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Colorado Calendar
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EnCompass®
The AAA Companion
July | August 2005
Volume 79 Issue 4
Volume 79 Issue 4
By Carrie Patrick
Colorado has a notable history when it comes to celebrating independence. Back in 1901, the largest July 4th pyrotechnic display in history was set off on the summit of Pikes Peak. The so-called "Grand Explosion" involved dozens of railcars full of lumber, 15 barrels of oil, and large amounts of kerosene and gasoline to create a wall of fire that was visible from Cheyenne, 200 miles away. The New York Times reported that "for towns within 20 miles, the effect was the same as of a volcano."
Today, we tend to prefer our July 4th cookout to be a little more subtle. But the traditional spirit of the day is still expressed with a grand explosion of flags and bunting, parades, rodeos, picnics-and, of course, a wide selection of public fireworks displays.
Here are just a few events around the state to help you celebrate America's greatest holiday.
- On July 2 there's free ice cream at Telluride's Red White & Blues Concert and Ice Cream Social, along with the music of Buckwheat Zydeco. 970-369-6417. July 4th brings a parade, BBQ, games and fireworks.
- The ACLU's Liberty Run/Walk and Festival of Rights kicks off at 8 a.m. on July 4th at Washington Park, Denver. Hear an inspirational reading of the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence, along with student compositions on "What Freedom Means." 303-777-5482.
- Before Silverton's fireworks display, two local fire departments face off for a water fight like you've never seen before. 800-752-4494.
- On July 2, Bandimere Speedway in Morrison combines fast cars with fireworks, kids' games and contests from pie eating to hula hooping. www.bandimere.com or 303-697-6001.
- Montrose's Great American Summer Salute includes a hot-air balloon festival from July 1-3, and fireworks on the 4th. 800-873-0244.
- See an old-time "bank robbery," races, pig roast, fireworks and more at Meeker's Range Call Celebration. It's the oldest annual rodeo in Colorado. www.rangecall.com
- In Fort Collins, relax at City Park as the Fort Collins Wind Symphony Orchestra ushers in a fireworks show over Sheldon Lake. 970-484-6500.
- Aspen festivities include an Air Force flyover, kids' bicycle rodeo, and fireworks over Aspen Mountain. 970-925-1940.
- Grab a buffalo burger at Soda Springs Park, Manitou Springs, while watching the fireworks cascading off Red Mountain. Street performers will add to the small-town friendly atmosphere. 719-685-5089.
Carrie Patrick is managing editor of EnCompass. Thanks to James R. Heintze (American University, Washington D.C.) for information on the Grand Explosion.
Eat - Shop - Stay
Farmers' markets and horse hotels
Well-known and worth it
If you've never stopped at Johnson's Corner, well, what are you waiting for? The world-famous truck stop at Exit 254 on I-25 (halfway between Denver and Cheyenne) has giant cinnamon rolls and was named one of the five best truck stops in the nation by Food Network and one of the top 10 breakfast spots in the world by Travel & Leisure magazine. 970-667-2069.
Ah, Palisade peaches. Pueblo chiles. Olathe sweet corn. On summer Saturday mornings, where else would you want to be but browsing at a farmers' market? You'll find them in Boulder, Vail, Denver, Aspen, Durango, Castle Rock, Grand Junction, Arvada and Strasburg, among others. Check out www.ams.usda. gov/farmersmarkets for a complete list.
Lesser known gems
The Golden Hotel in historic Golden is finally finding its identity. The new owners have taken a "new West" approach to its décor and attitude, playing off the Old West roots of the town but with an updated look in its interior design. And its promising restaurant, the Bridgewater Grill, may soon be one of the best in town. 303-279-0100.
It may not sound ritzy, but the Ranch House restaurant at Devil's Thumb Ranch near Tabernash has some of the haute-est Colorado cuisine in Grand County. Treat yourself to the lavender lamb, and be sure to add a bottle of great wine. The cherry-lined wine-tasting and uncorking room features 2,000 bottles, carefully selected to accompany the menu. 800-933-4339.
Something different
Not everyone takes their horse with them on vacation, but if you do, you both can stay at the Craig Ranch Bed and Breakfast & Horse Motel near Limon. The 15,000-acre working cattle ranch offers a place for you and your horse to relax and ride. Horses stay for $5 a night. And if you have time on your hands, you can always play…well, horseshoes. 719-775-2658.
Put on your shoppin' shoes and head to Gunnison for the 22nd Big Blue Marketplace, Aug. 27-28. Nearly 100 artists and crafters will be selling their works, as well as antiques and collectibles. If art isn't your thing, wander across the street to the annual Gunnison Car Show. 970-641-4029.
See & Do
Golfing, gunfighting and genealogy
Well-known and worth it
Golfers and other fans of the PGA Tour will want to check out the 2005 International, at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock. Watch the world's best compete for a purse of $5 million. 303-660-8000.
Don't be surprised to see former president Gerald R. Ford and wife Betty take their seats at the theater named for them when the curtain goes up on the Vail International Dance Festival. The event, July 30-Aug. 7, features the Colorado Ballet and other dancers — classical to contemporary — from around the world. The outdoor amphitheater provides the perfect starry backdrop. 888-920-2787 or 970-845-8497.
After being closed earlier this year, the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs has reopened. It's a lavish tribute to this all-American sport. Plans include more changing exhibits, classes, lectures, concerts and live exhibitions. 719-528-4764.
Lesser known gems
The Cleaver family, beginnings of civil rights, birth of rock 'n' roll and other hallmarks of the 1950s will be explored at the High Plains Chautauqua, Aug. 2-6, in Greeley. The event revives an era in "Shake, Rattle and Roll: 1945-1960" with dozens of programs that may bring back memories or open your eyes. Hear beat poetry or dance the jitterbug. For a full schedule, go to www.highplainschautau qua.org or call 970-339-6365.
If you've a mind to go tossin' your caber around, why not do it at the annual Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highland Games, Aug. 13-14 at Highlands Ranch? You'll also hear bagpipes, dance your kilts off, and check out your genealogy. You might think twice before attending the haggis-tasting, however. 303-238-6524.
Something different
Strap on your six-shooter and live out a fantasy. Buckskin Joe's Frontier Town had so many guests who wanted to perform in the gunfighter shows, they've started a Gunfighter for a Day program. You'll dress up like a gunslinger and play a role in one of the seven daily shows near Cañon City. Don't worry, the guns shoot blanks. 719-275-5149. A rare celestial event, occurring every 18 years, is drawing visitors to Chimney Rock Archeological Area near Pagosa Springs. It's called the northern lunar standstill-when the moon appears to rise right between the two towers of Chimney Rock. Lunar standstill tours are scheduled Aug. 1 and 28, Sept. 24 and Oct. 21. Reser-vations: 970-264-2287.
Linda DuVal is the former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and a freelance travel writer.
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