Each contestant is required to make a minimum of 5 gallons of their specialty gumbo.

After the judges complete their tasting and ratings of the amateur and professional divisions at 10:45am the public digs in – 2 tastings for a dollar. Competition is limited to 20 entries; winners receive cash prizes & trophies. Head to Soda Springs Park for a mumbo jumbo guManitou Storefronts for Blogmbo splurge.

Carnivale Parade sets off through downtown Manitou at 1pm. I’ve never attended this event but this is the same community that brings us Coffin Races in October and the Great Fruitcake Toss in January. I’m pretty sure they know how to have a good time with gumbo and carnivale.

When You Go: Manitou Springs is encompassed by Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.

Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering – Sierra Vista, Arizona

1 Reply

cochiseSue Harris
Southern Arizona celebrates Western heritage and music plus a hearty dose of humor in Sierra Vista February 12-14, 2010. This is the 18th year for the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering – one of the best in the West. Saturday’s daytime sessions, 10am-5pm, are free with 50-plus talented musicians, poets and storytellers from all  over the US and Canada.  Eight, 50-minute, themed sessions run concurrently throughout the day. The artists appear in round robin sessions with themes ranging from “Saddle Songs” and “Laugh A Lot” to  “Cowboys and Sweethearts” – the theme for this year’s gathering. Appropriate for the Valentine weekend, don’t you think? Hours of engaging entertainment aJoni Harmst no charge.

Tickets for headliner performances Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon cost less than $20 – a great entertainment value.  Some of this year’s headline performers include Bill Barwick  – the Western Music Association 2009 Male Performer of the Year, Joni Harms (right) who has appeared from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry to New York City’s Carnegie Hall, and Bob’s favorite Arizona songstress Sue Harris (above). All gathering events are held at the Buena Performing Arts Center except late evening jam sessions at the Windemere Hotel. Everyone’s welcome to sit back and listen as the performers play into the wee hours of the mornCochise Jam Sessioning.

The Cochise Gathering organizers and performers introduce Western Heritage and cowboy poetry writing to students in Cochise County Schools each year. Thousands of children from third grade through  high school have submitted their poems to the yearly contest. Winners recite their original creations during the evening and Sunday matinee Headliner Stage Performances. Every year I’m inspired by the results of this program and the perception and talenCochise Kid Poetst of the students.

Round ‘em up and head ‘em out to Sierra Vista at any time of year but especially for the Cochise Cowboy Poetry & Music Gathering .

Map picture

 

Visit Cochise County

Sierra Vista is approximately 75 miles southeast of Tucson at the foot of the Huachuca Mountains. Legendary Tombstone is 16 miles to the east. The eco-crossroad of mountains and deserts supports an abundant variety of wildlife and hundreds of bird species. While in the area check out the Nature Conservancy’s Ramsey Canyon Preserve and the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. Arizona’s outstanding Kartchner Caverns State Park, 19 miles north of Sierra Vista, should also go on one’s itinerary. Cochise County fills the southeast corner of Arizona with an amazing array of history, nature and recreation – we find something new with every visit. View the slide show for a sampling of what awaits in Cochise County.