LARIMER COUNTY FAIR & RODEO: THEN AND NOW AND A COMPLETE SCHEDULE TO THIS YEAR’S EVENT
NOCO SUPPORTS STUDENTS THROUGH DONATIONS
CAN’T-MISS END OF SUMMER EVENTS INCLUDING SCULPTURE IN THE PARK
LATIGO LARIAT HORSES AROUND BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE
The best sleep of your life starts here
Abittersweet feeling always accompanies the end of summer. I find myself mourning the hikes, weather and adventures I had with friends and family, but summertime can also go out with a bang! In this edition of MyNOCO, we look into how to celebrate the end of summer and how to prepare for the coming year.
The folks over at the Larimer County Fair have helped us prepare a wonderful guide for their event as well as a look into how it all started. Stories from local vendors can also be found in our coverage of the fair.
We celebrate the new school year by highlighting a local nonprofit that helps give students the resources they need as well as auditing experiences throughout the front range for those seeking affordable higher education. Education comes in many forms, and our community has a plethora of resources to help people that value the pursuit of knowledge.
Wrapping things up, we dive into some fun events in Loveland and Greeley that people can enjoy this August. From the Larimer County Fair to the Bears Bash, this month has a lot in store.
From all of our staff and contributors, we hope you enjoy this edition of myNOCO!
Darian Armer, Kathleen Duff, Jared Fiel, Rebecca Furuta, Lindsay Haines, Courtney Johnson, Matthew L. Van Deventer
Advertising Coordinator
Jeanine Fritz
NOTES FROM TOWN HALL
Advertising Sales
Check out the events happening at the Windsor Town Hall.
Susan Giglio, Thais Hafer, Abbie Lance, Sara Luttes, Jeri Martinez, Desirea Martinez, Melissa Morris
MYNOCO MAGAZINE
PO Box 337228, Greeley, CO 80633-7228 www.GreeleyTribune.com/Special-Sections
For all editorial, advertising and circulation inquiries, call (970) 352-0211. Send editorial-related comments and story ideas to: tmarkard@greeleytribune.com. For advertising inquiries contact Advertising at Advertising@GreeleyTribune.com.
Published by Prairie Mountain Media, publisher of The Greeley Tribune.
AUGUST 2024
COVER STORY
The Larimer County Fair celebrates its history while looking toward a successful and inclusive future.
FAIR FOOD & DRINK
How the Larimer County Fair has compiled amazing local eateries for their event.
LARIMER COUNTY FAIR GUIDE
Our guide to help you navigate the Fair, meet the Queen, check out the bands playing and just get a sense of what there is to do and see.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Tips for making the transition back to everyday obligations a little bit easier and smoother.
A WEEKEND OF ART
Art in the Park and Sculpture in the Park both take place over the weekend of Aug. 9-11, showcasing Loveland’s love for art
FAIR EQUIPMENT
Saddle and tack store The Latigo Lariat celebrates more than a quarter century in business in Loveland.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
How Northern Colorado is supporting students through donations in preparation for the new school year.
SENIORS’ CORNER
Education as you age: ways seniors can participate in schooling affordably in Northern Colorado
SUMMER FUN
Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics are excited to come together for our annual Family Fest/Bears Bash
UPCOMING EVENTS
Things to do in northern Colorado in August from Movies in the Park to the Poudre River Fest at New Belgium.
The
Larimer County Fair’s Journey as an Emblem of its Community
From Lemay to The Ranch
By Rebecca Furuta
With just weeks to go before showtime, Blue Arena and The Ranch Events Complex are undergoing a transformation in preparation to become a top destination for food, music and fun as the Larimer County Fair kicks off for its 141st year.
“We’re carting in tons and tons of special dirt for the rodeo,” explains the Director of Marketing and Events for The Ranch, Abby Marr. “It’s called ‘footing’ in equine events, and it has to be a very specific kind of fill without rocks or
clumps and with the correct grip for the horses. We’ll have the hockey rink completely covered by the end of next week.”
Fair organizers are busy setting up exhibit halls, adding locally-based food trucks to the list of vendors (they currently have 24 and more are reaching out every day), recruiting volunteers and lining up musical acts from all over the country.
This year’s celebrations begin on Friday August 2 in the area near the main stage as the Iron Family Indigenous
Dancers open festivities with a welcome ceremony and blessing. The fair runs every day through Tuesday, August 6.
“The Larimer County Fair is one of the last free county fairs in Colorado,” says fair and events manager, Louise Romero. “We don’t charge for parking or admission.”
That kind of accessibility is one of the reasons why Larimer County’s fair has grown so large. Last year, more than 130,000 people attended the festivities across five days. This year, fair organizers expect even bigger crowds.
County Fairs have long served as a catalyst for continuing traditions and bringing people together. They exist as a way to celebrate local culture, agricultural heritage and community spirit.
The first Larimer County Fair was held back in 1879 in the land east of Fort Collins, where Poudre Valley Hospital sits now. The fair developed as a platform for farmers to exhibit their produce, share innovations, and participate in contests like livestock showing and plowing.
In 1891, the county bought the land once used for the fair and converted it into a poor farm. The fair ceased to exist until 1912, when organizers revived the event and moved it to Fairgrounds Park in Loveland. There were vaudeville acts and exhibits touting the wonders of
A vintage photo from rodeos past. Courtesy/The Ranch Events Complex
Drone shot of the Carnival Americana at dusk at 2023’s Larimer County Fair. Kyle Teramoto, Courtesy/The Ranch Events Complex
flight, a livestock parade and a ladies’ half-mile cowpony race.
In 2003, the Larimer County Fair moved to The Ranch Events Complex. In fact, the fair was the impetus for the creation of the complex in the first place. Fair advocates and 4-H families helped to get a measure passed in 1998 that would allow for a one-year sales tax increase in order to purchase the 242 acres of land for the complex. In 1999, they got another measure passed to support the construction of the 375,000 square foot indoor event space.
Today’s fair looks a bit different, but still highlights the pivotal role of agriculture in Larimer County’s past, present and future. Concession stands have been replaced by food trucks, and the vaudeville Balmont Sisters who once parachuted out of balloons have given way to free nightly concerts and drone races. Still, with its deep agricultural roots and the vibrant narrative of community, tradition and progress, the Larimer County Fair is working to ensure the sustainability of farming practices.
The active participation of youth organizations like 4-H amplifies the fair’s impact, weaving together the threads of education, innovation and tradition into the fabric of the local agricultural industry. “Last year’s junior livestock sale took in more than $928,000 for 4-H members,” says Romero. “The fair is one way to nurture a passion for agriculture among younger generations and to ensure the future of farming locally and nationally,” she says.
The Larimer County Fair has a positive overall economic impact for the region, with a majority of vendors being local entrepreneurs. The county fair offers these small businesses an opportunity to advertise to a larger community and to sell their products and food.
One of the main highlights of the fair is the carnival. “We sold 183,972 carnival tickets in 2022, and 209,761 last year,” reports Romero. “It is by far the biggest draw for people.” Carnival Americana is bringing rides and games along with the traditional treats like
cotton candy and funnel cakes. “The carnival is just a lively environment,” adds Marr.
In keeping with the spirit of inclusivity, Romero and her team recognize that not everyone enjoys the bustling environment of a county fair. For people with different sensory needs and certain dis-
abilities, the sights, sounds and smells of the festivities can prove too much. For that reason, the Larimer County Fair created the very first sensory-friendly fair experience in the state.
A low sensory day is offered on Monday, August 5 from 2-4 p.m. Romero explains, “We aren’t selling food so there are no smells. We focus on making sure that nothing is moving too fast and
there are no bright or flashing lights, there are no crowds and we’re not overwhelming the senses.” The fair partners with area organizations like Autism Society of Colorado, and gives people with different sensory needs the opportunity to enjoy fair entertainment, animals and carnival rides in an accessible space. The first sensory-friendly day attracted 138 participants. Last year, the fair saw 475 people pass through on the sensory-friendly afternoon.
Animal demonstrations, cooking competitions, milkshakes, a World’s Strongest Kid contest, Outlaw Mariachi performing Beastie Boys’ songs, and cocktails at The Watering Hole Bar and Entertainment Center are all part of the fun at the Larimer County Fair. With so much going on, event organizers have launched their first ever fair app. “We think it will make it easier for people to plan their day and maybe decide what to eat while they’re here,” explains Marr.
“We live in a mobile society,” says Romero. “People can see the best food and live vicariously through others’ experiences. The fair brings together community and offers something for everyone. There’s no better way to support your local community than by going to the fair.”
Current rodeo bullriding event at the current Fairgrounds. Courtesy/The Ranch Events Complex
A panoramic shot of the crowd at a past undated Fair at the former location. Courtesy/The Ranch Events Complex
A horse race at a past undated Fair at the former Fairgrounds. Courtesy/ The Ranch Events Complex
LarimerCountyFairFood
TBy Matthew Van Deventer
Fair& InAll’s
How the
Larimer County Fair Has Compiled Amazing Local Eateries for their Event
Food Drinks
he 141st annual Larimer County Fair is gearing up for another solid performance this August 2nd through the 6th with plenty of fun events and delicious cuisine. The event has become a hub for local food businesses in the NOCO region.
According to Larimer County’s event manager, Louise Romero, there will be six carnival food vendors, 18 food trucks, and beverage stations including the Mountain Dew Lounge, and a dairy bar hosted by 4-H Jr. Leadership Club, the proceeds of which go towards scholarships and funding for projects.
In the exhibit hall vendors like Freeze Dried Freaks, Sauce Daddy hot sauces, and Mary’s Mountain Cookies from Fort Collins will be slinging pre-packaged items.
Being selected for one of the highly sought-after food truck slots can be a boon for small businesses tasked with feeding the 130,000 fair-goers that stream in over the long weekend.
Beautiful Life Bowls, a seasonal venture launched in 2023 when Tammi and Doug Hickey, semi-retired, wanted to start a family business. Due to a cancellation at last year’s fair, they were able to sneak in for the first time.
“Being brand new to this food trailer adventure and new to town, the Larimer County Fair has been just wonderful to work with,” said Tammi.
They sell bowls made from a sorbet base that can fuel athletes or convince little ones into a healthy cold treat. Customers can craft bowls from three frozen sorbet bases: Acai, coconut, and the newly added Ube (sweet potato). Bowls are organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Their special Larimer County Fair menu includes the Yee Haw, Clydesdale, Buckaroo, and Ain’t Our 1st Rodeo.
Fork Yeah owners Jake Gargano and
Meagan Gunter originally wanted to sell hotdogs on the beach, but chose to focus on bringing “gourmet street food to our community.” They started in 2018 as Lavish Dogs but expanded their menu to burgers and fries. By 2019 they launched their current truck and in 2023 opened a brick-and-mortar store in Loveland named Big Fork.
A popular item on their menu is the Jalapeno Cilantro burger, which is a juicy burger topped with jalapenos, cilantro, guacamole, and their special
sauce. There’s also the Chicago dog and Parmesan Truffle fries.
Joe Zeppy’s Mobile Italian Kitchen and Deli out of Loveland specializes in Italian sandwiches and cheesecakes.
The truck is owned and operated by husband and wife duo Dan Maguire, a fine dining chef, and Jenn Davis, a pastry. Maguire said they moved out to Vail independently from the East Coast in 2014 and eventually met. In 2020 they moved to the northern Colorado area with hopes to open a restaurant, but because of the pandemic, they launched Ciao! a mobile pizzeria, in October 2020. In April 2023 they expanded that concept to Joe Zeppy’s, named after his grandfather Giuseppe, a first-gen-
eration Italian American and Italian restaurant owner.
Their number one signature menu item is the Italian beef sandwich, a Chicago tradition. Whole roasts of beef are slow-roasted, shaved, and then held in a hot and rich beef “gravy” that is scooped into a hoagie roll with roasted sweet peppers and spicy giardiniera. Their Philly-style cheesesteaks are also a fan favorite.
If anyone has masterfully elevated the childhood classic many know and love, the corndog, it’s Corndoggies. The concept was inspired when husband and wife owners John and SJ Lawyer went camping in their 1975 mustard yellow GMC recreational vehicle which was also their first-ever food truck: “. . .under the stars, Corndoggies was born,” said John and SJ.
A trained chef and hotdog connoisseur, John “knows how to make anything into a corndog,” said SJ. They’ve developed unique, handmade sausage recipes with meats from small Midwest farms.
Some fan favorites include their mac n’ cheese dog which looks like a corn dog but is filled with macaroni and cheese. There’s also the smoked brisket dog and jalapeno chicken Gouda dog. Of course, they offer the classic 100% beef corndog and footlong dog for the purists at heart. All items are hand-dipped on-site and paired with a made-fromscratch sauce. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available.
“As a small business, we pride ourselves in making our product from scratch, and being able to share it with more people where we live is the goal.” The duo continued, “The Larimer County fair helps us grow our fan base so we can keep doing what we do best and that is making and selling.”
The Fairgrounds, including food vendors in 2023. Courtesy/ Matthew Van Deventer
Street food served at Joe Zeppy’s. Courtesy/Joe Zeppy’s
Check Out the Following Pages for a Full Guide to
the Larimer County Fair!
Here is MyNOCO’s guide to help you navigate the Fair, meet the Queen, check out the bands playing and just get a sense of what there is to do and see. From rodeos to a wide variety of food and drink options, the Larimer County Fair has something for everyone!
FOOD & BEVERAGE 2024 FOOD TRUCK VENDORS
l Beautiful Life Bowls
l Carnival Food
l Corndoggies
l Dole Whip®
l Fork Yeah
l Gator Tails
l Golden Goddess Food Truck
l Hal’s Coffee
l Infinitus Pie
l Island Noodles of Colorado
l Joe Zeppys Mobile Italian Kitchen
l Kettle Korner
l Maui Wowi Smoothies
l Misfits Woodfire Pizza Truck
l Nana’s Famous BBQ & Grill
l Ni De Aqui Ni De Alla
l Polar Bros Nitro Ice Cream
l Southern Soul
l Steamy Weiners
l Summah Time Coffee
l Tacos El Diablo
l Tommy Boy Mini Donuts
l The Waffle Lab
l Wild Brat
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
The Larimer County Fair boasts exhibits, a marketplace, live music, rodeo, entertainment, a carnival & more! All times are subject to
l Globe Of Death (1:30-2 p.m. | 4-4:30 p.m. | 8-8:30 p.m.)
l Neutron Ninja (Opens At 11 a.m.)
l Everblocks (10 a.m-8 p.m.)
l Tractor Parade (10-10:30 a.m. | 3:30-4 p.m.)
l Bourbon Brass Band (3-6 p.m.)
l CSU To Host Ca.m.’s Ag Academy, Cvmbs & Clean Energy Lab (4-6p.m.)
l Salida Circus (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
l Drone Racing (12 noon-7:30 p.m.)
l Meso Lab (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
l Fireworks (9 p.m.)
MAIN STAGE
l Colorado Keys (6-8 p.m.)
l Outlaw Mariachi (8:30-10 p.m.)
ANIMALS
l Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (11 a.m.-6 p.m. )
MARKETPLACE
l Wildman Phil (12-12:30p.m. | 2-2:30
p.m. | 4:30-5 p.m. | 7-7:30 p.m.)
l Closes 8p.m.
LONGHORN ARENA
l Sheriff’s Posse Jr. Rodeo (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)
ROUND UP ARENA
l Mounted Shooting (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
GROUNDS
l Open 4p.m.
l Canine Stars (5:30-6p.m. | 7:30-8 p.m.)
l Globe Of Death (6-6:30 p.m. | 8-8:30 p.m.)
l Neutron Ninja (4-8 p.m.)
l Everblocks (4-8 p.m.)
l Meso Lab (4-8 p.m.)
l Salida Circus (4-8 p.m.)
l CSU To Host Ca.m.’s Ag
Academy, Cvmbs & Clean Energy Lab (4-6 p.m.)
MAIN STAGE
l Waldo Experience (6-8 p.m.)
l Top Shelf 5280 (8:30-10:30 p.m.)
WATERING HOLE
l Cornhole Tournament (3:30-6 p.m.)
MARKETPLACE
l Top Hogs (2-2:30 p.m.; 4:30-5 p.m.; 7-7:30 p.m.)
ANIMALS
l Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (10 a.m.-6 p.m. )
LarimerCountyFairGuide
MAC EQUIP.M.ENT INC.
INDOOR ARENA
l Crystal Lyons Cowboy Church (8:30-9:30 a.m. )
l Cams Ag Academy & Cvmbs (10 a.m.-6 p.m.)
LONGHORN ARENA
l Draft Horse Show (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
ROUND UP ARENA
l Complete Equestrian Vaulting (11:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. )
l Mobile Earth & Space Observatory (10 a.m.-8 p.m.)
l Crafty Chassis (10 a.m.)
MONDAY,AUGUST 5
GROUNDS
l Axe Women (5:30-6 p.m. | 7:30-8 p.m.)
l Play With Gravity (6-6:30 p.m. | 8-8:30 p.m.)
l Ninja Nation, Nerf Turf & Bounce House (4-8 p.m.)
l Everblocks (4-8 p.m.)
l Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza (5:30-6 p.m. | 7:30-8 p.m.)
MAIN STAGE
l 20 Hands High, Country Band (6-8 p.m.)
l Eric Golden, Country Band (8:30-10:30 p.m.)
MARKETPLACE
l Wildman Phil (4:30-5 p.m. | 6:30-7 p.m.)
l Closes 8 p.m.
BLUE ARENA
l Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (4-8 p.m.)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
GROUNDS
l Open 4p.m.
l Canine Stars (5:30-6p.m. | 7:30-8 p.m.)
l Globe Of Death (6-6:30 p.m. | 8-8:30 p.m.)
l Neutron Ninja (4-8 p.m.)
l Everblocks (4-8 p.m.)
l Meso Lab (4-8 p.m.)
l Salida Circus (4-8 p.m.)
l CSU To Host Ca.m.’s Ag Academy, Cvmbs & Clean Energy Lab (4-6 p.m.)
MAIN STAGE
l Trip Wire (5:30-8 p.m.)
l Soul School (8:30-11 p.m.)
ANIMALS
l Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (4-8 p.m.)
MARKETPLACE
l Wildman Phil (4:30-5 p.m. | 6:30-7 p.m.)
l Closes 8 p.m.
MAC EQUIP.M.ENT INC.
INDOOR ARENA
l Ca.m.’s Classroom & Cvmbs (4-6:30 p.m.)
BLUE ARENA
l PRCA RODEO
ANIMALS
l Petting Zoo & Pony Rides (4-8 p.m.)
Bobblehead Night courtesy of: (7-9:30 p.m.)
10. Information
11. Tractor Display
12. Food
13. Watering Hole by High Country Beverage
14. EverBlocks
15. Children’s Bounce Houses
16. Main Stage
17. The Canine Stars
18. Pony Rides & Noah’s Ark Petting Zoo
19. Vendor Alley
20. Private Party Tent
21. Neutron Ninja
22. Globe of Death
23. CSU – Cam’s Academy, CVMBS & Clean Energy Lab
24. Mobile Earth & Space Observatory
25. Sensory Room
26. Nursing Mothers Room
27. RV Parking
28. Trailer Parking
29. ATM
BackToSchool
Our Back to School Guide
Going back to school can be a hectic time for anyone in Northern Colorado. From elementary to high school, the lives of students and parents change drastically within days.
Dawn Kirk, the director of District A of the Thompson School District Board of Education, says, “Getting ready for back to school in late July at our house means that we start talking about what my kids are looking forward to in the upcoming school year, how they want to prepare for back to school, and how I can support them with the transition.”
It’s important for students of all ages to feel heard and supported during any transition. Asking
With
school around the corner, we compiled
3 of the most important topics that can help students and parents research to prepare for the coming year.
open-ended questions and giving your kids plenty of opportunities to share their thoughts helps them build competency and confidence and build trust with you. When kids have a chance to open up, you never know what you might learn, and then you can give them meaningful support as they prepare for back to school. Kirk breaks down advice for this transition into three points:
• Physically: Do we need to get back into a sleep schedule and other routines? Do we need to make doctors and dentist appointments or get a physical? What clothes and shoes need to be recycled or replaced?
• Socially: Who do we need to connect with before school starts?
1. Supplies
Back-to-school events are great for seeing new classrooms and meeting new teachers. Are there relationships that we want to nurture over the break? It’s nice if we can start school with friends.
• Mentally: What else will help lower back-to-school stress, anxiety, or fear? Enjoy the rest of summer break and find balance while preparing for back to school. Ease into the transition and let your kids set the pace.
By taking these points into account, families can ensure a smoother transition back to school. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in setting the tone for a successful school year for them and their kids.
Looking at your school’s supply list online is the first step to finding out how to prepare for the coming year. Resources such as School is Cool and the Help Kids Succeed program help support families in need of as well. Talking with families and school officials in your district can help prepare you for the coming year, and the many necessities that come with it. Accessing the internet is also important for many programs as well. Public resources like the Poudre Library in Fort Collins can help provide access to technology that families may need in order to strengthen their education.
2. Programs
Looking into local programs and activities for your kid can be instrumental in developing a variety of skill sets for your child. Programs are often location based, but key steps are to find what your child is passionate about and to look for groups that can uplift their interests. Involvement in programs allows for exposure to new hobbies and experiences, allows students to pursue a topic of study under the guidance of a teacher or mentor and new friendships and social opportunities can be formed.
3. Health
Everything from physical examinations to updated vaccinations are important to maintain the health of children going back to school. Resources such as The ASCD Whole Child Approach to Education used in places like the Thompson School District in Loveland are extremely important for staying informed and aware of the health of the children in our community. Looking into health resources provided by your school district and county is paramount to your child’s success.
A B O U T
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Affordabi lity
Our members are saving $26 50 each month when compared to the average electric bill in Colorado That ’s nearly $315 ex tra per year you can put towards other necessities and expenses.
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We’re commit ted to providing you always - on power 24/ 7/365 while restoring outages quickly and safely. We keep you informed should you ever experience an interruption in ser vice.
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Earned one of the top five highest ACSI® scores among Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives We’re commit ted to living out our mission of exceeding your expectations.
Weekend A ofArt
By Kathleen Duff
Showcases Loveland’s Passionate Pastime
Twocomplementary events, borne of the hearts and talents of artists, will enrich, educate and entertain thousands in Loveland in mid-August.
For 57 years, Art in the Park at North Lake Park, Colorado’s longest-running artisan festival, has featured a wide range of media from painting to sculpture to woodworking. This year, during August 10-11, more than 250 artists will exhibit their talents in the juried show.
Sculpture in the Park at Benson Sculpture Park, has been highlighting local, national and international sculptors for 40 years and is considered the largest outdoor juried show in the world. This year, 160 artists will display more than 2,000 pieces that range in price from $150 to $250,000. The event starts August 9 with the Patron Party, and the broader show continues August 10-11.
“It’s fun. Our volunteers have been doing this for
every show. We have artists that have been in every show since the beginning,” said Amy Huggins, business manager of the Loveland High Plains Arts Council, which presents Sculpture in the Park. “Patrons will tell you this is like no other show they’ve been involved with. There’s a camaraderie about the love of art. It’s one weekend where it doesn’t matter who, what, where or why or how you ended up here — it’s about coming together to purchase sculpture for the world to enjoy.”
Forty years ago, five esteemed sculptors gathered for a casual drink and came away with a concept that has supported sculpture in the public realm ever since. George Lundeen, Dan Ostermiller, George Walbye, Fritz White and Hollis Williford, along with the city of Loveland, the Chamber of Commerce and the local community, created a show to exhibit and sell 50 sculp-
“Strength of the Maker,” a sculpture by Denny Haskew was dedicated on July 27, 2024 at Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland. Courtesy/sculptureinthepark.org
tures. According to the event catalogue, the proceeds from the first show allowed the Loveland High Plains Arts Council to acquire the first sculptures installed by Walbye and Ostermiller and place them where the public could enjoy them. The next year, the city of Loveland created the Benson Sculpture Park.
Today, the city is the recipient of 187 special works of art, and is home to three additional sculpture gardens.
The shows are crown jewels in a city with deep cultural appreciation and appetite for the arts.
In 2023, more than 11,000 visitors attended Art in the Park, per geo-tracking information, said Jill Atchison, executive director of Art in the Park and CEO of the Thompson Valley Art League, which hosts the show. “We support, critique and mentor all levels of artists in Loveland. ... We do it for the community. We are very lucky we have the support of people in the community.”
Art in the Park includes a Market section and a Fine Art Gallery along with a Kids’ Corner. Live music and food trucks also will be available. Artisans participating in the market have to
make their own products.
“We keep a tight rein on what the tent looks like,” Atchison said. “The Fine Arts Gallery is a little bit stricter. We look at quality, framing and book layout to make sure it’s professional.”
She said getting to meet the artists is the best part of her job. “It’s an awesome piece of it. Their gratitude for what we do to pull off a show — we do it all for them. The little piece tends to fill the bucket.”
And developing young artists also is key for Art in the Park and the TVAL. Ten booths are offered free to young artists under the age of 21. She said, “We teach them how to work in a show this size and level.”
Huggins, of Sculpture in the Park, concluded. “We have 400 gracious volunteers. These volunteers dedicate hours and hours to help us prepare for the show. And our patrons — I have yet to meet somebody who isn’t fantastic. ... I think if the world could step back and treat people like we do here, it would be such a better place.”
Art in the Park (lincolngallery.com/ art-in-the-park.html is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 10-11 at North Lake Park, 29th and Taft in Loveland. It is sponsored by the Thompson Valley Art League and the Lincoln Gallery. It is a free event with free shuttles.
Sculpture in the Park (sculptureinthepark.org) will kick off with the Patron Party from 3-8 p.m. Aug. 9 (tickets are $75 each). The show continues 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 10 and 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at the Benson Sculpture Park. Admission is $10; children 14 and under are free.
If you have received exceptional
People milling about at 2023’s Art in the Park event. Courtesy/City of Loveland
Saddle and tack store celebrates more than a quarter century in business in Loveland
By Jared Fiel
LatigoLariat
Saddles up the Fair
Go ahead and say it. Dee Ann Gadbury has heard it before. And she never tires of it.
“People get about four or five steps inside and every one of them says, ‘I love that smell,’” said the owner of Latigo Lariat Saddle Store and Tack Shop which is celebrating 27 years of olfactory bliss for its customers.
“They love that leather smell,” she said.
The business, which has become a landmark along US 287 just south of Loveland, is also known for the incredible support Gadbury has shown to 4-H groups and other youth equestrian groups for the Larimer County Fair and other events.
One of the most recognizable contributions Gadbury has made is the piece of leather on the horse statue at the fairgrounds. “I gave money for the sculpture,” she said. “But I love seeing Latigo Lariat on that leather.”
Much of her support is not quite as public. “We sponsor all the 4-H clubs. We provide givaways for their year-end awards,” she said. Club members also get a 10 percent discount in the store.
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The Latigo Lariat storefront. Courtesy/Latigo Lariat
“It’s all about the kids. Those kids have kids and now they are bringing their kids into the store,” she said. “It’s generational.”
Gadbury knows firsthand about the love of horses for children. When she was in grade school, she made saddles for her toy Breyer horses from extra leather from the glove-making shop in town. “All the girls loved them so I started making more and selling them for $1,” she said. “I can trace it back that far.”
Later, her grandfather got three horses for the eight grandchildren to share. “We girls pushed the boys out,” she says. “They were ours.”
For the next 40 years, Gadbury learned a lot about the different equestrian disciplines and showing events. But it was a hobby, not her occupation.
That changed when she was working for her brother’s cleaning business in Loveland and a friend who owned the now-iconic building paid her to paint it because he planned to have a used car dealership there.
But the fates and the county zon-
ing of the property stepped in and squashed that plan. Gadbury had been antiquing with a friend, looking for old leather items, when she said she had her “light bulb moment.”
So, on Sept. 16, 1998, Latigo Lariat opened as a consignment store for saddles and tack. “In life, things happen because they were meant to happen.”
The store, which soon expanded to new items and supplies, is run by Gadbury as well as 17-year veteran Rozza Neeley and Donna Thompson. “We are all 60-plus and we are proudly old school,” she said. “It’s all about the customer service. We take care of the people who walk through our door.”
When the store first opened, it was one of a handful of saddle and tack shops in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming. Over the years, most of those stores are gone, but Latigo Lariat is still going strong.
“Safety and customers. That’s what we pride ourselves on,” she said. “Horses are unpredictable. If
the equipment isn’t fitting right, the horse won’t act the way you want them to. It’s not a bad horse. It’s just trying to tell you something.”
At Latigo Lariat, customers can select old or new saddles and the ladies will show them how to fit it properly on their horse using horse models in the store. “We want to solve their problems and show them how to use it right,” she added.
The equestrian community in the area is tight-knit within the different disciplines, everything from pleasure and trail riders to barrel racers and entry-level roughstock riders. “We have seen a few families move away, but a lot more are moving here from out west and they have money and horses,” she said.
That focus on customers and the community helped Latigo Lariat survive the pandemic and the rush to online shopping. “You can burn your eyeballs out on those computers,” she said. “But they come in here to get that personal connection.”
And, of course, that smell.
Giving Back
By Darian Armer
to School
This year, more than 2,500 students in Poudre School District (PSD) will receive backpacks and school supplies that meet exactly their school needs thanks to the “School is Cool” program managed and organized by Colorado State University employees.
What began as a grass-roots effort by a retired CSU employee, Kathy Phifer, back in 1992 has grown to provide much-needed grade-appropriate school supplies to 33 PSD schools in Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath, LaPorte and outlying mountain schools. School principals and counselors then
discreetly distribute them to students who need them. Since 1992, the program has helped more than 58,000 children.
Maggie Walsh, executive director of institutional initiatives for CSU, says a common misconception is that the program is funded by CSU.
“CSU doesn’t fund it. Funding is done 100 percent through private donations. We use CSU facilities and volunteers. We order all of the supplies and backpacks through the bookstore and get a great rate. We’re able to fill a backpack for about $30. We really do a good job with
keeping the supply costs low,” Walsh says. “CSU employees volunteer their time to sort and fill backpacks. Sometime community members volunteer their time, too.”
Any parent who’s walked into Target or Walmart to shop their kid’s school supply list knows it’s hard to get out of the store for less than $100. That’s why School is Cool works very closely with PSD to get the exact school lists for each of the grades.
Walsh shows statistics from the National Retail Federation that the avThis year, more than 2,500 students in Poudre School District (PSD) will receive backpacks and school supplies that meet exactly their school needs thanks to the “School is Cool” program managed and organized by Colorado State University employees.
What began as a grass-roots effort by a retired CSU employee, Kathy Phifer, back in 1992 has grown to provide much-needed grade-appropriate school supplies to 33 PSD schools in Fort Collins, Wellington, Timnath, LaPorte and outlying mountain schools. School principals and counselors then discreetly distribute them to students who need them. Since 1992, the program has helped more than 58,000 children.
Maggie Walsh, executive director of institutional initiatives for CSU, says a common misconception is that the program is funded by CSU.
“CSU doesn’t fund it. Funding is done 100 percent through private donations. We use CSU facilities and volunteers. We order all of the supplies and backpacks through the bookstore and get a great rate. We’re able to fill a backpack for about $30. We really do a good job with keeping the supply costs low,” Walsh
Volunteers assemble backpacks with school supplies for students. Courtesy/ Colorado State University
says. “CSU employees volunteer their time to sort and fill backpacks. Sometime community members volunteer their time, too.”
Any parent who’s walked into Target or Walmart to shop their kid’s school supply list knows it’s hard to get out of the store for less than $100. That’s why School is Cool works very closely with PSD to get the exact school lists for each of the grades.
Walsh shows statistics from the National Retail Federation that the average American family spent $864 to send a K-12 child back to school in Fall 2022. And that number has only risen. Statistics also show that nearly 30 percent of PSD families live in households that meet (or exceed) federal poverty guidelines.
“Our belief is that every child, regardless of income or advantage, should have the same school supplies as any other student,” she says. “We rely solely on PSD to provide the number of students who need a backpack. They do an extensive survey to all the schools in the district. They give us the numbers and we pack them up and
deliver them to the schools. It takes us three and a half full days from the day the supplies arrive to sort and deliver them.”
Walsh says CSU is excited to partner with Front Range Community College this year to pack backpacks.
“We both feel strongly in this effort of higher education supporting our K-12 students. Front Range will be packing backpacks for high school students and CSU is packing backpacks for K-8th graders.”
Another new component for this year’s backpacks is the Beef Sticks for Backpacks program, which unites community and national partners to
provide beef sticks for kids in need. The program helps to tackle hunger kids may experience on weekends or after school when meals are unavailable. CSU’s College of Agricultural Science’s Department of Animal Sciences with onsite meat processing will help create the beef sticks going into student’s backpacks. Not only will kids get the supplies they need to start the year, they’ll also start out with a healthy and protein-fueled snack. The program currently donates about 5,000 sticks per week to backpack programs in Weld and Larimer County.
With the cost of shipping and supplies still going up, Walsh says the best way to get involved with School is Cool is by financially donating. Thirty dollars will sponsor a child with everything they need to start back to school.
“For $30 you can get a kid outfitted for school and ready to go on the first day,” she says. “That’s a pretty great investment.”
For more information or to donate to the School is Cool program, visit schooliscool.colostate.edu/get-involved/.
Volunteers gathering supplies from CSU buses. Courtesy/ Colorado State University
Seniors’Corner
By Courtney Johnson
Education as You Age
Did you have any idea that seniors 55 plus in Colorado can attend courses at many Colorado state universities for free or a small fee? With optional homework, a chance to connect with the community and an ability to learn a new skill, these universities offer opportunities for non-degree to continue learning post-retirement.
In some cases, seniors may want to pick up a hobby, learn a new language for retirement travel or pursue an interest put on the back burner due to family and work commitments. While the subject matter that drives seniors back into the classroom may vary, the enhancements of cognitive health while learning in the later years cannot be
attested. According to a Web MD study, adults ages 58-86 who took three to five new classes over three months could increase their mental capacity to those 30 years younger than them.
Registration is based on the availability of space after degree and credit-earning students have enrolled. Prerequisites may be required even if auditing a class. Course fees may apply for materials and other resources related to the content.
Colorado State University
Offering tuition-free classes for learners ages 55 plus, resident instruction classes may be taken as a visitor with space availability. Visitors are still responsible for course fees. Resources are
available through Canvas for non-credit students including class readings and course materials.
At the professor’s discretion, visitation availability is not determined until after the first day of classes. Assignment and test grading is also at the discretion of the professor. No student services including athletic tickets and ID cards are available to visitation students.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
The Metro Scholars, formerly Metro Meritus, lifelong learning program is offered for no charge for seniors 60 plus. Classes may be attended on campus, hybrid or online.
Presented by the Loveland High Plains Arts Council
Exhibiting Over 2000 Sculptures Created by 160 National and International Artists
The majority of classes are available with instructor approval and the availability of space. Graduate level courses, lab and special equipment courses and art studio courses are a few courses that are restricted. Meritus students may only take two courses per semester. Pre-registration is required, but forms will not be processed until the day classes start for credit-earning students to have priority.
University of Northern Colorado
Seniors aged 65 and above may audit a course with no tuition charge. However, course fees may apply and enrollment is based on open seats after pre-registration for UNC degree or course credit-earning students.
Some classes have prerequisites that may have to be met or instruction permission may be needed. A bachelor’s degree is required if a senior wants to audit a graduate-level course. There is no limit to the amount of courses that can be taken.
University Colorado at Boulder
Students of all ages may audit courses when space allows as long as they meet the prerequisites with certain course restrictions. Non-alumni auditors pay a flat rate of $95 per term during spring and fall terms. If you are a CU alumni, the cost is $80 per term. Any CU faculty alumni can audit a course at no charge. In summer, all auditors, regardless
of age, pay a flat fee of $250. There is a max of 21 audit hours per term. All instruction modes are available on the Boulder Campus while CE online classes and evening classes are available (in-person, hybrid remote/online, hybrid in-person/online-remote) through the Continuing Education Campus.
University of Colorado at Denver
UC Denver also allows learners 60+ to audit up to two eligible undergraduate in-person courses on a non-credit/non-tuition basis through their Lifelong Learners program. The only expense they must personally cover is a Campus ID currently for a cost of $24.
Classes are determined by space availability and previous level of education. Some courses are excluded including computer courses, those courses requiring special equipment, or any courses offered via the Division of Extended Services. Online, hybrid and summer classes are also ineligible.
Specifically created for seniors nearing retirement or ready to make a change after a successful career, the Change Makers Program is also available through CU Denver. The Change Makers program lasts one semester and is offered in the fall and spring. The one-semester program fee is currently $3,400.
819 E Mulberry St Fort Collins, CO 80524
The campus at the University of Colorado. Unsplash
By Lindsay Haines
A Day of Fun, Food, and Family Activities! Family Fest/ Bears Bash
Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics are so excited to bring the Greeley Community and the UNC Student body back together for a partnered event this August! UNC Athletes and the Greeley Tribune will be providing an early afternoon of games, shopping, giveaways and more. UNC Athletics would love for you to meet members of their sports teams. Meet students from the Band,
Cheerleading team, Soccer team, Football team and more! Meet our Women’s Sports teams, watch the Band performance, a couple Football scrimmages and jump around in the bounce houses. These are just a few of the fun activities we have planned. Local Businesses, Greeley Fire Department, food vendors, and more will be in attendance, helping students of UNC get to know the com-
munity around them and showing the community just what Family Fest / Bears Bash has to offer! Stick around for lunch, beat the heat with some treats and enter to win prizes!
The University of Northern Colorado and Greeley Tribune are both a big part of the community, and together we have so much fun planning the event each year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
Kids playing soccer at last years Family Fest/Bear’s Bash event. Courtesy/Lindsay Haines
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. / UNC Football Practice Fields 17th Avenue & Reservoir Road
Join the Greeley Tribune and UNC Athletics at the 2024 Family Fest & Bears Bash!
Family Fest /Bears Bash is back and we’re more excited than ever! Join us for fun as we welcome students back to campus, support local business and celebrate fall sports and activities in Greeley. Engage with the community for a day of fun, food, free activities for families and UNC’s 8,000 students including the 1,000 freshmen, many of whom are new to Greeley and your products and services!
Local Vendors • Food Truck • Kids Activities Scrimmages • Meet and Greets • Games Prize Giveaways • And Much More! GreeleyTribune.com/FamilyFest
Meet Athletes & Coaches from mens’/womens’ spor ts including football, basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, track & field, soccer, golf, wrestling and swimming.
Meet the Band & Spirit Groups including Klawz, cheer team and view a special per formance by the Pride of the Rockies Marching Band.
upcoming noco events
AUGUST
AUGUST 1
Paint Your Own Pottery
Looking for a fun and creative way to spend your day?
Visit The Artisan Shop and Studio during our normal business hours for a delightful drop-in paint your own pottery experience! No appointment necessary – just walk in, pick your favorite piece, and let your creativity flow. $12-$40. (720) 5970137 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | The Artisan Shop & Studio, 5957 Sky Pond Drive, Suite D160, Loveland
AUGUST 1
Windsor Summer Concert Series
The Summer Concert Series runs every Thursday through Aug. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the bandshell in Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St. Tonight is Hand Turkey Band (R&B and Soul), so bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to get down. Enjoy live music, food trucks and fun for the entire family! | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th Street, Windsor
AUGUST 2-6
Larimer County Fair
The Larimer County Fair is an annual free event held the first full week in August, starting with a parade through downtown Loveland on July 27. The Fair is open to the public and boasts a variety of displays, activities and contests. The Fair gives youths and adults of Weld County an opportunity to exhibit skills in a wide variety
of areas. | See treventscomplex.com/events/larimer-county-fair for more information | The Ranch Events Complex, 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland
AUGUST 2
Free Live Music with Lorna’s Swingset
Lorna’s Swingset, Colorado’s popular gypsy jazz band, will perform at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. The Museum is open from 5-8 pm with free admission for First Friday Art Walk. The Museum has four galleries and a music room featuring international instruments. In the Museum’s Main Gallery, One World, One Family honors indigenous peoples around the world. Museum hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Free. | 6-7:30 p.m. | Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures, 200 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins
AUGUST 3
Farmers Market
Stop by the Windsor Farmers Market and enjoy a wide variety of locally-sourced consumable goods and crafts
from baked goods to pet supplies and enjoy some live music as well. Free. | 8 a.m.12 noon | Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th Street, Windsor
AUGUST 4
Loveland Farmers Market — Artist Market
Meet up with local artists and purchase their pieces at our Sunday Artist Market in addition to the Farmers Market. Free. | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Fairgrounds Park, 700 S Railroad Avenue, Loveland
AUGUST 5-9
High Plains Chautauqua
“Game Changers,” will bring portrayals of notable Americans who have “shaken things up,” each leaving a legacy in his or her field. Featured performers include: Rachel Carson, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis Armstrong and Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren, who presided over the Warren Commission, which investigated the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Cameo portrayals of female pioneers Dr. Florence Sabin, Mother Jones, and Maud Nelson by the ever-popular Legendary Ladies. | See coloradohumanities.org/programs/ high-plains-chautauqua/ for times and full schedule. | Aims Community College, 5401 W. 20th Street, Greeley
AUGUST 7
Music Trivia at The Lyric
Test your music knowledge with your friends! Brought to you by FoCoMA, prizes include concert tickets (compliments of 105.5 The Colorado Sound and The Aggie Theatre), movie and popcorn passes (compliments of The Lyric). With questions that cover every genre, era, locality and personality. Free. | 6-8 p.m. | The Lyric Cinema, 1209 N. College Avenue, Fort Collins
AUGUST 8
Home
Is
Where The Heart Is Event Benefiting Neighbor to Neighbor
While taking in the picture-perfect views at Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center, our guests will sample appetizers, desserts, and of course, delectable wines. We have an array of live auction items, so come prepared to bid solo, or team up to improve your chances! Two drink tickets provided, and a cash wine bar will be available. Funds raised will prevent homelessness in our Loveland community. Neighbor to Neighbor is a local organization whose services help to meet each individual where they are now, from homeless and low-income individuals seeking a place to live to families needing assistance to secure their existing homes to prospective buyers ready to explore the homebuying process. $50 | 5:30 p.m. | Sweet Heart Winery & Event Center, 5500 W. Highway 34, Loveland
AUGUST 9
Jane Welzel Mountain Avenue Mile
Faster than flat, point-topoint, slightly downhill mile on Mountain Avenue with multiple race starts: Stroller Wave, Walking Wave, Kids 12 & under, Middle & High School Youth, Pushrim/ Wheelchair, Open/Citizens, Elite Women, Elite Men. $35, $17.50: Ages 0-12, $20: Ages 13-17. Part of the Choice City Running Festival, August 9-10, 2024. | 5:30 p.m. | Civic Center Park, Mountain Avenue & Howes Street, Fort Collins
AUGUST 9
Movies in the Park: Racing Stripes
Bring your lawn chair and lounge in one of Windsor’s great parks while enjoying a movie with family and friends. Tonight’s movie is Racing Stripes, where an abandoned zebra grows up believing he is a racehorse, and sets out to achieve his dream of racing with thoroughbreds. Rated PG. Movies are FREE and start at dusk (Approximately 8:30 p.m.) | Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th Street, Windsor
AUGUST 10
Poudre RiverFest
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Poudre RiverFest, a free, family-friendly festival
that brings our community together to celebrate the Poudre River! Immerse yourself in the wonders of this natural treasure through exciting educational activities. Live performances by local Fort Collins artists and delicious bites from a variety of food vendors. Explore dozens of engaging exhibits and savor unique New Belgium brews crafted just for the occasion. | 12 noon-6 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing, 500 Linden Street, Fort Collins
AUGUST 11
NOCO Humane Benefit Concert
Nonprofit benefit show for the NOCO Humane Society. All proceeds go to the Humane Society. Indie/emo/alternative bands from all over CO. All ages. Presented by Front Range Fury. $12.88. | 6 p.m. | The Coast, 254 Linden Street, Fort Collins
AUGUST 16
Yappy Hour
Dogs need to unwind, too.
Bring your best friend (dog or human) down to Yappy Hour! Adult beverages for sale from local breweries, food, music and a special off-leash area for pooches to socialize. All beverage proceeds benefit the local Big Bones Canine Rescue shelter. Food truck: Steamy Wieners, Live music from Johnny Speaks. | 5-8 p.m. | Main Park, 300 Locust Streeet, Windsor
AUGUST 17
Monster
Day
There will be costumed monsters roaming the plazas, professional makeup demonstrations, vendor booths, food and beverages, monster makeup, face painting, music, kids activities, a costume contest and more! Plus, Distortions Unlimited will have dozens of their creations set up around the plaza ready for your epic monster photo ops. The Mission of Monster Day is to celebrate monsters in our culture in a positive way that encourages imagination and creativity. Free. | 12 noon-6 p.m. | Downtown Greeley, 802 9th Street, Greeley
AUGUST 22
Community Game Night
Hosted by Greeley Game Night at Boomer House, LINC Library, The Nerd Store and the DDA on the 4th Thursdays of the month, 6-8 p.m., at LINC. This is a FREE hosted Game Night “convention style” with tablecloths, game teachers, snacks and prize give aways. We’re playing awesome new tabletop games from the LINC’s new gaming collection, and you’re welcome to bring your own games. Family friendly, all welcome! Free. | 6-8 p.m. | LINC Library, 501 8th Avenue, Greeley
AUGUST 31
Artisan Street Fair
Colorado Markets & Denver Makers Market showcase the talents of dozens of small-scale makers, bakers, artists and boutiques. Shop small and local while enjoying music and gourmet bites from food trucks and bakeries. Support our vibrant Colorado community while finding one-of-a-kind gifts and goods for your family and home. Follow our page and check the schedule for upcoming dates and locations. Every event has a Grand Prize Giveaway. Free. | ColoradoMarkets.com. | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 222 Linden Street, Fort Collins
