This month’s community celebrations give us a chance to kick back, soak in the sunshine, and have fun while supporting local nonprofits. Get outside by the creek, at the lake, along the streets of Conifer or in the hamlets of Bailey or Kittredge to relish the beauty of our mountain summers and to reconnect with friends and neighbors.
Four-Legged Stars Will Shine on the Catwalk to Benefit EAPL
Watch cats and dogs strut their stuff at the Evergreen Animal Protective League’s Dogs/Cats on the Catwalk, hosted by Cactus Jack’s along the creek in downtown Evergreen. The event takes place Wednesday July 21 from 4-8 pm. Proceeds benefit EAPL’s mission to place animals in need of homes with loving owners. Maybe you will find your match at the show.
The event’s online auction is open for bidding and features items such as creative and indulgent themed gift baskets, gift cards to area restaurants and breweries, artisan jewelry and artwork, and an exquisite bear painting donated by Julianne Miller of Stoneheart Gallery. There are several auction items designed for your four-legged friends including training sessions and a week of boarding at the Evergreen Cat Lodge.
Pre-event tickets are on sale for $25 for participants 13 and older, with free admission for those 12 and under. To purchase tickets and participate in the online auction, go to eapl.com.
EPRD and the Evergreen Chamber Host Community Appreciation Event
After the ongoing challenges and tribulations of 2020, the annual community appreciation event cosponsored by Evergreen Park & Recreation District and the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce is adopting the very appropriate theme of “Community Renewal.”
The public is invited to attend this free gathering which combines the healing practices of guided meditation and setting of new intentions with the festive atmosphere of an ice cream social. Mark your calendars for July 20 from 5-7 pm at the Evergreen Lake House, and bring the whole family.
Support Bailey’s New Professional Theatre on July 24
Launching a new theatre during a pandemic year was surely met with unanticipated challenges, but the Bailey Theatre Company (BTC) did just that and has actively promoted the introduction of a professional theatre group to the greater mountain community. Fundraising for the theatre has been gaining momentum, and the next BTC event takes place July 24 at 6:30 pm at Aspen Peak Cellars in Bailey. It will feature a dinner of roasted pork tenderloin with a port wine sauce along with mushroom risotto, as well as a vegetarian meal option.
For a sampling of the new professional theatre company, the BTC will do a reading of the Pulitzer and Tony award-winning play “Proof” by David Auburn. The play will highlight four professional actors reading this compelling story of Catherine and her father, Robert.
The $50 tickets are available at tinyurl.com/44w9at24 or by calling Bill at 720.463.1023.
Artisans, local businesses and food trucks will be on hand to welcome festival attendees, and a craft beer tent and beer garden will help quench their thirst. For young participants, there will be a kid zone featuring fun activities.
Go to goconifer.com/elevation-celebration for festival information, the full schedule of entertainment, and registration for the Elevation Run/Walk.
First Friday Market in Kittredge Spotlights Unique, Sustainable Goods
Designed to help local artisans showcase their goods and to promote the importance of sustainability, the next Flowers First Friday market will take place on August 6 from 4-8 pm outside at Adobe Creek complex along Highway 74 in the heart of Kittredge.
Visitors to the market can shop for food items including homemade syrup, Mala’s baked goods and vegan chocolate, as well as plants, handcrafted soap, jewelry and greeting cards. This free community event will also feature live music. For more information, visit the Daddy’s Homemade Syrups Facebook Page.
Conifer’s Elevation Celebration Takes Street Festivals to a New Level
It’s a celebration that cannot be limited to one day. The Conifer Area Chamber of Commerce Elevation Celebration is a two-day summer festival showcasing the best aspects of our mountain lifestyle. Sutton Road will come alive July 24-25 with music, vendors, food, games and activities for all ages.
“El Cel” kicks off with the traditional Elevation Run/Walk benefiting the Conifer Lobos Unified Boosters (CLUB) which is dedicated to improving the athletic facilities and programs at Conifer High School, and the Conifer Area Council, whose mission is to preserve and enhance the character and heritage of the Conifer area as determined by community residents.
The walk/run registration opens at 7 am at West Jefferson Elementary School. Race options include a 10K and a USATF Certified 5K through the neighborhoods of Aspen Park and Meyers Ranch Park, and a 2-mile family fun run. New this year is a Virtual Race, offering participants the chance to submit in advance their run/walk times and distances in the locations of their choosing as recorded on their smart devices between July 16-23.
Continuing throughout each day will be live music spanning two stages. Headliners Joe Bye & Friends, James Carothers, Austin Young, and Homeslice will cap a full schedule of entertainment featuring a variety of musical styles and local talent. There will be a separate Kids Stage featuring magic shows, music, dance and juggling. VIP tickets are available for tent seating adjacent to the stages, where patrons can enjoy free cocktails, snacks and shade. The El Cel VIP ticket is $50 and can be purchased at goconifer.com.