Renaissance Festival in Colorado

 Costumes, food, and history comprise the Colorado Renaissance Festival that is going on all summer long.  Every weekend make your way to Larkspur to experience kings, queens, and dragons from the 16th century. Kids will love the animals and shows, while parents can explore the history and take in the shops. 

Transport yourself back in time to the days of legend and lore. The Colorado Renaissance Festival is coming to town for it’s 36th magical season, and you certainly can’t miss this event. Hundreds of authentic villagers welcome you to the 16th century, as you wander the streets encountering kings, queens, nights, dukes, ladies and wenches. There is entertainment on every corner and so much to see and do. This is one of the most popular summertime activities in Colorado, so be sure to plan ahead.

Entertainment galore
There is so much to see and do this year that you won’t know where to start first. There are three daily jousts featuring chivalrous knights and brave steeds. Magicians, comics and mimes wander the streets, and acrobats and musicians entertain the crowds. Of course, everyone’s favorite comic duo will be returning as well. Puke and Snot are masters of their unique brand of “Mock Shakespearean Vaudeville” and they are sure to have you rolling in the aisles and laughing all the way home. Don’t miss all the amazing rides and games for all ages. From the old-fashioned carousel to games of skill or just throwing tomatoes as insults, be sure to take advantage of all the fun.

Prepare to shop
More than 200 skilled artisans will be at the festival displaying a huge variety of craftsmanship. Wander the shops and peruse the amazing arts. Enjoy fine art, pottery, jewelry, clothing, woodworking, glassblowing, leather work and so much more. This is the best place to find a unique one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone.



For more information on the festival head to the CBS Website.

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Helping Out the Wildfire Victims

A wildfire benefit concert occurred at the Avett Brothers Red Rock Shows.  The proceeds from tickets and other passes went to wildfire victims in Colorado.  Read more about the concert below.

 

 The Avett Brothers hold a sweet place in their heart for Colorado. When word trickled down about the multiple fires burning large parts of the Centennial State,  the brothers Avett made their contribution. Tickets for both recent Red Rocks shows were donated and auctioned off on KBCO for a meet and greet with the guys and Gov. John Hickenlooper. The donations went a step further when a fireman’s boot was passed around the venue both nights — raising $50,000 for the relief efforts

The Avett Brothers kicked off their two-night stand at Red Rocks on Friday night with a dramatic, dynamic show set against a cool Colorado night in the foothills.

The set was frontloaded with some emotional heavyweights early in the evening – starting off with 
 “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” eventually leading into “Murder in the City” and 
 “Paranoia in B flat Major.” The band’s new single, the Seth Avett-fronted “Live and Die,” found an audience with its simple melody, but older fans latched onto “At the Beach.”

The setlist had a few forgettable inclusions. “Gimme a Kiss” is a silly endeavor, a simple song the North Carolina band moved beyond long ago. And while I’m thankful “Kick Drum Heart” brought the band a larger (and deserved) audience, the pop song – with its infectious bounce – never appealed to me.

That said, it was still a lovely show, with a stunning “Salina,” a moving “10,000 Words,” an impeccable “November Blue” and a truly beautiful “January Wedding,” which was, next to “I and Love and You,” the biggest singalong of the night.

For more information on the concert or the Avett Brothers go to Hey Reverb.

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Protecting Your Family From The Heat

This heat wave has had most of the country hoping for a cool down for weeks now.  There is no cool down in sight for most of this country, but there are still ways to stay cool and protect your family from the oppressive heat. 

At a time when kids are outside the most, parents need to watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, a potentially fatal condition. Kids and the elderly are at the highest risk, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are some strategies to prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• Hydration – Make sure that your child has plenty of drinking water. When kids are running around inhigh temperatures, they’re susceptible to severe heat cramps in their arms, legs or abdomen,especially if they’re not hydrated. Keep a close eye on very young children and make sure they’re drinking water regularly. For older kids, consider purchasing a refillable water jug that they can keep with them while playing outside.

• Cool Off – Require that your kids come inside once an hour on very warm days to refill their water bottles and cool off with a fan or air conditioning.

• Be Aware of the Signs – Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are different, but they’re both serious and require attention. KidsHealth.org lists the following signs of heat exhaustion:
– dehydration
– fatigue
– weakness
– clammy skin
– headache
– nausea and/or vomiting
– hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
– irritability

If you notice any of these signs in your child, bring him indoors or to a shady area. Loosen or remove any clothing, and encourage him to eat and drink. You can also try to bathe him in cool (not cold) water. If your child is too exhausted to eat or drink, call a medical professional; fluids given intravenously may be necessary to prevent severe dehydration.

Heat stroke is more severe than heat exhaustion and requires quick medical attention. Boys Town, a national child and healthcare organization, says one or more of the following symptoms may be a sign of heat stroke:
– A fever of at least 104°F
– Unconsciousness or delirium and child may or may not be sweating
– Flushed skin that is hot to the touch
– Fast heart rate
– Nausea and vomiting

If you notice one or more signs of heat stroke, call for an ambulance and contact a physician immediately,” says Boys Town pediatrician Kelli Shidler, M.D. “It is essential that you cool your child down right away by moving them to a cool place, sponging the skin with cool water or ice packs and fanning their body.”

For more information on ways to protect your family go to ColoradoParent.

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Happy Fourth of July!

The City of Englewood Fireworks display will be held at 930pm.  However, don't just come for the fireworks there are activities all day for the whole family.

With an emphasis on a safe night for families, police will be strictly enforcing laws prohibiting alcohol and fireworks. We also strongly encourage you to leave your pets at home.

There will be plenty of fun at the 17th Annual Family Festival and Fireworks. Activities will take place all afternoon at Belleview Park and Cornerstone Park. 

For more information please see the City of Englewood website.

Schedule of Events
Belleview Park	11 am-4 pm	Miniature Train ($1.50/ride)
	11 am-4 pm	Children's Farm ($1.50 admission)
	10 am-6 pm	Pirates Cove Family Aquatic Center (fee charged) (www.piratescovecolorado.com)
	3-8 pm	Field games and other free activities, plus Bounce House, Slide, Laser Tag, etc. (fee charged)
	5 pm	Duck races!
	Plus	Food vendors throughout the afternoon
Cornerstone Park	Noon - 6 pm	Colorado Journey Mini-Golf (fee charged)
	3-8 pm	Free field games, face-painting, and fun for the whole family, plus 66-foot Chinese dragon slide, large bounce house, and bungee tramp (fee charged).
	6 pm	AirLife Helicopter lands
	7 pm	Live Music by Deja Blu
	9:30 pm	FIREWORKS! (launched from the baseball fields)
	Plus	Food vendors throughout the afternoon
Progress Park	9 am - Noon	Fishing Derby (Registration begins at 8 am - Participants over the age of 16 need a valid fishing license.)

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Summer Rodeo's in Colorado

Summer rodeo's are not just for the Wild West anymore.  This is a great event to take families too, and it is an event that children love.  There are many rodeo's coming to town read below to find out about rodeos in Colorado.

It's not that the Wild West doesn't exist any longer — it just doesn't come to town that often.
But rodeo season is upon us, bringing with it a chance to see the way entertainment has always been done in the West.

"The way I look at it, rodeo is a family event that is fun to watch and brings us back to the Old West," said Chuck Colletti, president of the Colorado Pro Rodeo Association. "We get to go back to our roots, to the cowboy days."

And here in Colorado we know how to cowboy up.

Colletti's organization has more than 500 members, putting on 30 rodeos during the days of summer.

"From Trinidad to Brush and Grand Junction to Eads; no matter where you are in the state, you can go to a rodeo," Colletti said.


"Is rodeo still America's No. 1 sport? In my opinion, it sure is."

For details on The Top Ten Colorado Rodeos click this link:  The Daily Post

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Evacuation Rules and Procedures for Colorado

If facing evacuation from the dangerous wildfires, make sure you are up to date on the evacuation rules and procedures for our community.

Be Prepared

Six basics items should be stocked in every home: water, food, clothing/bedding, first aid kit, tools/supplies and special items (see checklist reverse). Keep items most likely needed during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large covered storage bin, backpack or duffel bag.

Put items in airtight plastic bags and store the emergency kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Consider keeping a kit in your vehicle as well. Evaluate contents of the kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace items as needed. For additional information regarding an all hazards approach to preparedness call the City of Colorado Springs Office of Emergency Management - 385-CALL (2255)

Meet and discuss as a family:

•   Evacuation procedures
  
•   Individual roles
  Plan how the family will stay in contact if separated by disaster:
  

•   Decide on two meeting places - one outside of the home and one outside of the neighborhood
  
•   Choose an out-of-state friend or relative that will act as a point of contact for everyone
  
  Meet with neighbors:
  

•   Plan how everyone will work together
  
•   Consider how to help neighbors with special needs
  
•   Make plans for children at home if parents can’t return to the area
  
  Complete these steps:
  

•   Post emergency phone numbers by every phone and program into cell phones
  
•   Know how and when to shut off water, electricity and gas at main controls
  
•   Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home near bedrooms
  
•   Make arrangements for animals, public shelters do not accept them
  
  Personal safety should be the highest priority.
  

•   During an evacuation, immediately follow instructions from fire, police, and emergency officials
  
•   Learn alternate ways out of the neighborhood - plan and rehearse an escape plan
  
•   Make a list of items to take with you - remember, you may only have a few minutes
  
•   If told to evacuate immediately, take only essential items:
  
  •   Medications/Prescriptions
    
  •   Identification
    
  •   Eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids
    
  •   Financial Resources - cash, credit cards, checks, bank cards 
    
    
    For more information go to the City of Colorado Springs webpage.
    
    

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Block Party on June 9th

Beer, Fireworks, and delicious food?  Sounds like a great party!  On June 9th in Littleton there will be a Main Street Block Party from 6-11pm.  Restaurants, two fireworks shows, and the 50 plus booths are making this year one of the best years for the party yet.  There are activities for the kids and the adults can relax with a cold beer that are cheaper than last years prices.

Tastes great. More filling. Cheaper beer. It’s this year’s Main Street Block Party, June 9, 6-11 p.m. And Greg Reinke, president of the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants, says it’s going to be better than ever before. It’s more of everything than last year – two more stages, 50-plus booths, 20-plus restaurants and two, count ’em, two fireworks shows. The beer, though, will cost just $4, less than last year.

“Disney spent a billion dollars trying to reproduce what our forefathers built in 1860, and it’s called Main Street USA,” said Reinke. “All we’re doing here is putting in the rides.”

By “rides,” he means bubble towers, roaming magicians, bouncy castles, fire-eaters and, of course, random acts of good karaoke. Add an unprecedented duo of fireworks displays – one at 9 p.m. and one at 10:45 – and it’s a night not to be missed.

Six different music styles on six different stages offer something for everyone, from the smooth piano-bar stylings of Larry O’Conner to Flash Mob’s reggae/rap beats.

Get a jump on the lines and a free beverage by purchasing tickets through June 8 from a number of downtown merchants – look for the chalk art in front of participating locations. Those who take advantage of the presale get 10 tickets for $10, plus a $4 coupon for a beer, water or soda.

“Come and play on Main Street USA,” said Reinke.

For more details head to The Littleton News.

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