RUNWAYS

of Denver as a major fashion hub, its reputation has been growing and one of the joys of Denver Fashion Week is the way it celebrates local creatives and matches them with talents from all over the country and world. at’s what makes the Fashion Industry Workshop and International and Local Boutiques garden and their stories and wanted to ensure their loved ones, “We haven’t forgotten them.” important — they’re a bridge to a wider community.

At least 200 participants walked this year, which organizers said was the biggest crowd in several years. Some walked to honor speci c people, like Arvada Police O cer Dillon Vako ’s family, who wore shirts in his honor. Many others, though, were local volunteers and government employees who were there for general support.

Among the latter were Golden’s Debbie Zwit and her husband, who volunteer in the Courage Garden itself. ey started three years ago, helping with planting and upkeep throughout the year. rough their volunteering, they heard about the Courage Walk and decided to participate for the rst time.

“I hope people who attend this year are inspired and have their eyes opened to the creative industries,” Hodapp said.

“It’d be great if more people understand and appreciate what goes into the clothes they wear. Because the inspiration can come from anywhere and people take that for granted. Designers put so much time and care into every stich.”

For full details and tickets, visit www.

“I found it to be a beautiful place even before I volunteered,” Zwit said of the Courage Garden, encouraging anyone who’s interested to volunteer. “… It gives me peace and comfort to be able to help.”

Mark Hartmeister, also of the Golden area, attended his rst Courage Walk last year to support his friends, whose daughter was murdered. He went with his friends again this year, saying the event raises awareness for people like him who may not know what the Courage Garden is or who it honors.

“Anything that brings awareness is a good thing,” he said. “I hope they keep it going.” denverfashionweek.com.

So long as Je co hosts a Courage Walk, Gail Barron and her family will be there.

Get lost in Benchmark’s ‘Great Wilderness’

Samuel D. Hunter’s “A Great Wilderness” is the kind of story that shines on stages — it brings audiences in close as the characters tackle extremely complex and challenging questions about religion, identity and personal conviction.

Directed by Marc Stith, the show runs at Benchmark eatre, 1560 Teller St. in Lakewood, through Saturday, May 13. Performances are at 8 p.m. ursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

According to provided information, the show is about Walt, the leader of a Christian retreat that tries to “cure” gay teens. But just as he’s about to retire, a nal client causes him to question the work he’s been doing.

Get tickets for this moving show at https://www.benchmarktheatre. com/tickets-a-great-wilderness.

Be BBQ ready this summer with Backyard Pitmasters

We’re entering prime BBQ season, but many people (myself included) don’t know much about the delicious, delicious art of barbecuing. For the uninitiated, Backyard Pitmasters Colorado is here to provide all you need to become a legendary chef.

Barron and her two children were wearing shirts honoring their cousin Angel Delgado, who was murdered in 2005. Her family members visit the Courage Garden any time they’re at the courthouse, Barron explained, and they’ve attended every Courage Walk since losing her.

In that time, they’ve gotten to know the other families who frequent the event and share their experiences with each other. It’s also become an opportunity for the next generation of Delgado’s family — like Barron’s children who are 7 and 1 — to learn about her.

“It’s a way to keep her memory alive ... (and) talk about her freely,” Barron said, referring to her children. “ … Our family is grateful that this (Courage Walk) continues on.” e “Barbecue University” events are three-hour classes that teach “the art of smoking great meat in a non-competitive and fun environment at local breweries, distilleries, and other community-driven venues.” You can attend one at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 6 at Mad Rabbit Distillery, 10860 N. Dover St., No. 2000, in Westminster, or at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Mother Tucker Brewery, 2360 E. 120th Ave. in ornton.

Find all the details at https://colorado.brisketu.com/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Lil Wayne at Fillmore Auditorium

I don’t really have to tell you who Lil Wayne is, do I? He’s the Young Money millionaire with criteria that can’t be compared to your career because it just isn’t fair. His run as the best rapper alive in the late 2000’s was absolutely incredible and he’s still capable of e ortless bars whenever he feels like it.

Rap doesn’t have a lot of elder statesmen gures still out on the road, so the fact that Weezy is coming to the Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St. in Denver, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 7, means you should de nitely take notice. Get tickets at www.livenation.com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.