We are getting closer to my favorite day—Summer Solstice—and to the official first day of the season of sun, outdoor gatherings, and open-air mountain town activities. If your summer list includes reading a great book, spending more time in nature, engaging with art, or playing a round of golf for a great cause, you need not go far for an enriching experience.
Calling All Book Lovers and Vinyl Collectors
Thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs, and vinyl records will be flying off the shelves May 30 – June 2 at the Whale of a Used Book Sale benefitting the Jefferson County Library Foundation. The annual sale, which takes place at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, will feature all literary genres, children’s books, audiobooks, and rare and collectible books in one location.
There is a free preview for Friends of the Jefferson County Public Library May 30 from 6-8 pm. On May 31, general admission tickets for the 8 am – 5 pm early birds are $10. Day passes from 9 am – 5 pm are $5. June 1 offers $5 all-day admission, and half price on all items for the Friends of the Library, and for employees and teachers of Jefferson County, with identification. On June 2, you can buy a bag of books for $8. Entrance fee is $5 for the entire day.
Proceeds from the Whale Sales event help to support early literacy programs at Jefferson County libraries. For more information and to learn how to become a Friend of the Library, visit jeffclf.org.
Evergreen Audubon Benefit Bash Set for June 7
The Evergreen Audubon Society, recently awarded the Evergreen Chamber 2023 Nonprofit of the Year, is hosting a “Bash and Benefit” to raise funds for the Evergreen Nature Center on June 7 from 5:30-9 pm at the Evergreen Elks Lodge, 27972 Iris Drive.
The evening will feature fun, nature-themed games, raffles, a paddle raise, and the always competitive nature trivia contest. Silent auction items include gift cards for local shops and restaurants, themed baskets, original art, and many other donated goodies. Guests can also bid on fun activities and outings such as theater tickets, cooking and baking parties, a punch pass and lunch at the Frisco Nordic Center, a stargazing soiree, a wine tasting evening, a murder mystery party, tours, Georgetown Railroad tickets, a night in a Bed and Breakfast yurt, and more. Condo rentals in Crested Butte and Vail will be offered in a live auction.
Tickets are $55 and include two drink tickets, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and sweets. All proceeds will go directly to support the Evergreen Nature Center. To purchase tickets and for more info, go to evergreenaudubon.org.
Evergreen Audubon launched the Evergreen Nature Center on Evergreen Lake in 2008. In 2023, the Evergreen Nature Center moved to the campus of Church of the Transfiguration, which allows it to stay open to the public year-round and expand its programming. The Center features live animals, a “laboratory” for examining nature artifacts through magnifiers and microscopes, a mammal room with a “Please Touch” table, exhibits about local wildlife and the Bear Creek Watershed, and the nocturnal room highlighting creatures of the night. The Kid’s Corner has costumes, a puppet theater, and a cozy reading nest with picture books about nature. The Center will be open Wednesdays through Sundays, from June 5 through September 1. Admission is free.
CAE Hosts 25th Annual Sculpture Walk, June 8 and Grand Opening, June 22
New large-scale art pieces will grace downtown and surrounding areas of Evergreen on June 8 between 9 am and 4 pm. Witness the partnership between artists and crane operators as the juried exhibition of original sculpture is strategically placed to beautify our community. The sculpture walk is turning 25 this year and is now being coordinated by Center for the Arts Evergreen. For more information, go to evergreenarts.org.
Center for the Arts Evergreen is excited to welcome the public to a day of celebration on June 22 from 10 am – 3 pm. The festivities will include entertainment, art and refreshments perfect for the entire family. There will also be an official ribbon-cutting for the Center’s Phase II development, which features a pottery studio, meeting space, artist studios and a space for an artist in residence. There is also a new covered patio/stage area for the summer concert series.
Golf With the Mountain Metro Association of REALTORS® to Benefit Resilience1220 on June 18
Celebrate Summer Solstice on the fairways of the Evergreen Golf Course, June 18 and help the Mountain Metro Association of REALTORS® (MMAR) have a winning round for Resilience1220, the local nonprofit that provides free counseling and mental health services to young people 12-20 years of age.
The tournament will be played in a scramble format, with an 8 am start. Participants must arrive at 7:30 am to check in and get an assigned golf cart. Players will receive a swag bag and lunch following the tournament. Registration is $125 per golfer and $450 for a foursome. To sign up, contact MMAR CEO Lyndee Louk at [email protected] or 303.995.7771.
