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.

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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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 Ro Troia 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.

Got kids?  How about family visiting from out of town?  Well, this is your week Boulder County Colorado!  It’s family week, which obviously means a weekends worth of activities designed for the whole gang.  If you’re from Lafayette, enjoy time spent at the Bob Burger Recreation with FREE ADMISSION for the kiddos!   The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center is hosting hands-on games including a water game and solving the Sweet Beet Puzzle.  Keep reading for more details on these activities and more.

One participating organization, Bob L. Burger Recreation Center, which is a 47,000 square foot recreation center housed on 20 acres of parkland.  This multi-use area features a 4-field youth sports complex, an in-line hockey rink and the City’s outdoor classroom.  These amenities provide the community with a wonderful focal point for great family recreation.

Mention Boulder County Family Week and youths 2-17 will receive free admission with an adult’s paid admission May 1st – 7th.  Their address is 111 West Baseline Road in Lafayette and their phone number: (303) 665-0469.

Next is the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center hosting a hands-on day of water games, solving puzzles, using a digital microscope, playing with buffalo and crow costumes, creating your own town, and fin hidden treasures in the Long’s Peak room.  They are located at 400 Quail Road and the next family day date is May 7th from 9-10:15, 10:15-11:30, and 12:30-2.  Ages 2-5 with a parent.

Another great event is held at Playfair Toys on 2550 Arapahoe in Boulder which involves making a craft for mom.  It’s on Saturday at 11:00am.  Ages 3 and up and you can reach them at (303) 444-7502.

Check out Reverence Academy of Dance where a kickin’ swing class will be taught.  Also in Lafayette at 1370 Minders Dr #103 on Friday May 7, 5-6:30pm.  Ages include 7 and older with parents.

If you would like more information on family activities in Boulder and real estate trends in the area, subscribe to our site and receive updates.  I’d love to hear your ideas for the weekend.  See you around town!

The Troia Team is supporting the newest initiative instigated by Oprah Winfreyherself.  NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING! While it’s a nationwide promise, we are honoring it here in Boulder Colorado as real estate agents and concerned members of our city.  It all began in a local community near our county, Fort Collins Colorado when earlier this year, Shelley and Daren Forney, lost their 9-year-old daughter. Erica, who was on her bicycle, just 15 pedals from her front door when she was hit and killed by a driver who was distracted by the cell phone. Erica’s death was senseless and stupid because it was caused by a phone call that just couldn’t wait.  Just recently I was driving next to someone who had both hands on their phone and their elbows were on the steering wheel…….”steering”!!?!?!? I was scared to be on the road next to him.  Read more about this important cause and help to prevent unnecessary deaths and accidents.

Sadly, there are far too many stories like Erica’s.  At least 6,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  And if you think that’s a large number, well, it’s only growing.  But hopefully, this will change and work is already being done to do so. President Obama signed an executive order banning texting while driving on federal business. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is pushing for tougher laws and more enforcement. States are passing laws, too. Local groups are gaining strength, spurred by too many deaths close to home.  Join the Troia Team in taking the no phone zone pledge.  Remember what life was like before texting existed?  Can we recollect the era of just driving with both hands on the wheel, observant and quick to respond?  I recently saw a study that was performed on drunk drivers and drivers who were texting.  The drunk drivers were quicker to react than the cell phone users when stopping and response time.  That is why we should just drive.  Everything else can wait.  That’s the Troia Team pledge.  So, what about you?  Are you going to take the oath not to text also?  Subscribe to our site and comment on how you feel about it.

The Coldwell Banker Story.  I’ve been on a lot of listing appointments lately with spring arriving here in Boulder Colorado and included in the listing presentation are reasons why to choose Coldwell Banker.  I, myself even had to ponder the reasons why to choose one brokerage company over another when becoming a real estate agent.   Upon intensive research and endless appointments with recruiting office managers, I went with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and The Troia Team.  Here’s why I did and why you should as well.

The history of our residential brokerage is fascinating and proves this company comes with experience – over 104 years old in fact!  Yes, legacy has it that the origination of Coldwell Banker began to evolve in 1906 after the devestating earth quake and fire.  Saddened economic times resulted and contemptuous business practices emerged.  Two men sought to change the way companies were operating by creating a real estate firm that was based on the principles of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.  Our accomplishments to this day are proof that we are the most successful and influential brokerage.  Check out the video.

QUESTION: How did we get our name?

ANSWER: The two men who founded our company were Colbert Coldwell and Benjamin Banker.

Why should you list with us?  What sets us apart?

The tangibles: 1) Reality Check from ColdwellBanker.com, Previews (homes over $700,000), Colorado Homes On Demand, and CBAgentInfo (agent’s source for all needed links and resources).

We are ahead of the times and always updating our marketing strategies.  See us on YouTube, social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

Our direct marketing campaign includes CB direct connect which is a monthly promotional email.  Your new listing or open house can also be distributed.

The Troia Team utilizes Proquest which is the 1-800 number on the top of your yard sign.  It allows potential buyers to call on the sign and gather more information regarding the home.  They are immediately contacted by a Troia Team Realtor, making for the quick sale of your home.

Let’s not forget about Leadrouter.  When I put your home in the multiple listing service, it also goes to websites such as coloproperty.com, Realtor.com, Zillow.  Buyers are able to inquire about a listing through the website and again, they are promptly contacted by an agent.

….300 Websites and COUNTING!!!!

Most importantly and as our history demonstrates, our company follows the values you must have in a Realtor: Integrity, Honesty, and Professionalism.  Contact me today for a free market analysis and subscribe to our website for up to date news.

 The Troia Team Realtors of  Boulder Colorado love Rockies baseball.  Because we also love our clients, we throw a client appreication game day each year in which we provide free Rockies Tickets and a pre game party.  Last year it was held on the rooftop of LoDos, serving food and beer.  Then, we all headed to the game, providing free popcorn and snacks.  It’s always a blast.  Many of you have already participated  in a game, forever loyal to your local Denver team.  Read more about the Rockies season and history.

Here’s the most recent news according to Jeff Siedel: Aaron Cook battled uncharacteristic control problems Monday night, and his early troubles helped Washington score five quick runs en route to a 5-2 victory over the Rockies before 11,623 at Nationals Park. Cook (0-2) labored through his three-inning stint. He threw 83 pitches (just 46 strikes) and gave up five runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out two while repeatedly falling behind in the count.That’s what forced the right-hander to face nine batters in the second and eight more in the third. Cook’s biggest problems came with Willie Harris, who hit a three-run homer in the second and a sacrifice fly in the third.Clint Barmes got an RBI double for Colorado (6-7) in the third, and Miguel Olivo added a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Washington starter Craig Stammen (1-0) threw eight strong innings, giving up just two runs on five hits.The loss ended a nine-game Colorado winning streak against the Nationals, dating back to late in the 2008 season, and was the franchise’s first loss in Nationals Park.

Click here for this season’s schedule.

HISTORY:

The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993, the Rockies play in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains, which pass through Colorado, just west of Denver. The Rockies play their home games at Coors Fieldin downtown Denver. After previous failed attempts to bring the Major League Baseball to Colorado (most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates nearly relocating to Denver following the Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985), by the early 1990s a team seemed to be a possibility in Denver. The Colorado Baseball Commission, led by banking executive Larry Varnell, was successful in getting Denver voters to approve a 0.1 percent sales tax to help finance a new baseball stadium. Also, an advisory committee was formed in 1990 by then-Governor of Colorado Roy Romerto recruit an ownership group. The group selected was led by John Antonucci, an Ohio beverage distributor, and Michael I. Monus, the head of the Phar-Mor drugstore chain. Local and regional companies—such as Erie Lake, Hensel Phelps Construction, KOA Radio, and the Rocky Mountain News—rounded out the group. On July 5, 1991, the National League approved Denver and Miami, Florida, as the sites for two expansion teams to begin play in 1993.The Rockies joined the National League in 1993, along with the Southern Florida franchise, the Florida Marlins. The Rockies’ first pick in the expansion draft was pitcher David Nied from the Atlanta Braves organization. Nied pitched 4 seasons for the Rockies.

If you’d like to be a part of our unique and fun client appreication party, subscribe here and you will receive up to date real estate news and client appreciation party details.

Looking for entertainment tonight or this week in Boulder County Colorado?  Do you love to dance, listen to music, drink famous beer, and eat yummy food? Well, look no further than the all-famous Oskar Blues in either Longmont or Lyons.  One of my favorite attributes of the brewery is the live music.  Of course, many visitors love the beer including the all-famous Dales Pale Ale, which was voted one of the quintessential American hoppy pale ales of our time by BeerAdvocate.com. The intimate, 100-person capacity of the beloved juke joint gets you up close with the best musicians in Colorado and the United States. No wonder Rolling Stone Magazine called them the hottest place to be on a Saturday night in Colorado. Read what Oskar Blues has to say about themselves.

Oskar Blues says, “Our list of acclaimed, top-shelf comfort foods covers a lot of tasty ground. We serve up everything from soul-stirring gumbo and other New Orleans-style treats to exceptional fried catfish (the best in the Rockies), bodacious burgers, and mouth watering Mexican fare.

We also take pride in our homemade pizzas, Dixie-fried bar fare, and an array of vegetarian and low-fat offerings. Craving dessert? Our Chocolate Dump cake is one of our most revered after-dinner treats. We also serve a wholesome lunch and dinner special each day, call us at  303-823-6685  to get the daily special info.

Along with great beer and food, we’re also down with soul saving live. Both our basement music room at OB Grill & Brew & our most recent upstairs live music venue at Home Made Liquids & Solids have presented some of best national and local acts to come to the area.  In addition to having a passion for full-flavored beer, we also have a big love for delicious, down-home cooking. Our family-friendly, folk-art blessed restaurant is home to a mighty menu of Cajun, Creole and Southern-style comfort foods that reflect our founder’s southern upbringing. We’re also nuts about live roots music. Our basement music room has presented the best national and local acts since 1997. We welcome everything from blues, rock, bluegrass and jam music to folk, Americana, trad-country and the Lyons High School Jazz Band (they rule!).

We’re especially crazy about the blues. Our lineup of national blues acts stretches from living legends such as Pinetop Perkins and Duke Robillard to up & comers such as Tommy Castro, John Lee Hooker, Jr. and other rising stars.”

Find out why I love this brewery and don’t miss the next live band.  Check out tonight’s venue. You’ll have a blast!  After you visit, let me know what you think.  You can subscribe to our blog to find out more local restaurants and hotspots around the area.  And do you need a real estate agent who specializes in the area?  Look no further than The Troia Team.