Feed on
Posts
Comments

Win tickets to the Butterfly Pavilions in Westminster, Colorado

May 17th, 2012 by

Butterfly with pink flower

Butterfly on pink flower at the Butterfly Pavilion. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

Nature has always has played a big part in my life. When I was just a little girl, growing up in the Pacific Northwest at the edge of the Puget Sound, my favorite outing was to our local interpretive center.

Visiting this place and getting to know the biologists who worked there played a big part in the woman I am today. The center filled me with wonder and I couldn’t wait to grow up and become a marine biologist – we can all see how that turned out!

Today, nature still fills me with a sense of awe and a kind of serenity I can obtain no where else.

I’ve lived in Colorado for a long time now, longer than I’ve ever lived anywhere else, and several years ago I finally visited the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. Prior to my visit I’d been under the impression that this was a place just for kids. I was wrong. Of course, there is lots of programming for kids, and it is a wonderful experience for children, but I believe most adults will enjoy visiting this attraction.

butterfly on leaf

Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved

A visit to the Butterfly Pavilion is a fascinating look at the natural world in a climate that’s really good for your skin. They keep the butterflies in a climate controlled environment that feels like a temporary trip to Mexico.

Located just 15 minutes northwest of Denver, the Butterfly Pavilion is more than just butterflies. In addition to the tropical conservatory that houses 12,000 butterflies from around the world, the Pavilion also has an insect exhibit (creepy crawly things that may give some of you nightmares), a Water’s Edge exhibit that takes me back to my childhood along the Puget Sound, a half-mile nature trail, outdoor gardens and Tropical Odyssey, an interactive exhibit for the family that includes active play, interactive learning and more.

Don’t miss this weekend at the Pavilion because on Saturday, May 19, it’s Bloomapalooza, a celebration of Plant Conservation Day. There will be giveaways, workshops, planting projects, a kids play area and the Garden Center of Colorado will be taking all your old gardening trays, cell packs and pots to be recycled. For additional information on this event and on the Butterfly Pavilion in general go to Butterflies.org.

big pink flower at butterfly pavilion

Giant pink flower at the Butterfly Pavilion. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

Now, here’s your chance to WIN 4 TICKETS to the Butterfly Pavilion.

Just leave a comment here letting me know your favorite bug. I like ladybugs and have had several land on me this spring, which I consider lucky. I’m also very fond of bumble bees.

This contest runs today through Monday, May 21st at 3 p.m. I will pick a winner at random, and he or she will receive four tickets to the Butterfly Pavilion.

Good luck!

Posted in Contest, Events & Festivals, Travel | 15 Comments »

What’s happening in Colorado, May 18-20, 2012 (HeidiTown’s Radio Show)

May 15th, 2012 by

It’s time for another segment on KRFC 88.9 FM, and this weekend is full of Colorado festivals you won’t want to miss. In fact, you may want to clone yourself – and if you figure out how to do that, please share, because I am in desperate need of a clone or two this summer!

If you’d rather listen to the audio from my radio show, just click HERE, but if you prefer to utilize your reading skills, the transcripts are below.  ENJOY!  And don’t forget to let me know about that cloning idea.

***

Heidi & Ryan 3

Ryan & Heidi at a Colorado Rapids game.

Hi, my name is Heidi and I’m the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, a blog about festivals, events and destinations around Colorado. That’s right, if you’ve been listening for awhile, you might have noticed the change to my tagline. I’ve replaced travel with the word destinations, and now new banners have been made – look for them at a festival near you this summer!

I thought I’d take a minute this week to tell you a little about myself. I’m a freelance writer and small business owner here in Colorado. Originally a West Coast girl from the Pacific Northwest, I’ve lived in Colorado for 13 years. On May 18, 2002, I married a guy who grew up in Littleton. Yes, we celebrate 10 years of marriage this weekend – happy anniversary, Ryan!

Heidi & Ryan 2

Ryan & Heidi at Rocky Mountain Irish Festival.

I started HeidiTown.com in 2007, as a review blog, but in 2010, I found my niche was blogging about festivals and events.

HeidiTown.com is not a calendar, but rather “stuff the Mayor likes” and I like small town festivals and unique events. Hundreds, if not thousands of events occur all over Colorado every weekend, especially during the summer – and I highlight the things that catch my attention.

So now – on to the show!

In past segments I’ve already previewed some of what is happening around Colorado this weekend, May 18 through the 20th, 2012. So I want to remind you that it’s Wild Wild West Days in Pueblo and Mike the Headless Chicken Festival is in Fruita this weekend.

Ryan & Heidi 1

Ryan & Heidi at Biergarten Festival.

On Saturday and Sunday, it’s the Strawberry Festival Antique Show in Longmont. Started almost forty years ago, as a way to raise money for the St. Vrain Historical Society, this event has developed into a popular and well-respected antique show drawing thousands of attendees. Enjoy freshly made strawberry shortcake while browsing antiques in the Exhibit Building at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on Nelson Road in Longmont. For hours and info on the Strawberry Festival Antique Show go to StVrainHistoricalSociety.org.

A unique cultural event is happening at The Fort in Morrison, Colorado this weekend. It’s the 12th Annual Indian Market and Powwow presented by the Tesoro Cultural Center. Native American artists will display their wares and demonstrate their crafts. Dancers and drummers will share their heritage in competitions, and there will also be a powwow contest in the valley below The Fort. I am very familiar with this area, and it is a beautiful setting for this event. Learn more at Tesoroculturalcenter.org. That’s TESOROCultureCenter.org.

Ryan & Heidi 4

Ryan & Heidi at the 1940s WWII Ball.

For those of you in Northern Colorado, here’s an event close to home. This weekend it’s Jazz Fest and Art Walk in downtown Estes Park. This event has grown over its twenty year existence into a two-day jazz extravaganza, featuring national and regional musicians. Eight jazz groups are scheduled to perform with two headliner acts. Go to EstesParkCVB.com for the lineup of performers.

Right here in Fort Collins, the downtown Farmers Market gets underway this weekend. The Larimer County Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in Colorado. It runs Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. from May 19 through October 27. So bike downtown and make a day of it!

Also, starting this Friday in Fort Collins, it’s the Ben & Jerry’s FAC Concert Series. Music runs from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Old Town Square Stage. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this event every Friday through August 17th. This week’s band is The Backline.

For more information on this and other Old Town events, go to DowntownFortCollins.com.

Heidi & Ryan 6

Ryan & Heidi at the Bucksnort Saloon in Pine, CO.

The Butterfly Pavilions in Westminster, Colorado has been on my mind lately. This is a fun outing with the family, but as I’ve said before, it isn’t only for kids. This weekend it’s Bloomapalooza at the Butterfly Pavilions on Saturday from 10 to 5. It’s a celebration of Plant Conservation Day. There will be giveaways, workshops, planting projects, a kids play area and The Garden Center of Colorado will be taking all your old gardening trays, cell packs and pots to be recycled. For additional details on Bloomapalooza, go to Butterflies.org.

Lastly it’s Taste of Durango this Sunday. I love this region of Colorado because the scenery is breathtaking. This would be a great weekend to make Durango your Colorado destination. Learn more at TasteofDurango.com.

There are lots of other amazing events happening this weekend around Colorado, but you’ll have to tune into the blog and HeidiTown’s Facebook page for more. Be sure to join our block party at Facebook.com/HeidiTown.comOnFB.

If you are on Twitter, you can follow me @HeidiTown, or if you are a Google Plus fan, circle the town!

Thanks so much for listening. Until next week, I will see you online!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Events & Festivals, Radio Segments, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Order your HeidiTown t-shirt TODAY!

May 10th, 2012 by

It’s finally here… you can now place your order for a HeidiTown t-shirt in the the town’s shiny new STORE.  I’ve had so many requests for t-shirts that I could no longer ignore the wants and needs of the town’s citizens!!!

heiditown tee blue

WOMENS HEIDITOWN.com T-SHIRT

Currently, the women’s tees are available in sea foam blue, see above, and men’s tees are available in black, see below.

heiditown tee black

MEN'S HEIDITOWN.com T-SHIRT

Order your HeidiTown.com t-shirt by clicking HeidiTown.com/Store. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

HeidiTown.com on the radio – Mother’s Day Weekend in Colorado & Tips on Gifts for Mom

May 8th, 2012 by

This post includes some exciting news! The new HeidiTown.com banners are at the printers, so look for one at a festival near you this summer.

HeidiTown_Banner

And now on to our regular scheduled programming… the following is the transcript from my weekly segment on KRFC 88. 9 FM.

If you’d rather listen to the audio, click here.

***

Hi, my name is Heidi and I’m the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, a blog about events, festivals and travel around Colorado.

This weekend it’s all about our moms. Yes, Sunday is Mother’s Day and if that caught you off guard, I suggest you get those flowers ordered today!  But if you want to get her something unexpected, something she’ll never forget, I wrote a blog post last year with some suggestions.

Sometimes we get stuck in a rut when it comes to Mother’s Day, flowers and brunch, but how about getting her tickets to dinner theater? There are at least seven dinner theaters in Colorado, and there are some wonderful shows on stage currently, including “Oklahoma!” at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, “The Drowsy Chaperone” at Boulders Dinner Theater, and “The Sounds of Music” right here in Fort Collins at the Midtown Arts Center.

If your mom has a green thumb like my mother, you might consider buying her a pass to the Denver Botanic Garden, or better yet, get her a membership.  Or, get her tickets to the Butterfly Pavilion – this place is NOT just for kids.

Admiral butterfly on orange flower

Another outside the box gift might be classes… has your mom expressed a desire to learn photography or pottery, or tango? My mother-in-law has always wanted to learn how to fly fish. Check with your local community college, rec center or chamber, to find a class your mom might enjoy.

Lastly, consider a gift certificate for afternoon tea at a fancy establishment like the Brown Palace in Denver or the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Another tearoom to consider is The Boulder Dunshanbe Teahouse.

So there you have some Mother’s Day ideas that go way beyond flowers.

In last week’s segment I gave you a sneak peek ahead at some events happening this weekend including the Montrose Food & Wine Festival and the Downtown Art and Jazz Festival in Grand Junction.

This Friday, May 11, is Loveland’s Night on the Town. This 2nd Friday Art Walk has become a tradition in the artsy community and if you haven’t been lately, it’s a good time to go. New stores and restaurants are now open in downtown Loveland, including the Rialto Center. To keep tabs on everything happening in the art-friendly town, go to EngagingLoveland.org.

This is opening weekend for one of HeidiTown’s citizens’ favorite music venues in Colorado. The Mishawaka’s 2012 Summer Season opens in Bellvue, Colorado this Saturday with Head for the Hills kicking off the celebration. Doors open at 6 p.m. Go to TheMishawaka.com for the entire summer concert lineup.

Here’s something different, the Second Annual Aerial Acrobatics Arts Festival is this weekend at the Oriental Theater in Denver – a great venue by the way. The festival is the first of its kind anywhere and showcases aerialists from North American to be judged in two competitions. Even the audience gets to pick their favorite. To learn more about this highflying festival of skill and artistry go to AerialArtsFestDenver.com.

And from acrobats to beer… May 12 through the 19th is Colorado Beer Week. You may believe that every week is beer week in Colorado, and that’s true, but this is the official week where restaurants, bars, hotels and other venues around the state will be celebrating the drink that we Coloradoan’s like to think we invented… beer. Go to CoBeerWeek.com for details.

City Star Brewing Berthoud CO

City Star Brewing is now open in Berthoud, Colorado. (Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved)

May 14th through the 20th is American Craft Beer Week, and in Northern Colorado you can participate in Beer Bingo. Pick up your bingo card at a participating brewery, and as far as I can tell, nearly all NoCo breweries from Berthoud’s City Star to all the big boys in Fort Collins are participating. Keep an eye on FermentedlyChallenged.com and CraftBeer.com for more information on American Craft Beer Week.

As the summer festival season goes into full gear, there’s no way to cover all the fun fests here on the radio show, so be sure to hook up with me at HeidiTown.com, join the town’s block party at Facebook.com/HeidiTown.comOnFB, follow me on Twitter @HeidiTown or circle the town on Google Plus.

Through those channels I can share with you even more things happening across Colorado.

I really do encourage you to try a new festival this summer. Whether it’s a celebration in your own community that you’ve never attended, or an event across the state, get out there and enjoy one of the greatest festival states in the union.

I’ve said it before and I will say it many times again – there are no excuses to be bored when you live in Colorado, and that’s why I love this place so much.

So until next week, I will see you online or at a festival near you!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Events & Festivals, Radio Segments | No Comments »

HeidiTown.com Gives Back: Change Gangs

May 7th, 2012 by

Change Gangs LogoIt’s already the first Monday in May 2012, and I’m announcing this month’s recipient of the HeidiTown.com Gives Back Campaign. Each month, a charity of my choosing receives free ad space on the blog and a write-up on the first Monday of the month.

This month’s organization, Change Gangs, is close to my heart because I am good friends with the founder, and I am one of the founders of the first Change Gang, People with Compassion for Pets (PWCFP).

So what is a change gang? It’s a virtual giving circle, but those are just fancy words that may not mean anything to you, so I will expand. A giving circle is when ordinary people come together and pool their donations in order to raise a larger amount of funds to donate to a specific cause. Currently there are two Change Gangs, PWCFP and Poverty Busters. If neither one of those gangs fits your passion for giving,  you are welcome to form your own Change Gang – the formula is already set, so it’s relatively easy.

Detroit Dog Rescue

Mellow is the sole survivor of a shooting rampage that left two other dogs dead. Mellow has recovered MIRACULOUSLY from his gunshot wounds and has been adopted into a wonderfully loving forever home! ~Detroit Dog Rescue

Here’s how my Change Gang, PWCFP, works. Currently, we have 11 members from across the United States – and one currently serving overseas in the US Army. Every month we each give $25 to our gang, and each quarter we give away the money we’ve been raising. How do we decide what organization gets the money? Members can nominate a deserving animal-related charity, and then at our monthly meeting we vote on which charity will get that quarter’s funds.  A few charities that have received monies from our gang include Longhopes Donkey Shelter (Colorado), Detroit Dog Rescue (Michigan) and Companion Animal Advocates (New Jersey).

I like belonging to this gang because it allows me to help deserving organizations in a bigger way than I could as just one individual. Since our gang formed in March 2011, we’ve given almost $2000 to animal charities, an amount I never could have given on my own.

To learn more about Change Gangs, go to ChangeGangs.com.

This YouTube video gives a straightforward explanation of what a giving circle is:

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in HeidiTown.com Gives Back Campaign, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

“Oklahoma!” comes to Colorado

May 3rd, 2012 by

Oklahoma Candlelight men

"Oklahoma!" now playing at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. Courtesy photo.

It’s time for another dinner theater review and this time I went back to Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown, Colorado for “Oklahoma!” I’ve been going to theater since I was just a little girl, but I had never seen a production of this famous play until last week.

Today, “Oklahoma!” is considered a wholesome family musical and is often performed at high schools and even middle schools, so it’s difficult to think of it as ground breaking, but when “Oklahoma!” hit theaters in 1943, it broke the rules. First, the musical begins with just one person singing, and this was unusual. At the time, musicals always opened with a score performed by the ensemble cast. Secondly, a ballet takes place during the play, something that had never been done before.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with dinner theater… continue reading this review by clicking here.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Dining, Music, Theater | No Comments »

Cinco de Mayo in Colorado & a look ahead at May festivals – HeidiTown.com on KRFC 88.9 FM

May 1st, 2012 by

This HeidiTown.com radio segment on KRFC 88.9 FM discusses where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Colorado and takes a look ahead at May, including Mother’s Day Weekend and one of the state’s most unique, and perhaps most gross, festivals.

Read the transcript of this week’s show below, or listen to the audio here.

***

Hi, my name is Heidi and I’m the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, a blog about events, festivals and travel around Colorado.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit History Colorado during media day. I am very impressed with what they have done at this new facility and I have blogged about it, so be sure to go to the Museum section on HeidiTown. History Colorado officially opened to the public this past Saturday so be sure to plan a visit to this new Denver landmark.
mexican flagThis weekend, May 4 through May 6 is also Cinco de Mayo. This holiday is often thought to be Mexican Independence day, but that’s not true. It actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla which took place on May 5, 1862.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the battle. So why is this holiday so widely celebrated in the United States? Well, much like St. Patrick’s Day, it has become a commercial boon for liquor companies and restaurants, however, I don’t want to undermine the holiday’s significance as a celebration of Mexican culture, and there’s no better way to see this in action than at the Denver Cinco De Mayo in Civic Center Park.

This is the 25th Denver Cinco De Mayo and the two day festival is the largest of its kind in the United States. Families can immerse themselves in Mexican culture including dance, music, crafts, and of course, lots of deliciously tempting food. Get all the info at CincoDeMayoDenver.com.

Here in Fort Collins, I mentioned last week that there will be a high end Cinco de Mayo artisan show in the Agave Room above the Rio Grande restaurant. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and art lovers and collectors shouldn’t miss it.

The Northern Colorado Cinco de Mayo Festival 2012 runs Friday through Sunday with events happening in various venues, but mostly at the Northside Aztlan Community Center and Heritage Park. For the schedule go to FortCollinsCincoDeMayo.com.

Towns and neighborhoods around Colorado will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo, so there may be an event near you.

As I mentioned last week, this weekend is also the Estes Park Duck Races, more at EPDuckRace.org and the 74th Annual Music and Blossom Festival in Canon City. Details at CCBlossomFestival.com.

Also, don’t forget that it’s First Friday Art Walk in communities from Fort Collins to Pueblo to Steamboat Springs, so use it as an excuse to leave the kids with a sitter, grab some dinner in your downtown with your honey and enjoy some art and culture.

And now for our planning ahead section, which will grow as the festival season starts revving up. I’m going to start telling you about events well ahead of time so that you can plan your summer travel calendar.

Montrose Food & Wine Festival logo 2012Mother’s Day weekend has several events that Mom will love…

First, on May 10 through 12, it’s the 9th Annual Montrose Wine & Food Festival. The festival includes cooking demonstrations, entertainment and of course, lots of wine. Learn more at MontroseWineFestival.com.

Also Mother’s Day weekend, it’s the Downtown Art & Jazz Festival in Grand Junction, which is breathtakingly beautiful at this time of year. Listen to jazz by local and national artists, watch artistic demonstrations and shop artisan booths. Go to DowntownGJ.org for details.

There are two festivals on the 3rd weekend in May that are worth the gas money.

The Wild Wild West Festival in Pueblo is an event with a nationally televised bull riding competition at the center of it all. If you like cowboys, don’t miss this festival – it’s put together with families in mind. More at WildWildWestFestival.com.

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival logo 2012

Click this logo to go to Mike's Facebook page.

And last up, in the planning ahead section, you’ve probably heard of this festival before because it has received national and international attention. Mike was a famous chicken that was said to have lived without his head for 18 months … okay, it’s sort of gross, and today I think it would be considered animal cruelty, but in the mid forties Mike became a celebrity simply by not dying when his head was chopped off.

I’m not sure how long the fine folks of Fruita, Colorado have been celebrating poor Mike, but I’m told that attending Mike the Headless Chicken Festival is a no-brainer… ANYWAAAY… this year’s event is May 18 and 19th and to learn all about this wacky celebration of a poor headless chicken go to MiketheHeadlessChicken.org.

On that note… if you missed anything on today’s show, I post the transcripts every week at HeidiTown.com.

As always I would encourage you to join the town’s block party at Facebook.com/HeidiTown.comOnFB, and follow me on Twitter @HeidiTown. You can also circle the town on Google Plus.

Thank you for listening. Until next week, I will see you online and quite possibly at a festival near you!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Events & Festivals, Radio Segments, Travel | No Comments »

The past in living color at History Colorado

Apr 26th, 2012 by

Frank Oom History Colorado

History Colorado (Photo by Frank Oom, used with permission)

I had an opportunity to get a sneak peek at the new History Colorado museum in Denver this week, and I am so excited to share this blog post with you.

I grew up visiting museums, and I really love them, so I’m not completely unbiased when it comes to writing about museums. However, the fact that I have toured so many makes me a pseudo museum expert, and most museums, especially those focusing on history, feel very similar, but I am here to tell you that History Colorado is truly different.

Continue reading this post by clicking here.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Events & Festivals, Museums | No Comments »

HeidiTown.com on the radio – What’s happening in Colorado, April 27-29, 2012 & beyond

Apr 24th, 2012 by

It’s that time again, time for another installment of HeidiTown.com on KRFC 88.9 FM, a community radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Each week I share stuff to do around Colorado with the listeners of KRFC and then I upload the transcript and the audio to the blog.  So if you missed it, or you need web information, you can easily find it here.

You can read the transcript below or listen to the audio HERE.

***

Frank Ooms History Colorado 2

History Colorado Museum (Photo by Frank Ooms, used with permission)

Hi, my name is Heidi and I’m the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, a blog about events, festivals and travel around Colorado.

I’m calling this weekend, April 27 through the 29th, the calm before the storm, because it is rather quiet around the state, but I think that is because, like me, everyone is gearing up summer.

This year, Cinco de Mayo is on a Saturday and in my mind that kicks off the 2012 festival season.

There are a couple events happening this weekend that have caught my attention.

The new History Colorado Museum is opening on Saturday in Denver. I had the opportunity to get a media-only sneak peek of the facility this past Monday, and a post about the museum be up on the blog, Thursday, April 26. You can visit the museum online at HistoryColorado.org.

As I have previously mentioned, the Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown is this weekend at the Embassy Suites in the Denver Tech Center. If you are a fan of pinball and classic arcade games, you don’t want to miss this event. More info can be found at PinBallShowDown.com.

Pinball enthusiasts should check out Pinball Jones right here in Fort Collins in the basement suite at 107 Linden Street. Their website is PinBallJones.com.

In Lyons, Colorado check out Lyons Classic Pinball behind Oskar Blues in downtown. This is a HeidiTown favorite place so find it on the blog by searching Lyons Classic Pinball. Visit them online at LyonsPinball.com.

If you are in the Springs area, check out the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs featuring all sorts of vintage games including pinball. For more on historic Manitou, go to ManitouSprings.org.

This weekend on the Western Slope it’s the Fruita Fat Tire Festival. The event was started 17 years ago as a way to show off all the biking trails they were building in Fruita. This year, there will be four music shows running Friday and Saturday. The beer will flow, a scavenger hunt will occur and costumes are encouraged. I have friends who attend this event every year, and they say it’s always a very good time. Learn more at FruitaMountainBike.com, and be sure to pack your bike!

Tulip Fairy Parade Downtown Boulder

We called the Tulip Fairy out today to make sure she's ready for the annual Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade that happens on April 28 at 3 p.m. She's ready to go. See you there! (TulipFairyParade.com).

Here’s a sweet little event that is happening Saturday afternoon in Boulder. At 3 p.m. it’s the annual Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade. There are 15,000 tulips planted along Pearl Street and this event, welcoming spring, takes place in this colorful outdoor mall. Special events and activities for children are planned as well as a parade. Go to DowntownBoulder.com for details.

And now for some planning ahead…

As I previously mentioned, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Saturday this year, that’s the 5th of May for those of you who aren’t familiar with the holiday. There are several events happening in Fort Collins including an Artisan Show above the Rio Grande restaurant in the Agave Room.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a vast array of high-end art with everything from sculpture to jewelry. Over 55 artisans will be there, so I urge art lovers not to miss this show! You can follow the link on HeidiTown.com’s front page to the Cinco De Mayo Artisan Show’s Facebook event invite.

The 74th Annual Music & Blossom Festival in Canon City runs May 3 through the 6th. This delightful family-friendly fest has developed over the years into a true destination event. There is a parade, a carnival, a marching band competition, a pageant, and the list goes on and on. Visit CCBlossomFestival.com for the entire schedule.

rubber duckThe 24th Annual Estes Park Duck Races are also slated for May 5. Thousands of little rubber ducks are dropped into Fall River where they began their journey to Riverside Plaza in downtown Estes Park. The tradition was started in 1989 to help local charities. It has grown into a community celebration. Adopt a duck and support a local charity! Learn more at EPDuckrace.org.

If you missed any part of today’s segment, I post the transcript and audio of the show every week on HeidiTown.com.

As always, I encourage you to join the town’s block party on Facebook. It’s the place where we can get better acquainted. Go to Facebook.com/HeidiTown.comonFB.

You can also follow me on Twitter @HeidiTown or circle the town on Google Plus.

Thank you so much for listening! Until next week, I will see you online!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Events & Festivals, Museums, Radio Segments, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Become an advocate for your town

Apr 19th, 2012 by

South Park City Museum

Children running through South Park City Museum, a town/museum made up of a collection of historic buildings from around Part County. Located in Fairplay, Colorado. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

Small towns are full of character and characters, and that’s what makes travel across this country so great. Meeting interesting people, trying new restaurants, exploring the unknown and learning a little about an area are the reasons I enjoy being a tourist.

However, when you meet a tourist in your own town, are you excited to tell them about your community, or do you struggle to find something nice to say?

You can be an advocate for your town, and if you are, the economic impact is beneficial to all.

So, how can you be an advocate of your town? First, you need to become a tourist, and here are a few ways to make that happen:

1.  Visit the local museum or historical sites. Most towns have a museum or two, and some have historical landmarks. You may be amazed at what you learn. For instance, the first time I visit my town’s museum I learned that the region used to be covered in cherry orchards. This was news to me, and explained why the community celebrates a Cherry Pie Festival every summer.

2.  Try a new restaurant. We all have our favorite hometown eatery and often we fear branching out and trying something new. But if you don’t stretch your taste buds a little, you won’t know everything your town has to offer. The new bistro down the street may have the best eggs benedict in the world, but if you don’t try it out, you’ll never know.

blue house south party city museum Colorado

South Park City Museum, Fairplay, Colorado. Photo by H.M. Kerr-Schlaefer, all rights reserved.

3.  Visit your town’s parks. Driving by a park every day is a very different experience than stopping and sitting down on a bench for a little while. This summer, make a point to go on picnics in your town’s parks. We lived in our community for several years before discovering a renowned sculpture park, and now we always take visitors there to share this amazing place with them.

4. Visit your Visitor Center. Sound strange? It is very possible there are interesting things about your community you haven’t yet discovered. It’s also helpful to know how your town is being branded, and this all happens at the Visitor Center.

5. Attend a festival or event. A local celebration is the perfect way take to the pulse of a community. Every town is different and often a festival is where you can identify the uniqueness.

Once you start looking at your town through new eyes, you’ll recognize that you live in a delightfully interesting place, thereby enabling you to become an advocate for your town. When citizens feel proud of their community it leaks into their speech and actions, and speaking with optimism about your town does have a positive impact on your town’s economy.

“The word on the street” has more sway than ever before because the Internet and social media have made “the street” a lot bigger. How you feel about your community does matter and people are listening.

Become an advocate for your town today, and become part of a thriving community. 

 

Note:  Should you wish to reprint this article at no charge, please contact TheMayor@HeidiTown.com. 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in Top 5 Lists, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

Older Posts »