A lot of people are asking me my plans for July 4th weekend here in Boulder County and they are seeking suggestions for some outdoor fun.  I’ve compiled this blog in order to education the masses  on the not-to-miss events for this festive and time-honored holiday.  Let’s begin with Folsom Stadium Fireworks as this is the most well known of tributes to the red, white, and blue.  It begins when dark so be prepared to wait and keep the kiddos up late.  You can view the spectacular lights from the stadium itself, or find yourself a spot around town.  One popular gathering is Scott Carpenter Park.  It’ll be packed, so get there early and set up a chair or blanket.  The kids can climb around the playground and rocket ship while you wait.  Bring your sparklers!  Also included in prime locations for watching fireworks all over the county in one convenient spot – Chautauqua, Mt Sanitas, and Southern Sun Pub (I’m only kind of joking – it does have great views). There are so many Fourth of July events, your head will be seeing fireworks for months to come!

First, the family and I are packing up our wagon and heading down to the Municipal Building lawn to join the Parenting Place where the kiddos can decorate their wagons and strollers.  Then let the festivities begin!  Following the decorating, there will be a parade.  Snack on bagels and watermelon!  Sing along with music by Sue Schnitzer! Sponsored by the Daily Camera, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Full Cycle, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Flatirons Bank, and Clementine Art Studio. See you there at 10:00am!

In celebration of the 4th of July, Avery Brewing is holding its third annual Four on the Fourth 4k race at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  The Daily Camera reports that organizers hope the event attracts around 450 participants. Age groups range from the under-20s to the over-80s.  C.V. Howe at Avery Brewing says the winner of each age group walks away with a case of Avery Beer, and overall male and female winners receive their weight, pound for pound, in beer.  The event begins at 9 a.m., participants are to park at Avery Brewing Company. The event

is family-friendly and participants will be greeted at the finish line with refreshments and food. Online registration is still open and participants can register in person on the day of the event until 8:30 a.m.

See…the Fourth of July is an ALL DAY activity so don’t wait until the afternoon bbq’s and happy hour to get busy – begin celebrating at dawn!  Then, when dusk falls, head out for food and music before the fireworks.  Here are some restaurants getting in on the holiday fun. Go celebrate this Independence Day at the Millennium. Stop by the gardens for BBQ before heading up to Folsom Field to see the fireworks this Sunday from 5pm till 8pm. Your choice of burger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, hot dog or shredded pork sandwich, plus potato salad, chips cookie and soda or water. Due to its success with the Monday night fixed-price deal Bacaro is excited to extend it to Sunday nights as well (Fourth of July)!  Join us every Sunday and Monday for a 3-course meal at only $16 per guest.  The menu selections will vary so you can return each week to enjoy a different taste of Bácaro’s menu! To top it off, every Sunday kids will enjoy a FREE meal!  Also, you won’t want to miss the Sunday evening showing of Independence Day with Will Smith at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.  It begins at 8:30 on the terrace.  Oh… and they also have great food and drinks!

Even if you have kids, or just want to enjoy a beautiful Boulder day alone, there is plenty to do.  Don’t forget about the Boulder Creek Path, there will be ample amount of tubers, waders, and kayakers to watch. Pearl Street is always hopping and if you don’t like crowds, head to the mountains.  It’ll be a perfect day to relax, exercise, or get away.  Whatever you decide, enjoy!  We’ll see ya around town!

Boulder Colorado is well known for it’s musical prowess, it’s even been compared to Telluride, with a great small town feel and a real respect for the environment and healthy living.   eTown radio show, started 2 decades ago by Nick and Helen Forster,  saw an opportunity to bring together a diverse audience and provide  inspiration from the power of music as well as dialogue on social and environmental topics. 

I’m sure you’ve heard this program, its broad-casted on 270 commercial and public radio stations in the US and well as Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, the Virgin Islands and Guam.   If you come to visit Boulder Colorado you owe it to yourself to get a ticket to see one of their shows, broad-casted either live at the Boulder Theater or maybe at Chautauqua.

I know that eTown recently bought on old funky church building in downtown Boulder at 16ths and Spruce Streets.  My friend who owns Boulder Phone Installers  is doing the cabling and telephone work there and he has lived in Boulder for 35 years and is excited about eTown’s new digs. The idea is to turn it into a community center and cultural complex.   The theater will hold 200 seats where they will produce some of the eTown shows, and there will also be a recording studio.  It will be open to the commuity for everything from neighborhhod meetings to small concerts, lectures and other cultural events. 

I am continually amazed,  though the City of Boulder Colorado  is only 100,000 people, as to how much they contribute to the music and cultural scene in the Denver area and around the US.   It’s fun having listened to the eTown show in every city I’ve ever lived in around the country, to watch the growth at such a personal level.  As one of the focuses of the show, all the programs include the E-Chievement Award  which highlights remarkable ordinary individuals who are making a positive difference in the communities. The people are nominated by the listeners and featured either by phone or in person at the show.   

As always, The Troia Team is wants to know how we can help you re-locate to Boulder Colorado. Contact us via our website www.BlogtheRockies.com or this blog.

Billy Banjo’s Bus Tours, of course!  So, let me tell you what I partook in last evening.  It all began in Boulder Colorado where a group of good friends decided to do a customized bus tour (with a cowgirl theme no less).  Dressed to the nine;, we were decked out in boots, rodeo shirts, big-buckled belts, and cowgirl  hats!  Even Banjo Billy had on his chaps as he drove us downtown to Pearl Street and up to Chatauqua.  Now, if you’ve never seen or heard of this bus, you have to have to realize that this is not your average tour bus.  And if you’re a group of twenty five cowgirls, get ready to whoop, yeehaw, dance, and party your way around town.  You’ve got to read more.

I’ve lived in Boulder a long time so I know about the bus tour and often see it parked outside of the Boulderado picking up passengers, however I did not know (until last night), just how fun it could be.  Did you know that you can choose a tour and that they are offered in Denver and Boulder?  Here’s what Banjo Billy himself has to say about his tours.  Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour gives history tours of Boulder and Denver Colorado from an old school bus tricked out to look like a traveling hillbilly shack.  Hear ghost tales, crime stories, and history while sitting on a couch, recliner or saddle as the bus rolls through the core of the cities.  You won’t forget this bus tour!

Although the bus follows the same route every time, no two tours are alike. Passengers get to vote at multiple stops for what they want to hear about – whether it’s a ghost story, a bizarre tall tale, or historical facts. The tour is 90 minutes long, but we guess you’ll be hoping for more. 

Our tour was unique.  After the historical stops entailing stories of ghosts and crime, we made our way to the Dark Horse for quick lemon drop shots.  Then, we headed to Lyons to the Outlaw Saloon, of course.  We were cowgirls after all.  That was the end of the road for Banjo Billy as he had another tour to do, but it was only the beginning for us outlaws!  This Saloon has karaoke and yeehaw!, we sang and swung our partners and had an overall BLAST! 

Thanks John (aka Billy Banjo) and Thanks Ladies!  Let’s go on tour again soon.

Don’t miss out on all the free summer concerts happening in Boulder County like the Award-Winning Rhythm on the Rails in Niwot Colorado.  It’s a ten week summer concert series held every Thursday at Whistle Stop Park featuring bands such as Elephant Revival, Hazel Miller, Bonepony, The Strolling Scones, and more great performaces.  Niwot is located just 5 miles east of Boulder and is known for its charming community.  While listening to awesome music, enjoy food from local vendors and shopping!  See you at the bandstand!  Click here for more summer concerts, fairs,  and music opportunities.

Summer events include:

TWENTY NINTH STREET LIVE!  

When:  June 12th-August 7th.  Get ready for some fun dancing and live music on Saturdays directly on the 29th Street mall (corner of 29th & Canyon). 

There is free parking.  The view is amazing and the sunset can’t be beat.  Restaurants and shopping include Borders, Laudisio Restaurant, Cantina Laredo, and Bath & Body Works.

BOULDER CREEK HOMETOWN FAIR:

When: September 4th-6th.  Wrap up the summer in Boulder’s Central Park.  The three days of performances includes Great American Taxi, The Fables, and Nina Storey.  As the unofficial end to summer in Boulder, the three-day Boulder Creek Hometown Fair features unique events and entertainment, such as the Great Zucchini Race, the Chili Inferno Cook-Off, Big Wheel Races, interactive sports expos, a food court and beer garden, live music, children’s activities, and much more. 303-449-3137.

LONGMONT OKTOBERFEST:

Formerly brought to you by the Longmont Symphony Orchestra, the Longmont Oktoberfest is an established event held in Longmont’s Roosevelt Park each September. Now brought to you by the award-winning production & management team of Boulder Creek Events, Oktoberfest features three days of great live music, local breweries, arts & crafts exhibitors, and kids’ rides and attractions. There’s something for the whole family at the Longmont Oktoberfest!

2010 Dates & Times: Friday, Sept. 10 (5-10pm); Saturday, Sept. 11 (11am-10pm);
Sunday, Sept. 12 (11am-5pm)

Location: Roosevelt Park (849 Coffman St. in Longmont)

BOULDER COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO

Aug. 3-7: The oldest county fair in Colorado is now in its 141st year. The schedule has been scaled back from nine days to five, but each day is jam-packed with events and activities. Parking and gate admission are free, plus many of the events are free. Every day is kids’ day, with scavenger hunts, hands-on activities, animals and storytimes.  See you there!

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Yes, I am seriously writing about this!  I need to write a fun blog and since it’s Bike and Walk to Work Month, why not?  June is the designated month for biking and walking to work and the month is filled with events in Boulder Colorado. Bike to Work Day will be  held on Wednesday, June 23. It is presented by GO Boulder and coordinated by Community Cycles. First celebrated as Bike to Work Day in 1977, the event has grown and continues to encourage thousands of commuters to explore their transportation options.  Serious facts provided by the City of Boulder about 2009:

Way to go Boulder!!!!!  Now for some not so serious information on how to realistically bike to work and not stink out your co-workers.

As a Realtor, I would love to bike to work more often on days that I know I’m not showing buyers around, but how practical is it when you work with the public to show up sweaty and possible smelly?  Well, here’s how……

Tip #1: Stash a supply of clothes at the office.  Wear your bike clothes to get there, then change.  How hard is that?  Plus, if you keep the wardrobe at the office ahead of time, you don’t have to tote the extra backpack.

Tip #2: Along with the clothes, have a handy supply of toiletries.  Wipes, deodorant, lotions….you get my point.  When you arrive, use the restroom to rinse up a bit, then spritz a little rose or lavender water onto your face and hair – yes, even you boys.  Or witch hazel, it might be a little more manly.

Tip #3: Dress appropriately.  You are going to get hot, so dress light even if it’s chilly at first.  Also, leave earlier in the morning.  Getting to work earlier than usual will impress your boss, plus you need the extra time to freshen up using Tips #1 and #2 noted above.

Tip #4: Carry light.  Along with Tip Number One, not only the extra clothes and shoes, but leave the laptop & day planner as well.

Tip #5: Forget about all this and just smell.  This is Boulder after all, chances are your co-workers like the odor or probably stink themselves because they also biked to work.  We are saving the planet and helping to lessen our dependence on foreign oil (stop the war!)! Who cares what you smell like.

All funny business aside, if you are looking to know more about the Boulder Community, contact me for more information.  And click here for the most complete Walk & Bike Month schedule.

Well - in Boulder Colorado  it could be!  With over 40 dispensories, growers, in home care services and herbal medicine shops just in Boulder alone with ” medical marijuana” names such as Bubbua Kush or Blue Dream.   Nope!   In fact Rockygrass  isn’t something you plant or smoke! It’s a bluegrass festival in Lyons Colorado that happens every year in July. Lyons is located 15 miles north of Boulder Colorado and the festival is held at Planet Bluegrass Ranch on Hwy 35 just northwest of Lyons.  Just 25 minutes from Boulder and 1 hour from either Denver or Ft. Collins it’s known as one of the best bluegrass festivals around the country.   Three Days of sun, music, river wading and floating, good food, camping, and exquisite scenery!   Check out this years music lineup! – Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, and Tony Rice, just to mention a few.  Read on for more info

If you are planning to visit Boulder Colorado during the summer, make sure you check out the Rockygrass lineup of musicians for that year and buy your ticket(s) in advance (they go on sale in Jan or Feb) because they sell out quickly.  My family visited me the summer of 2008 and we went to all 3 days of the Rockygrass  festival.  Not only was the music fantastic, but during the hot mid day sun we spent hours in the North St. Vrain river cooling off.  No matter where you are sitting in the park, you have good views and the music just surrounds you!   If you need a break you can visit the small quarry town of Lyons where they have restarants and antinque stores.  You could schedule a morning mountain biking at Hall Ranch or touring Rocky Mountain National Park, or take a ride into Estes Park and have lunch.    There is camping at Planet Bluegrass Ranch and there is also local lodging close by in Boulder or Longmont.   I found that my Verizon cell phone worked well, but some other service providers were a little spotty.  As much as you love your dog……please leave Spot at home, there are way to many young, old, dancing, singing people and children around – so NO DOGS.    I found it easy to buy my tickets online at www.shopbluegrass.com or call them at 800-624-2422.  Have a great summer in Boulder!  Call or email the Troia Team if you are making a visit to Boulder any time soon.  We offer free tours of the area!     Lyons Colorado is a nice affordable alternative to Boulder and close enough to be able to participate in the Boulder Fun!

It brought tears to the eyes of some and whether or not you’re an emotional person, all were touched by the outcome of the professional men’s race.  Some witnesses are saying it was the most memorable and sportsmanlike finish the Bolder Boulder has ever seen.  In case you weren’t  the 50,000 participants and observers to watch the finale you may not know it was an Ethiopian dominated race.  But what’s so special about the outcome is the three friends who crossed the finish line abreast and holding hands.  Lelisa Desisa, Tilahun Regassa and Tadese Tola (friends from Ethiopia) made it difficult for officials to declare a winner as they were linked together through the finish.  What a truly amazing sight to witness.  For more coverage information, click here.

The Boulder Colorado Dailyreported that the winning time was 29 minutes, 17 seconds and it’s the fourth time in the past six years that an Ethiopian man has won and the sixth time in history an Ethiopian has captured the title.  In the woman’s race, Mamitu Daska (also from Ethiopia) won in 32 minutes, 28 seconds; winning her second year in a row. Her time was the fastest on the women’s side in 15 years despite warmer weather than distance runners would prefer.

Other news relating to the event was the almost tragic situation with a 13 year old boy whose heart stopped just before finishing.  He was rescued by medics and is doing fine at the Denver Children’s Hospital.  The cause was likely related to a rhythm abnormality in the boy’s heart.  We wish him a most speedy recovery.

According to the official website for the Bolder Boulder, the one and only Dr. Oz ran the event.  If you don’t know who Dr Oz is by now, my only advice is to Google it.  Because the doctor advocates a healthy lifestyle and promotes daily exercise, it further demonstrates how setting a personal goal for the race is really what it’s all about.  Getting outside and being active is the focus for most of the citizens of our wonderful city, making the event one of the most popular things to do on Memorial Day.

One of my favorite things to do is take a hike.  Weather it is a short afternoon trip or a long challenging trail that takes me to isolated alpine lakes over a few days, hiking gives more than it takes.  In Boulder Colorado there are plenty of trails to choose from and a variety of degrees of difficulty amongst those trails.  You can jog up the red rocks trail and take a look east over our beautiful city.  Or you can drive a bit north and start at 4 a.m. to conquer Pikes Peak.  Trust me, you will need a bit or training for that one.  If you enjoy the outdoors, are looking to get in shape, or just need to blow off some steam than take a hike.

Below are a list of hikes that I recommend.  Review the list pick one and go do it.

The Anne U. White Trail: This is a short hike and easy to compete.  With only 200 feet of elevation gain, it’s very doable.  Proximity to Boulder and a very pleasant arroyo environment make this a Boulder favorite for casual hikers and dog lovers. It features a delightful riparian area and rock gardens.  Get out there….

Bald Mountain Scenic Area: As the name suggests, this is a short, scenic hike around and up to the top of Bald Mountain (7,160 feet). There are spectacular views of the Indian Peaks and the plains. Great hike for the young ones.

Bear Peak: This is more of a challenge.  But it takes you to the highest point over Boulder there is.  A strenuous but great hike up the summit of Bear Peak (8,461feet), one of Boulder’s most visible landmarks. The Bear Peak Trail follows Bear Creek up beautiful Bear Canyon, then makes a steep ascent up the Bear Peak West Ridge Trail to the summit of Bear Peak. Expect beautiful vistas and blooming wildflowers during the summer months.

Big Blue Stream and South Boulder Creek Trails: If you are looking for more of a flat, dog friendly hike check this one out.  Late spring and summer, you will hardly be able to see the big bluestem grass for which a portion of this loop is named because the wildflowers will be too thick. You will find penstemon, lupine, Indian paintbrush, and sego lily along the route, among others; bring along a wildflower guide, or better yet, a botanist friend. It will be educational. If you can peel your eyes away from the flowers, they’ll without doubt be drawn upward to the red ramparts of the Flatirons.

With plenty more out there get up, put your hiking boots on and start walking….

The Rocky Mountain Center For Musical Arts located in Boulder Colorado provides access to the best of the world’s music through education and performance.  Because their mission is to inspire and connect community member of all ages with the joy of music, they have an awesome summer program designed to connect children with music.  Some are directed at teens called “Masterclasses” and they are for advanced and serious middle and high school age students.  Your children will gain new insights into their instrument through performance and listening.  Instruments include clarinet, violin, french horn, and cello. The Center also provides access to rehearsals, free and open to the public! These occur at Chautauqua Auditorium.  You can just drop by to sample the excitement of live classical music in the most charming venue in town.  Any Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 12:30pm. Read more about the opportunities for children of all ages and concert dates.

CLASSICALLY KIDS; Ages 7-11

June 30th: The Magic Horn and The Waltz King, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 1, at 7:30 p.m.

July 7th: American Music: Let’s Get Jazzed! 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 8, at 7:30 p.m.

July 14th: Romancing The Strings, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 16, at 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY FUN CONCERTS! Ages 4-8

July 2nd: The Wonderful World of Percussion, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Auditorium

SPECIAL EVENT! Four Strings For Kids With Jake Shimabukuro. Tuesday June 29th, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Chautauqua Community House

HISTORICAL FACT…Chautauqua Auditorium (1898) is included on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been voted one of the top ten places artists love to play because of its superior acoustics and intimate feel.

Summer at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts presents MUSIC TOGETHER (from Birth to 5 years with a parent) which is a research-based, nationally-certified program featuring songs, movement, and instrument play Tues., Weds., Thurs. 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.  Please visit the Center’s website for more detailed information.  Take advantage of these wonderful musical opportunities throughout the summer here in Boulder Colorado.  Which class or concert do you plan on attending?  And remember The Troia Team for all of your real estate needs – subscribe today and receive up to date market information or search for homes.

]]> http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/16/connecting-kids-with-music-in-boulder-colorado/feed/ 0 http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/15/boulder-summer-camps/ http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/15/boulder-summer-camps/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 03:58:18 +0000 Julie Johnson http://blogtherockies.com/?p=2386

School is ending for the 2009-2010 year and with that comes the need to find childcare for the summer.  As a working mother in Boulder Colorado, I am always looking for a great summer camp or two around the county.  And since real estate is really picking up, I will need plenty of full-time child care.  Over the years, my children have attended YMCA, Science Discovery,  and Avid4Adventure.  These are all fulfilling camps providing not only supervision but stimulating activities as well.  Did you know that YMCA camps have been voted the best day camps 4 years in a row!?  Wow, you can’t beat that kind of award.  It’s nice to feel reassured that while your child is away for the day; that they are learning, having fun, and being well taken care of.  At the YMCA Day Camp, children can enjoy all sorts of adventure including archery, swimming, arts & crafts, field trips, and new friendships.  A wide variety of programs are offered for children ages 5-17, with special programs designed just for teens.  Want to hear about more camp opportunities?  Read on.

The University of Colorado’s Science Discovery, is one that my daughter attended every summer. Each year was a different experience ranging in Dinosaur Fun to  Chemistry Chefs.  The Science Discovery program offers classes for ages 4-16 including math, science and technology which are taught with hands-on activities that are fun and informative. Teachers utilize university and community resources to produce a stimulating environment, both indoors and out, and a variety of field experiences. New classes are offered each summer and support the Colorado Science Standards.

One of our other favorites is Avid4Adventure especially because it contains experiences that are active and outdoors.  One summer, my daughter took a week long kayaking trip that also included camping and rock climbing.  It was important to me to have her outdoors in nature possibly doing something that she never would have done otherwise.  David Secunda, the Founder explains that Avid4 Adventure provides age-appropriate outdoor activities that encourage learning, develop self-esteem and build friendships. Given that outdoor activities can involve risks, he says that the focus is on promoting safety through participant awareness and quality staff. All of the staff are proficient and tested in their area of instruction, certified in first aid and CPR, trained in defensive driving, background checked, as well as being experienced with kids and great role models.

Boulder County Kids is a great way to find out more about the summer camps in and around Boulder.  For real estate news and to learn more about what’s happening in town, subscribe to our site and receive all the information you need.