Page 10 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
Summer in Berthoud
2022
Berthoud to host youth-centered ‘Summer Scorch Fest’ By Dan Karpiel The Surveyor At the Dec. 14, 2021 meeting of the Berthoud Board of Trustees, the board heard a presentation by Berthoud High School senior Maggie Langer, who at the time served as the chairwoman of the Berthoud Youth Advisory Committee (BYAC). Lager and her group pitched to the board a concept for a youth — primarily middle — and high-school-aged Berthoud residents — focused summer event. At the meeting, Langer shared with the board the results of a survey conducted among the middle and high school-aged population in town that was primarily focused on youth engagement in the community. “We worked hard through our meetings to get (the survey) completed,” Langer explained when presenting the results alongside her colleagues from the committee. The goal of the survey, which garnered 94 responses, was three-fold; “provide insight to the town regarding youth feelings, give a voice to all students who would like to share their opinions and help us with ideas of events and activities for the future, according to the presentation.” A notable result of the survey was that youth, particularly those of high school age, said they would like to see more events and activities geared towards teens, rather than just adults and younger children. Some proposals included a hamster ball track, a mobile ropes course, a mobile zip line, carnival swings, a rockclimbing wall and other such attractions. The proposed cost would be $25,000 to $30,000 for the event, which would last one or two days, and the trustees were receptive the YAC’s
proposals and said the funds are available given the health of the town’s finances. “I’m glad you guys are pushing this and I fully support it,” said Trustee Mike Grace. The board was very receptive to the plan and, after ironing out the details over the next few months, the board approved the authorization of $30,000 for the event. Town Administrator Chris Kirk said the $30,000 price tag for the event is within the budget, some of which will be funded through the town’s recreational marijuana tax revenue, and added, “I think you can put on a nice event for this price … I think you can do a lot for this price.” The board members were equally complimentary of the BYAC and their proposal with Trustee Lonnie Stevens stating, “I think this is fantastic, I think you guys are phenomenal.” The event, which will feature a carnival-like atmosphere will take place at Waggener Farm Park on Friday and Saturday, July 29 and 30, lasting for three hours on Friday and five on Saturday so as to assure that everyone who wants to attend the event can do so. The town will work with Airbound Colorado to provide the majority of the rides and attractions at the event. Some attractions are planned include a hamster ball track, mobile ropes course, mobile zip line, rock wall and pedal cars on a track. There will also be lawn games and food trucks as well as music. While the BYAC said the event is focused on the town’s teenage population which was the reason the group selected the rides and attractions they did, rather than small children type of entertainment like bouncy castles and the like. The group did say that all members of the community regardless of age are welcome to come and enjoy the event.
