Memorial Day Weekend 2012 in Colorado (HeidiTown on the radio)

Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and that means from this point on I will be running around the state like a crazy woman with dusty festival feet and pulling a tired, but accommodating husband along behind me.

The following are my KRFC 88.9 FM radio show transcripts for Memorial Day weekend. You can either read them, or if you prefer, listen to the audio HERE.

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

It’s Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember those who have died in service of this great nation. It’s also marks the kickoff of the summer festival season, although summer doesn’t officially start until June 20.

It’s a very busy weekend, so let’s get started.

Here in Fort Collins… the Realities for Children Motorcycle Ride and Rally has become a tradition in Northern Colorado. It is one of the state’s largest charity motorcycle poker runs and features lots of stuff to get your motor runnin’ including live music, fireworks, a stunt show, vintage and custom bikes and more. The Rally starts on Saturday in downtown Fort Collins and runs from 11 to 11. Downtown’s largest fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. The ride continues on Sunday at Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson in Loveland. For details and to register for the ride go to RealitiesRide.com.

Also, mark your calendar because Bohemian Nights Presents the Thursday Night Live Concert Series on Thursday May 31. Enjoy local music every Thursday in Old Town through August 2nd. For band info, go to DowntownFortCollins.com.

In Estes Park this weekend, enjoy the Art Market. Ninety Artisans will display their talents in Bond Park. Details at ArtCenterofEstes.com.

And speaking of ART, the Downtown Denver Arts Festival is also this weekend at the Denver Pavilions. 150,000 art-lovers are expected to attend this event that includes a special exhibit of DiVinci’s Machines. Go to DowntownDenverArtsFestival.com for a map of this huge artsy affair and the schedule.

Also in Denver, the Memorial Day Parade & Tribute Ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Civic Center Park. Let’s never forget those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we enjoy and take for granted each and every day. Visit DenverGov.org/Veterans for more.

This weekend is also the Boulder Creek Festival, three days of entertainment, shopping and people watching. This event is a great way to break in your festival sandals and practice your dance moves. Go to BCEProductions.com for the details on Boulder’s unofficial kick off to summer.

Also in Boulder, Cinderella is now underway at Boulders Dinner Theater. Watch for a review coming soon to HeidiTown.com.

There are several river-oriented fests this weekend in two of my favorite Colorado mountain towns.

First it’s Paddle Fest in Buena Vista. If you haven’t been to this part of Colorado, you’ve really been missing out on one of the most spectacular destinations in the state. Located on the Arkansa River, Buena Vista and Salida are two town highly regarded by kayakers and PaddleFest is an interactive event that will get you ready for a safe, fun season on the water. This event has grown over the years, check it out at CKSPaddleFest.com.

And speaking of the water, it’s the 32nd Annual Yampa River Festival in Steamboat Springs. Take it from me, this town knows how to throw a party, and this event is no exception. The festival celebrates everything on the river with races, slaloms, tube rodeo, Crazy River Dog Competition and lots more. Go to FriendsoftheYampa.com for more information.

Staying at altitude, it’s the Beaver Creek’s 9th Annual Blues, Brews & Barbecue. This is a serious weekend of eating, drinking, golfing and more. For ticket information go to BeaverCreek.com.

There is a lot more happening around Colorado this Memorial Day weekend including Territory Days in Old Colorado City, an historic family-festival the kids will love, more at ShopOldColoradoCity.com. And the 4th Annual MeadowGrass Music Festival, also in the Springs. Old time music is alive and well at this event, details at MeadowGrass.org. And in Mesa Verde it’s the 12th Annual Indian Arts & Culture Festival, a week long celebration of Native American Culture in one of the most fascinating Colorado destinations. Go to to MesaVerdeCountry.com to plan your trip.

I’m out of time, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t hook up with me out there on social media and learn even more… join the town’s block party at Facebook.com/HeidiTown.comonFB. Follow me on Twitter @HeidiTown or visit the town on Google Plus.

Thanks so much for listening! Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend, and until next time, I will see you online or at a festival near you.

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A special thank you to the following for photography use: Mesa Verde Country, Colorado Kayak Supply, Realities for Children.