There’s no need to travel outside our mountain community to enjoy summer events and first-rate entertainment. The coming weeks are filled with options to get outside, appreciate local art and entertainment, and give back to great causes.
CAE’s Summerfest Presents a Weekend of Art, Music and Fun
If a weekend of art, music, food, children’s activities, and mountain fun sounds good, then reserve July 23 and 24 on your calendar for the 42nd Annual Summerfest at Buchanan Field. The event runs from 10 am – 5 pm each day.
This popular fundraiser hosted by Center for the Arts Evergreen will feature a fabulous selection of gallery-quality fine art and crafts chosen by a jury process. Artist vendors from around the country set up their booths and welcome visitors to admire and purchase their creations.
The Summerfest stage, a focal point of the weekend, offers a Saturday line-up of Dan the Piper at 10:15 am followed by The 3eatles, Open Space and a 3 pm performance by Joe Bye. Sunday opens with Dan the Piper and continues with music by Band Kamp and Tunisia.
There will be a dedicated children’s craft area, food trucks and a beer and cocktail garden. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 10 years and younger. Event proceeds will support year-round art programming offered by CAE. For more details and the entertainment schedule, go to evergreenarts.org
Seminar Offers “Straight Talk” on End-of-Life Issues
Realizing the importance and difficulty of discussing end-of-life issues with loved ones, hospice nurse Mary Pat DeWald and community activist Linda Kirkpatrick have partnered to create an informative presentation titled Straight Talk on Death and Dying.
The two-hour program will address the use of widely accepted documents such as The Five Wishes and the MOST form (formerly known as a DNR for Do Not Resuscitate), building a familiarity with hospice services available during the final months of life, and Medical Aid in Dying legislation.
The session will be held at the Fire Administration Building at 1802 Bergen Parkway on Wednesday, August 17 from 4-6 pm. There is a $15 fee to cover printing costs of attendee handouts. Reserve a space by calling Linda Kirkpatrick at 303.674.6269 or emailing LindaKirkpatrick@comcast.net. Registration is limited to 25 participants.
Boogie at the Ranch Returns August 20 to Raise Funds for EChO
There’s nothing more satisfying than spending time in an idyllic setting listening to talented musicians and knowing you are raising money to help families in need. This year’s Boogie at the Ranch will showcase John Erlandson Makin’ Music with My Friends, Band Kamp, and headliner Something Underground. Net proceeds will benefit individuals and families served by Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO) who are having a particularly difficult time making ends meet in the wake of rising food and fuel prices.
The Boogie will take place on Saturday, August 20 from 11-7 pm at the Nelson Ranch, 5388 S. Elk Ridge Road in Evergreen. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate. For more information, go to boogieatthebarn.com.
EChO serves as a frontline resource for our mountain neighbors needing assistance with food, energy bills, housing, and finding employment. Since the start of 2022, EChO has reported a 54 percent spike in the number of food pantry shoppers, and a 48.3 percent increase in the number of families served on a regular basis by the food pantry. Supply chain issues and an overwhelming demand for available food are additional challenges facing EChO. To learn more about the work of this vital nonprofit, go to evergreenchristianoutreach.org.
Mark Your Calendar for the August 27 Barefoot Mile Fundraiser
On the morning of Saturday, August 27, people of all ages will slip off their shoes and walk a Barefoot Mile at the Marshdale Park track to raise funds for JOY International, a Conifer-based nonprofit that works globally to combat the trafficking of children, teens and young adults.
According to the organization’s founder, Dr. Jeff Brodsky, “Since we started in 1981, JOY International has empowered the rescue of over 2,500 children and young women from commercial sexual exploitation.” This has been accomplished by working with partners around the world to rescue victims and provide safe, healing environments for survivors. JOY International works to prevent sex trafficking through education and with support for the basic needs of those most at risk of being trafficked.
The Mountain Community Barefoot Mile is a family-friendly event with music, a silent auction and activities for children. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy a day at the park. Donations will support police training, special rapid response teams, awareness campaigns, emergency relief, resources for parents, and community education. Walkers are encouraged to register their participation by going to bit.ly/3ypQkFg/. The walk begins at 10 am with onsite check-in starting at 9 am.
Seats Expected to Go Quickly for Cody Ray Slaughter Event
It may seem early to think about an event in October, but when the performer is Cody Ray Slaughter, the Elvis tribute artist, tickets will go quickly! This international award-winning performer will be at the Lakewood Cultural Center October 22 and 23 to raise money for Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice. Tickets are on sale and predicted to sell out fast. Go to lakewood.showare.com
