Thanks to Suzanne Barkley and Ute Meyer, both members of the Rotary Club of Conifer, for their contribution to this story announcing next month’s 5th Annual ConiferFest Celebration.

Who’s ready for summer? Who’s ready for warm days, clear nights, and spending a few hours with friends outside swaying and dancing in the grass to some terrific music with a refreshing beverage in your hand?

Well, the Rotary Club of Conifer is ready and we’re in a festive and “Festival” state of mind!”

We’re planning to kick off the season with our 5th Annual ConiferFest on the second Saturday in July in the picturesque field at 9444 Eagle Cliff Rd., adjacent to Our Lady of the Pines Church.

The word “Fest” just signals Fun and Celebration! And that’s what is in store on Saturday, July 13, beginning at 11:30 am, continuing until dusk. When the gates open, visitors will be greeted to a vibrant marketplace filled with vendors sharing local arts and crafts; then down the field to enjoy craft beers, seltzers, wine and chilled margaritas. Food trucks will supply a variety of tasty foods and snacks.

No alcohol will be allowed from outside, but do bring your lawn chairs, blankets and rain gear! You know about our mountain weather! Add to your comfort by bringing your own 8’ x 8’ canopy to the “high rise alley” circling the perimeter, or spread your blanket and chairs stage-side to enjoy a full afternoon of music, starting at 1 pm.

The music lineup includes rock, reggae and bluegrass/new grass, featuring the Midday Sons, Who’s Thomas, and Iron Roots. And back by popular demand, Double Life, a Tribute to The Cars, all planning to provide a dance-filled field of fun for all ages. Don’t forget your hula hoops and corn-hole games!

Dogs are always welcome, providing they’re on leashes.

Skip the lines and visit ConiferFest.com for $5 tickets in advance!

“Your participation helps us to keep giving back to our mountain communities.”

The Rotary Club of Conifer was founded decades ago by a group of local men and women professionals interested in coming together to do community service locally along the 285 Corridor, as well as abroad.

Rotary International, of which we are a part, was founded in Evanston, Illinois over 100 years ago by a group of businessmen who adopted the motto “Service above Self” and based their community service-oriented philosophical principles on what was called The Four Way Test.

The Test continues to be used to open every Rotary meeting. It reads, “Of the things we think, say or do, First: Is it the truth? Second: Is it fair to all concerned? Third: Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And Fourth: Will it be beneficial to all concerned?”

To emphasize the FUN in our continued Fundraising efforts, we’ve added a Fifth principle: “Will it be fun and inspiring?”

Rotary exists to improve people’s lives, locally and globally, through service. Our Conifer Club is made up of an interesting, diverse group of men and women, with such expanded focuses both locally and internationally, but all directed at understanding and contributing to solutions to community problems and opportunities.

Because Rotary remains free of religious or political ties, all our projects are designed to meet “real” and actual needs as expressed by those who request support.

Locally, you’ve most likely seen Rotary volunteers out in the community at events with the big yellow fire truck in conjunction with WildFire Ready; or maybe you’ve seen us packing and delivering backpacks of food to children in local schools on weekends through our 285 BackPack Program. Many of you joined us at the dedication of the newly created Rotary Club of Conifer Peace Park, located just adjacent to the Aspen Park Community Center. Most recently we added a new focus with our first annual MindFest.

The Foothills Home, Garden and Lifestyle Show, hosted jointly with Evergreen Rotary, just recently raised funds for both Clubs’ charitable foundations.

Speaking of FUN, visualize yourself biting into a fat, ripe and juicy peach fresh from the Palisades! Our Annual Peach Sale will raise funds to support high school sponsorships and tuition to send kids to Rotary Youth Leadership camps. Order forms will soon be available at RotaryConifer.org.

We hope you’ll join Conifer Rotary, families and friends to kick off summer and music and “fest” FUN! Your participation helps us to keep giving back to our mountain communities.

For more on any Rotary Club of Conifer projects or membership, visit RotaryConifer.org.

For ConiferFest vendor or sponsorship information, or to purchase tickets in advance, visit ConiferFest.com.