Summertime Festivities in NoCo

Taste Fort Collins For Yourself

2009-06-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

This coming weekend of June 13 and 14, the annual Taste of Fort Collins will be held at the Civic Center Park. This event has almost every type of entertainment one could imagine; art shows, music performances, craft displays, and of course a huge variety of great food from local Fort Collins restaurants.

On Saturday, the event begins at 8 am with a 5k run/walk that is dedicated to children who suffer during child abuse investigations. Throughout the rest of the day there will be several music performances as well as a pie eating contest. On Sunday the gates open at 11 am and go until 6 pm with a performance by Gin Blossoms.

In an article in the Coloradoan that explains a bit more about the Taste of Fort Collins, it lists some of the restaurants that are already confirmed to be attending the event, "Rasta Pasta, The Melting Pot, Carino's Italian Grill, Albert Pit BBX Taj Mahal, Uncle's Pizza, Eliot's Mess, the Little Italian Kitchen and Cheba Hut, to name a few."

So don't make any other plans for the weekend because this is an event that you won't want to miss. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate for $5 before 3 pm and $10 after 3 pm. There will also be a weekend pass available for $15 and a great VIP deal that includes special benefits.

Recreational Parks in Fort Collins

2009-06-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

Follow the link below to take a tour of one of the many
scenic parks that Fort Collins has to offer:
http://www.box.net/shared/olosya7xyr

BolderBOULDER Facts

2009-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

In an interview with Matt Jenkins, the Marking and PR coordinator for the BolderBOULDER race, he goes in debth about the interworkings of who takes part in the race, the type of training that is involved, and what to expect for next year.

Q: Does number of people that participate in the race grow each year or does it seem like the race becomes more popular?
A: Overall, our numbers grow every year (about 2.5% growth). On anniversary years (e.g. our 30th in 2008) we see a spike in registrations, and then it falls back a little the following year (like it did in 2009). It’s interesting that 30-40% of our field each year has never done the race before, so we have a loyal following and a lot of new faces each year.

Q: Were there any people that came from another country to participate in the race?
A: We had 97 people from out of the country this year. A lot of families and friends converge from around the country each year to meet and do the race together.

Q: Is there anything that is going to change about the BolderBOULDER next year?
A: We have no plans to change the course or schedule in 2010. We moved the International Team Challenge up so it would finish before the Memorial Day Tribute this year. It was so successful that we will do the same thing again in 2010.

Q: How long do people usually train for the race? What does it take to be a coach?
A: On average people start training specifically for our race about 2-3 months ahead of time. Our BoldRUNNING training club has a wide range of coaches, from top level runners to middle-of-the-pack athletes. They all share the same ability to motivate and teach others to improve their running.

Q: Are there any other races that are similar to the BolderBoulder in Colorado?
A: Nothing really comes close to the size or scope of the BolderBOULDER. We try to give a world class experience through the whole registration process, from start to finish, and in the stadium after the race.

Q: How have the profits earned from the race helped non-profit groups?
A: This year 60 non-profit groups used the race as a fundraiser and earned money based on the number of volunteers they brought to the race. We also donate to the CU scholarship fund and donate supplies and merchandise to other local events.

Q: Does the BolderBOULDER team change each year? Are there other events that are held during the year when the BolderBOULDER is not taking place that are headed by the same team?
A: We have a core group of four people that work for the race year round, and dozens of seasonal staff that work anywhere from a couple months to a couple days surrounding the race. We also put on these three race series events:

The BolderBOULDER is a race for all ages and from people all over the world. There are hundreds of volunteers, racers, organizations and supporters of the race that look forward it every single year. This event is for multiple great causes, and is a fun way to get exercise at the same time so why not give it a try in 2010.

Interview With Rafting Guides

2009-06-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

There are endless outdoor adventures available to those living or just visiting Colorado. White water rafting is both an intense and exciting experience for people of all ages. Dan Fleishman is a guide for Rocky Mountain Adventures in Fort Collins, and absolutely loves his job as a raft guide.

"It's my seventh year here but now I train the new guys which is pretty neat because they’re just starting; actually two weeks ago they just started. See I raft all over the West, as much as possible. I just got off a 21 day Grand Canyon raft trip"

Like Dan, most of the river guides have loads of experience rafting. They know when the water level will be at its best, and also areas to avoid when the current is flowing faster than normal. Dan explains that the best time to raft is around May and June, although not many people know this. The busiest season for tourists is during July.

The Cache La Poudre River is most popular for white water rafting. Rocky Mountain Adventures, which Dan is a guide for, offers a variety of trips down this river; both half and full day. There are several other rafting companies located in Northern Colorado too. They each present different prices and trips. Some only take tours down the Poudre River while others will make the trek down the Colorado or the North Platte.

"There are five companies on this river. It’s a national wild and scenic river so there are only five companies allowed by law and each company has a quota. We can only take so many people down the river each day; 100 people on weekends and 120 on weekdays," is what Dan explained. He also advised that during the peak season which is July and August, reservations should be made in advance because once the quota is hit, they cannot take anymore rafters.

Owen McCain is another raft guide who has been assisting people down the Poudre River for four years now. He works for the Wanderlust White Water Rafting Adventures which specializes in the Poudre River only. Owen describes the various levels of rafting that his company offers to people wanting to raft, "We provide class two, three, and four. Class two and three is beginner stuff, more family oriented and class four is more advanced. Right now the class fours are definitely fun."

He tells us about the joys of his job, and how he looks forward to seeing his co-workers every day he comes to work. He also boasts about what an experience it is to be able to have a different kind of adventure every single day.

The rafting season goes on until late August. Therefore, while the river is running high and the sun is shining, river guides are urging residents and vistors in Colorado to take advantage of the opportunity, and jump into a raft and head down the white waters.

Follow this link to access an Audio of this story: http://www.box.net/shared/c4bzd763si

Summer Jam 2009

2009-06-08T19:51:00.000-07:00

KS 107.5 is hosting Summer Jam this coming weekend at Fiddler's Green Amplitheatre in Englewood Colorado. Some popular hip-hop and R&B artists that will be playing this year include:

Jay-Z
T-Pain
Mary J. Blige
Yong Jeezy
Jadakiss
Juelz Santana
Jim Jones
Elephant Man
The Dream
Mavado
Serani
Festival Village
Pleasure P
Backstage
The Crowd

Along with this list of artists, there will be surprise guests performing as well. Summer Jam will begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, June 12. Ticket prices range from $5-$240, and if still available, can be purchased in numerous places including TicketsNow.

At last years' Summer Jam concert, Lil' Wayne tore it up. Many fans are looking forward to performances that are just as crazy if not more so than previous years. For those who are lacking funds or already have other plans this Friday, be sure to catch backstage footage of the concert beginning at 4 pm at KS 107.5 website.

White Water Rafting Podcast

2009-06-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Click the link below to listen to a podcast about rafting in Northern Colorado:
http://www.box.net/shared/c4bzd763si

Live Music Concerts at Mishawaka

2009-06-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

The Mishawaka Amplitheatre is hosting the Sonic Bloom three day music camp-out festival June 26-28. Beyond the music, this concert series will also include dancers, painters, artists and performers. Like every year, there will be a complimentary breakfast on the morning of the last day (June 28).

Mishawaka, also known to many locals as "the mish" is a restaurant and bar that is popular for its cool atmosphere and all of the concerts that it holds every single summer. The Poudre River runs right by the restaurant, with picnic tables outside to eat at, and several campsites nearby to stay the night at.

There are already several concerts scheduled for the month of June:

12: Emmitt Nershi Band
14: Boulder Acoustic Society
19: Yamn, Holden Young Trio, The Switch
20: Lunar Fire
21: Finders & Youngberg
26, 27 & 28: Sonic Bloom

The mish website lists the locations where concert tickets can be purchased.

Delicious Eating Contests

2009-06-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

No matter what your favorite kind of food is, there is an eating contest this summer somewhere near you that fits your exact needs.

This weekend in Boulder, there will be a cup cake eating contest hosted by Tee and Cake's bakery. There will be a first, second, and third place prize of $250, $125, and $50.

On June 20, at the Loveland Hooters location, there will be a wings eating contest from 11am-2pm. This contest will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project which is a foundation that supports men and women that have served our country and risked life and limb to do so.

On June 13, at Sam's Club in Denver there will be the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest qualifier. For those who would rather enjoy just one hot dog and watch others take part in the contest, there will be a coke and single hot dog available for only $1.50.

Photo by http://sites.google.com/site/inkstainedwretchproject/

Free Fishing in Colorado This Weekend

2009-06-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Colorado Vision of Wildlife, this weekend people can enjoy free fishing in the many lakes, ponds, and rivers across Colorado. State fishing regulations must still be followed though, such as people looking to fish in a State Wildlife Area must purchase a $10 Colorado Habitat Stamp or have one in posession if already purchased.

For others who are seeking an activity with a competitive edge, the 23rd Annual Estes Fishing Derby takes place tomorrow at Lake Estes. Last minute registration is at 6:30 am tomorrow morning before the event kicks off at 8 am. There is no cost, seeing as this weekend is also the weekend for free fishing throughout Colorado.

Just last Monday, the Colorado Division of Wildlife added almost 10,000 rainbow trout to the lake, so there will be plenty of fish to go around for the derby. There are also a large number of carp in the lake to catch, but no matter which fish you are looking for, be sure to arrive early. There is an estimated 300 people already signed up to take part in the derby, so the lake is going to be quite crowded.

Drive-In Movies Are Still Here

2009-06-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

No matter the night of the week, the Holiday Twin Drive-In Movie Theatre is open every night during the summer. It is a great place for birthday parties, a first date, or a family event; and there are event discounts available for parties of 30 or more.

There are two screens showing two different movies on each screen. The current movies that are playing are:

Screen 1:
UP
X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Screen 2:
Terminator Salvation
Star Trek

Admission prices are $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children, and children 5 and under are free. There is a delicous snack bar with an assortment of candy, pretzels, nachos, burritos and hamburgers, and much more.

While drive-in theaters are struggling to survive with all of the new and advanced technology and stadium seating in normal theaters, many of them are disappearing. There are several websites that are dedicated to keeping people informed about these great pastimes, and hoping to keep the ones left, up and running.

The Denver Zoo

2009-06-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Located right in Denver's City Park, the Zoo is a wonderful place to take a day and walk around, enjoying the weather and exotic animals. Their summer hours are 9am-5pm, and take place March 1 through November 1.

Just today, there was an article posted about the birth of a rare primate called an Aye-Aye right in our Denver Zoo. The amazing thing about this birth is that it is the second birth of an Aye-Aye to ever be born in a North American Zoo.

Tickets for admission to the zoo can be purchased ahead of time online. Prices range depending upon age, and time of the year. During the summer, the ticket prices are:

Age 12-64 $12 per day
Age 65+ $9 per day
Age 3-11 $7 per day
Age 2 and under FREE

The Denver Zoo also offers group discounts, special services and accomodations for children, elderly and disabled, programs for children, teens, and schools, and much more. This amazing experience has it all, and so many different animals that it might take more than just one day at the zoo to see them all. The mammals, amphibians, fish, birds, invertibrates, and plants are all a special part of the Denver Zoo.

Denver Broncos Fan Fair

2009-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

Photo by: http://www.invescofield.com/resources/img/Fan%20Fair%202.jpg

It is still a few months before football season begins, but for avid Broncos fans, this weekend they can spend a fun-filled day at Invesco Field at Mile High with the coaches and players.

Fan Fair, which is often described as the "ultimate fan experience", is taking place this Saturday, June 6 at 10am. Family five packs are available to purchase for a discounted price of $40, while individual passes are $20 for adults and $10 for children (ages 2-12). Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or the Mile High Stadium box office.

You can expect all of the players to attend the event, as well as coaches, cheerleaders, alumni, and even the mascot Bronco, Miles. There will be a list of various events on and off the field, such as autograph signing, activites just for kids, and just time to talk with the team.

This event has been taking place for the last 7 years, and hopefully continues for many more as it is extremely popular among the local Coloradoans. The Denver Broncos currently have an online blog too, which is a great place for fans to go and find out all the latest news on draft picks, contributions from the team, and daily info about practices.

Great Deal at National Parks

2009-06-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

In an article featured on the DailyCamera.com, the National Park announces that it will plan three free weekend entries during this summer. This includes all national parks across the country.

The free weekends should encourage more Americans to visit the parks, as well as help struggling families given the state of the economy, bring their families on vacations without spending absurd amounts of money.

Colorado has four national parks:

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve
Rocky Mountain National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Mesa Verde National Park

The Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Estes Park, the closest of the others, for Northern Colorado residents. The cost of admission is $20 per vehicle, and $10 per person if not driving through with a vehicle.

National Parks are great attractions for families and friends alike. They offer multiple hiking and biking trails, as well as camping, fishing, snowshoeing, etc.

Colorado Brewers Flock To Fort Collins Festival To Promote Their Beer

2009-06-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Brewers’ Festival is preparing for its 20th year of fun in Downtown Fort Collins, the weekend of June 28 and 29.

The gates open at 11:00 a.m. and don’t close until 6:00 p.m. each day. In past years, a line of eager locals and visitors forms down the block of Mountain and College Avenue.

At the tent to get into the festivities, there is an I.D. check and a cost for admission as well. A two day pass is available at a total of $10 and a single day for $6. The main attraction of Brewfest is, obviously, beer, and in order to have a taste you must first purchase tokens. Each token is $2 and allows you to get one cup of beer. All proceeds from the event will go to several good causes, including to help fund the Fort Collins 4th of July, Lucky Joe’s St. Patty’s Day Parade, and free summer concerts.

Beyond The Beer, Brewfest Also Has Great Music And Food

There are three different Colorado local bands playing each day of Brewfest. The bands are usually set up right in the middle of the square, on the stage near the small waterfall. Each music group is allotted about two hours to play, and for most of the time playing, they draw a constant crowd of people dancing and surrounding the area. The concert schedule is as follows:

Saturday, June 27th
11:45am-1:45pm Gripton
2:00-3:45pm To Be Announced
4:15-6:00pm Roe

Sunday, June 28th
11:45am-1:45pm The Corduroy
2:00-3:45pm Pineapple Crackers
4:15-6:00 Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra

The Corduroy is returning again after performing at last years’ Brewfest. Their music style is a mix of Americana, Funk and Blues, and their popularity has begun to expand from Colorado into the South and Mid West.

An assortment of food vendors from local Fort Collins restaurants will also be set up around the area for people to purchase from.

Breweries That Will Be Hosting The Event

All of the major Fort Collins breweries will be a part of the 2009 Colorado Brewer’s Festival; these include Anheuser-Busch, Big Horn Brewery/CB & Potts, Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing, New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins Brewery, and Odell’s Brewing.

View Colorado Brewfest Breweries in a larger map

Anheuser-Busch is the creator of many of the well-known beers such as Bud Light, Budweiser, Michelob, Busch, Natural Light, Beck’s, and the list goes on. They also brew Bacardi products, non-alcohol beers, energy drinks, and specialty and regional beers. Their company is constantly growing, and as stated on their very own Website, “through its corporate foundation and community outreach efforts, they gave more than $267,000 in the Fort Collins area last year.”

The Big Horn Brewery, also known to many as CB & Potts which is a popular restaurant in Fort Collins, has locally brewed beer that is recognized across the nation. A few of their award-winning brews from 2008 include Java the Hut which is coffee flavored, Old Jack’s Stout which is wood and barrel ages, and Westminster Export which is a Dortmunder Style Export.

Coppersmith’s Pub and Brewing is located right inside Old Town Square with an outside dining area that is a great place to sit down and listen to the music during Brewfest. They always offer an assortment of beers on tap, many of them ales such as Not Brown, Poudre Pale, and Punjabi Ale.

New Belgium Brewing Company is based upon originality and that explains why they became the first wind-powered brewery in the United States. They have many exceptionally popular beers, and a few of them are Fat Tire, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle, and Skinny Dip.

The Fort Collins Brewery is a local favorite, and always offers tap room specials and exciting tours. Their beer can be purchased in over 21 states across the country. Some of their innovative creations include a tasty pomegranate wheat beer, Smoked Amber Lager, and a nutty flavored Timeless Red Ale.

Odell’s Brewery has been open for almost 20 years now, and they continue to come up with new inventive beers every single week in their tasting room. Easy Street Wheat, 90 Shilling, Red Ale, and Levity Ale are just a few examples of their classic and seasonal beers. This brewery is also part of numerous environmental programs that help keep our world green.

The Benefits For Breweries To Attend

The apparent benefit for breweries to be a part of this event is for exposure and to promote their beer and their brewery as a whole. For some breweries it is hard to calculate how helpful this event is for their company, but for others it is completely clear.

Although CB & Potts/The Big Horn Brewery has been open since 1971, they have only been involved in Brewfest for the past 12 years out of the 20 years it has been taking place. In an interview with Kirk Lombardi, he explained the importance of “being a player in the local craft beer culture.”

In questioning Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewery about Brewfest, it’s as if they feel the same way; becoming involved in the community and supporting many locals’ passions for great tasting beer is a top priority. Dwight Hall, the Head Brewer and Managing Partner for Coopersmith’s, voices his opinion about at least one advantage of Brewfest, “Colorado Brewer’s Festival is a great event to showcase the great diversity of Colorado craft beer.”

These breweries are very passionate about what they do, and about proving the excellence of Colorado brews.

What Kind Of Beer Selections To Expect This Year

Breweries usually select some of their new creations to serve at an event such as this, but they often times include the old favorites as well. “I try and choose beer that I think a lot of people will enjoy, and that reflects Coopersmith’s unique personality,” is what Dwight Hall from Coopersmith’s tells us about what he looks for and thinks about while selecting the beer to provide at an event such as CBF.

Some of Coopersmith’s most popular brews and ones that you might expect to see at CBF include:

- Punjabi Pale Ale, which Hall tells us is their most popular beer and it is served three ways: draft Pubside and Poolside, and hand drawn (Hanjabi on Poolside and cask conditioned on Pubside).

- Sigda's Green Chili Beer is popular year round

- Mountain Avenue Wheat is the best seller in the summer

- Razzmatazz Belgian Ale is one of the newer beers that they will be serving as well, and it is a blonde ale brewed with Belgian yeast and spiced with coriander.

The Big Horn Brewery on the other hand is not bringing out any new creations this year; they are just sticking to the all time favorites:

- Buttface Amber Ale and Colorado Blonde are two of their “top performers” for beer

- Big Horn Hefeweizen , Barefoot Wit, and Apricot Ale are a few other brews that will be available for tasting

The Costs For Breweries To Be A Part Of Brewfest

Each brewery provides their beer for a different price, along with various transportation costs and sponsorship costs. They do however, make at least some money from providing for this event. Coopersmith’s “sells their kegs to the Downtown Business Association at a lower than normal price and a standard transportation cost.”

To give you an idea about just how much beer people consume over the two days at Brewfest, Coopersmith’s has had three different types of beer throughout the past few years, and they have “sold out all 27 kegs over the weekend.” Lombardi explains that his breweries performance very similar, with about 18 of their kegs being used up by the end of the weekend. Not to worry though, the event has never totally run out of beer, there is always enough to go around for everyone.

The Big Horn Brewery laid out their prices a bit differently, “Beer costs around $900, sponsorship is $300 or so, and we get $1,260 back from the Downtown Business Association so we wind up making around $60,” which is not a lot of money considering the success of their brewery nationwide. It pays off in the end though, because as Lombardi tells me, they get a great deal of exposure to new customers. Hall also has the same mindset, exclaiming that CBF “brings thousands of beer lovers to our doorstep which is a good thing.”

These breweries are not so much worried with the costs, because they can make up any losses through tours, merchandise sales, and taking advantage of the busy summers. Hall seems very upbeat about the upcoming months, telling me that “summer is our busiest time; big events in old town like the Colorado Brewer’s Festival and New West Fest make our busiest days.” This is also true because their restaurant and breweryis located in the exact area that Brewfest takes place, and even more people stop in for a bite to eat or a quick drink during the event.

Why You Shouldn't Miss It

Lombardi expresses his experiences at the festival, “the brewers aren’t really allowed to participate, so my experiences are much like those of any ‘fest-goer’, sun, beer, music, and ‘good times’.”

Colorado Brewer's Festival is an event that can be enjoyed by all demographics; families, students, couples, and friends of all ages. It's an experience that you will not want to miss, and should be taken advantage of at least once if not every year by anyone who is in town the last weekend of June.

Audio: http://www.box.net/shared/t78dnjsxzk

The Colorado Rockies

2009-05-29T10:29:00.001-07:00

Photo by http://img.webring.com/r/c/coloradorockies/logo

The Colorado Rockies baseball team are 18-28 this season, with plenty more games to play and chances to win and take a victory. Their home games take place at Coors Field in the Downtown Denver area. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the box office right outside the stadium.

For those who are on a tight budget but would still like to enjoy a summers day watching a baseball game, there are "rockpile" tickets available. If these are purchased in advance they are only a mere $4. Club level seating, season tickets, and standard ticketswhere you may choose the area you would like to be seated are some of the other options when purchasing tickets.

For huge fans of the Rockies team, there are countless blogs that cover all the latest news of the players, stats, and such day to day. A popular site like this is called Purple Row, and it is updated almost every day with detailed and precise news about almost anything realted to the team.

Noon Toons in Boulder

2009-05-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Beginning June 8th, a series of local music will be playing right outside the Boulder County Courthouse, located at 1300 Pearl Street. This fresh entertainment is held Friday at Noon throughout the summer weeks, up until the last day which is August 24th.

The music is spread over many genres including bluegrass, folk, rock, and classical. A few of the bands that will be playing over the couple weeks include Soul Sacrifice, Mojomama, Felonious Smith, and Lorrie Singer & Bradley Kopp.

There are many tasty restaraunts located on the nearby block that have outside seating so you may enjoy great food and music all in one. Fransca Food and Wine offers American and seafood, Sunflower is a good choice if you are looking for vegan or vegetarian choices, and the California Pizza Kitchen has a wide variety of delicious pizza creations.

If the lunch hour is booked up for you and nightlife is more appealing, take a look at Bands on the Bricks which is Wednesday nights from 7 to 9pm. This event also goes all summer long and also includes a schedule of many talented bands to play.

FoCo Biking

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Avid bicycle riders of Fort Collins, Colorado have probably already noticed the newly installed bike racks throughout the downtown areas. This project was funded by the New Belgium Brewing Company , and was aimed at lessening the congestion problem on downtown sidewalks.

For those who would prefer taking a bike ride on an actual trail around town or up to Horsetooh Reservoir, there are countless trails available which all twist and turn through beautiful scenery. These trails are all sustained year round by the City, including even the winter season when the snow is removed.

If you are looking to rent a bicycle and take a short day trip or even a long weekender, there are an assortment of locations carrying bicycles that will allow you to do just that. New World Sports
is just one of these places which permits you to not only rent a bicycle and all the gear to wear while riding, but they offer guided tours and shuttle services asl well.

Another popular bike rental spot is located in the heart of downtown Fort Collins, right in the square. The Fort Collins Bike Library is a free service to locals, students, and even visitors. They are open Thursday through Sunday, from Noon to 6pm. So don't hesitate to jump on a bike and take advantage of the easy exercise and exciting trails that Fort Collins has to offer.

Water Parks and more

2009-05-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

With swimming pools and water parks finally opening up for the summer season, many are struggling to meet the new drainage laws that were put into place just last December. These laws call for the installation of a specific drain system that prevents hair, body parts, and jewelry getting trapped in the drain.

Water World in Denver, a main attraction for many residents of Northern Colorado, opened on May 23rd. Their operating hours are from 10am to 6pm, depending upon weather conditions. Today though, May 25th, they were closed due to cool temperatures and stormy weather conditions but anticipate opening at normal time tomorrow morning.

The ticket prices for a day of fun in the sun varies depending upon age, half day or full day, and if you present coupons. Although Water World is offering a great season pass deal this year, especially for families who plan on purchasing 4 or more passes. Along with the season pass, it includes free day tickets for friends, 20% savings on food and merchandise, and much more.

Elitch Gardens Theme Park is another exciting attraction that brings huge crowds to Denver. Not only does this theme park have a wide array of thrill rides and rollercoasters, they also have a water park, and host dozens of concerts each summer which all take place at 7pm. Also, with the purchase of one day admission ticket into Elitch Gardens, you get to attend the concert for FREE, which is a great incentive for those who are looking to get more for their dollar.

Elitch Gardens Concert Line-Up
May 9th- The Charlie Daniels Band
May 16th- Grand Funk Railroad
May 23rd-Conjunto Atardecer
May 30th- Little Big Town
June 6th- Relient K
June 13th- Nat and Alex Wolff
June 20th- Lee Ann Womack
June 27th- Loverboy

For people who would rather just head to their neighborhood pool and not fight the crowds at a theme park, be aware of the new drainage laws that were put into place just last December. These laws call for the installation of a specific drain system that prevents hair, body parts, and jewelry getting trapped in the drain. So be sure that either that if you have your own backyard pool, you are aware of the hazards of not abiding by the drainage laws.

Red Rocks Concerts

2009-05-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

Red Rocks Amphitheatre has a great line-up of bands and artists scheduled to perform throughout the next few months. Tickets for most of the shows can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. Otherwise, the box office is located at Entrance 2 of Red Rocks Road, and is open 2 hours prior to every show for tickets to be purchased there as well. The following list includes all of the shows at Red Rocks for May, June and July:

MAY
28- Punk Rocks 2009 @ 6pm
29- TECH N9NE @ 7pm
30- The Disco Biscuits @ 5pm
31- REO Speedwagon @ 7pm

JUNE
2- Leonard Cohen World Tour 2009 @ 8pm
5- O.A.R. @ 8pm
6- Big Head Todd and the Monsters @ 7:30pm
11- Rise Against @ 7pm
12- 311 Unity Tour 09’ @ 7pm
13- John Prine @ 7:30pm
20- David Byrne @ 7:30pm
27- John Denver @ 8pm
29- Mormon Tabernacle Choir @ 7:30pm

JULY
1&2- Celtic Woman @ 8pm
3- Wilco @ 8pm
5- Symphony on the Rocks @ 7:30pm
14- Death Cab for Cutie @ 7pm
15- Blazed and Confused Tour/Slightly Stoopid/Snoop Dogg @ 6:30pm
18- Global Dance Festival @ 5pm
21- Journey @ 7:30pm
23- ABBA The Tribute @ 8pm
25- STS9 @ 4pm
26- Lyle Lovett and his Large Band @ 7:30pm
29- Counting Crows @ 7pm
30&31- Phish @ 7:30pm

Take a Splash in the Poudre River

2009-05-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Since early April the Poudre River, formally known as the Cache La Poudre, officially opened its waters to tourists from all over to come and enjoy. Some of the extreme activities that take place on the river include rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and even tubing. If you’re looking for a summer that is full of intensity, thrills, and wild fun, then these white water activities are the answer. Whether you have never stepped foot near a mountainous river, or consider yourself a skilled kayaker, there are programs and lessons available to meet your specific needs.

Mountain Whitewater Descents Inc. is just one of the numerous places that provides lessons, guides, rentals, and much more for all of the river activities. They offer half-day and full-day trips, all of the rental gear and boats one could possibly want, and even offer catered BBQ lunches outside in the scenic terrain. The prices really vary depending upon what you are wanting to do or rent, but they usually offer a special package that is discounted in some way.

Another place to get everything you need to take on the Poudre is A Wanderlust Adventure. What sets them apart from all of the other rafting places is that they offer the free use of paddle jackets, fleece sweaters, wetsuit rentals, and more. Their season begins May 15th and goes until August 31st, allowing ages 7 and up to experience the river, and have various different river trips to choose from.

Keep in mind though, that floating down the river on a raft, even with an experienced guide by your side, still carries its dangers. As stated by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services in the Fort Collins Coloradoan, the water in the Poudre has been rapidly rising this season. Therefore, people who are planning to use the river this summer should be sure to use caution.

Mountain Resort Fun

2009-05-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

In the winter season, people from all over the world travel to the Colorado Rockies to ski and snowboard on one or even all of the many infamous slopes located there. Areas such as Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Winter Park, and Copper are flooded with snow bums throughout the snowy months of the year, but don't think for one second that they slow down during the summer.

Keystone is famous for its' golf courses, Vail holds music festivals almost every weekend during the summer months, Winter Park has over 600 miles of rugged mountain biking trails, and a few years ago Copper added a zip line that allows guests to soar through the trees. Each resort offers scenic chair-lift rides, and some of them even allow guests to enjoy a scrumptious lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants sitting atop the mountain. Keystone for example, has a well-known gourmet restaurant atop their North Peak where guests may enjoy specialties such as fondue and seafood along with live entertainment.

Below is a list of some of the major events coming up in the month of June:

- Mountain Bike Series @ Vail/Beaver Creek
- Teva Mountain Games @ Vail
- King of the Mountain @ Vail
- Bud Light Hot Summer Nights @ Vail
- Trestle Bike Park Opening @ Winter Park
- 5.3 mile hill climb @ Winter Park
- Family Plaza Palooza @ Winter Park
- 5th Annual Trout Cook-off @ Keystone
- Avon Walk for Breast Cancer @ Keystone
- World Music Festival @ Keystone
- Life Off: Summer (Opening Weekend) @ Copper
- 3Ring Weekend @ Copper
- Copper Triangle Bicycle Tour @ Copper

Vail/Keystone/Winter Park/Copper

Stampede Days

2009-05-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

Photo found at:
www.kwalicia.com/Default.aspx
While the Greeley Stampede is not coming up for another month and a half ( June 25th-July 5th), it is important to take notice ahead of time at which events most interest you. They offer a Firework show, Demolition Derby, Arts show, a Parade, and much more. If you are a big fan of rodeos, or just might want to experience one for the first time, take a look at the rodeo schedule.

Along with these exciting activities, every year they have an awesome lineup of music artists that will be performing during the couple weeks of fun. More detail about the dates and times of the concerts can be found at the Greeley Stampede website. If you are one of those people who like to be the early bird at events such as these, be sure to take a walk through of the carnival that is just outside of the Stampede arena. They have rows of booths where you can win prizes, rollercoasters, and other rides which you might want to think twice about hopping on if you're prone to motion sickness or scared of heights!

Overall, the Greeley Stampede is a great place to bring the whole family, your boyfriend or girlfriend, or even to take a day on your own and witness some of the diverse talent and activities that are offered.