Take 12 stages and 14 themed pavilions of FUN and what do you have? The Denver County Fair. Coming to the National Western Complex August 10 – 12, this annual event celebrates the creativity and personality of Denver, with events, exhibitors, blue ribbon competitions and more. The Kids Pavilion is Family Fun CENTRAL with a Kids Stage, Kids Competitions and Kids Art Show, the Geek Pavilion celebrates Denver’s brainiacs, technies, sci-fi nerds and geeks, the Indoor Carnival’s roller coaster, the rides and the carnival games are a reprieve from the heat and don’t miss the oodles of live competitions and chances to win a blue ribbon. How fast can you eat a pie? Can your baby win the Diaper Derby? Care to enter our Spelling Bee? The Denver County Fair runs August 10-12, 2012; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St. Denver. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 12; 3-day pass options are available. Parking is $10. denvercountyfair.org/
LiveWell Colorado and BikeDenver are teaming up to bring Denver residents the city’s second annual Viva Streets event on Sunday, August 12, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to celebrate our city streets’ potential to get people moving, to bring neighbors together, and to strengthen Colorado’s healthy, active culture. 23rd Avenue between City Park and Stapleton will be transformed into a car-free parkway for all Denverites to enjoy. The street will come alive with walkers, bikers, runners, strollers, dancers, musicians, healthy food enthusiasts and anyone wanting to play in the streets for the day. Viva Streets participants will have a variety of fun, healthy activities to enjoy along the street in special areas while walker and bikers move up and down the route. Learn to make salsa and guacamole at the Chipotle Activity Tent; get your photo taken at the Delta Dental of Colorado Healthy Smiles Photo Booth; get hands on at the Cigna Go You! Wellness Zone; get moving with yoga and zumba demonstrations; get the kids cruising at the bike rodeo and “strider” course; and enjoy face painting, healthy food trucks, cooking demonstrations, bike safety checks, gardening demonstrations, and much more. https://about.livewellcolorado.org/vivastreets
Family Camping Workshop. Want to go camping but are not sure where to start? Part 1 of this series at the Wildlife Experience starts at 10 a.m. Learn the basics including weather, wildlife safety, gear and more. This is a hands-on workshop and gear will be provided. Cost cost is $15 for members, nonmembers $18 and is for children 8 and up. http://thewildlifeexperience.org/
Golden Gate Canyon Games. Go back in time at Clear Creek History Park at 1020 11th Street in Golden. Try old-fashioned games like rolling pin toss or the slippery kick. Cost is free but donations are appreciated. goldenhistorymuseums.org/calendar.php.
Author: Amber Johnson
Amber is the founder and editor of Mile High Mamas, travel writer and former columnist for The Denver Post. She is a passionate community builder and loves the outdoors. She has two awesome teens and is happily married to a man obsessed with growing The Great Pumpkin.
