Rainbows, roller disco and wedding vows

from Northglenn Thornton Sentinel 061523

Adams County Warrants

Adams County host second annual Pride celebration at Riverdale Regional Park

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As eight couples gathered below the stage, waiting to say their nuptial vows, o ciant Stella Diver said it was nearly enough to make a drag queen cry.

“ e only reason they chose me to do this is because my heart is made of ice,” Diver said at Adams County’s rst Marriagepalooza mass wedding event. “But looking at everyone right now, I’m starting to get a little misty.”

But speaking to the crowd at Adams County’s Riverdale Regional Park gathered for Adams County’s second annual Pride celebration, the Denver-based drag performer said it was much more than just emotional. It was important.

“Even now, the love we share for each other is questioned and considered an act of rebellion,” Diver said. “Pride is our moment, our month, to show the world how proud we are of the love we have for each other. And it does not stop with this weekend. e step you are taking today to cement your love for each other allows Pride to live on every day.”

And then Diver led the 16 people in their vows — moving forward into a great commitment of their love, promising to keep their part- ner’s heart safe and asking them to love their partners as much as they love themselves.

And with that, Diver declared them married.

It was an experiment this year, Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum said. He plans to bring the event back next year, bigger and even better.

“It was not as large as I wanted it to be, but it’s our rst year doing it,” he said. “Next year I anticipate we’ll have more.” e 2022 celebration featured a concert and exhibition by muralists Babe Walls and garnered the county the “Non-Fair Facility Usage Award 2022” from the International Association of Fairs and Expos, which e bill was introduced as a companion measure to Senate Bill 213, which would have rewritten land-use rules across the state and was the governor’s signature e ort at the Capitol this year to encourage more a ordable housing. But Senate Bill 213 failed on the nal day of the 2023 legislative session, leaving House Bill 1255 as one of the only major housing bills approved by the General Assembly and signed into law this year.

“We know we have more work to do to make sure that all our communities are part of the solution, but what this bill does is it says no community can be part of the problem any longer,” Polis said before signing the bill.

Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomeld, one of the prime sponsors of House Bill 1255, said while the measure was aimed at assisting the

New Adams County Veterans Service Officer Appointed

Adams County Commissioners have selected Andrew “Drew” Dixon as the new Veterans Service Officer.

Today at a public hearing, the Adams County Board of Commissioners appointed. Dixon previously served as the assistant VSO with the Arapahoe County Veteran Services Division, and he’s received state and national accreditation. He officially started on June 7.

“The Board is pleased to appoint Drew as the new VSO,” says Steve O’Dorisio, Adams County Board Chair. “Drew is a dedicated public servant with a deep understanding of the challenges facing veterans. I’m confident he will be a strong advocate for our veterans and will help them access the benefits and services they deserve.”

Originally from New Mexico, Dixon is a graduate of Colorado Technical University in Colorado Springs. Dixon served as an aviation mechanic in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in December 2007.

As officer, Dixon assists veterans and their families in the filing of claims for insurance, pensions, compensation for disability, hospitalization, vocational training, and any other state or federal benefits available to veterans.

To learn more about the Adams County Veterans Service Office and available programs for veterans, visit adcogov.org/vso.

A Stroll in the Garden for CASA

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program, or CASA, for the 11th Judicial District is promoting one of its major fundraisers now scheduled for September.

CASA is inviting supporters to come enjoy a Stroll in the Garden at this year’s Indulge for CASA Gala from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Denver’s Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 E 66th Ave.

This Garden Party will be full of delicious food and drinks, fantastic auction prizes, exciting entertainment, and more! Indulge for CASA is presented by the Kenneth & Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation.

CASA’s mission is to provide court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth from the child welfare system so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Tiny House Festival returns to Riverdale Park

The Colorado Tiny House Festival is returning for its sixth year at the Riverdale Regional Park June 24 and 25.

Guests will be able to step inside a large variety of small living structures, learn from tiny home builders and see the latest trends in tiny living and unique RVs.

The show blends the spirit of the tiny living movement with the most up-to-date information on going tiny, simplifying your life, minimalistic living, and living greener. Unique small living structures will be spread throughout the Colorado Tiny House Festival grounds and include an assortment of professional builds, DIY builds, and Camping Corner which specifically showcases ways people can camp or “glamp” in style. Each structure features its own, one-of-a-kind floor plan, décor, and remarkable use of space.

Additionally, attendees will enjoy expert speaker presentations, a product and service marketplace, a tiny taste of Colorado food truck court, and more.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily June 24 and 25. Ticket prices range from $10 to $20 depending on when they are purchased and are good for both days of the event. Kids 12 and under are free-of-charge.

For more information on the 2023 Colorado Tiny House Festival, visit coloradotinyhousefestival.com.

Healthy Farmers Markets

Adams County and Anythink Libraries are offering Healthy Farmers Markets in Thornton for residents beginning June 20.

The markets will provide $20 produce vouchers for residents who are 65+ or are enrolled in WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid. There will also be recipes and nutrition information available.

Tuesday markets will be from 9 a.m. to noon through Sept. 26, at Anythink Huron, 9417 Huron St. Thursday markets will be from 9 a.m. to noon throughSept. 28, at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120 th Ave.

See all upcoming Adams County outreach events at adcogov. org/outreach-events.

Annual Stars & Stripes Event to Feature Singer Thomas Mac

The annual pre-Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park is back! Mark your calendars for the third of July celebration. Ward Electric presents a free evening in the park with country singer, Thomas Mac, and a festive display of fireworks.

Food and beverage vendors will begin serving at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music followed by the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show.

For the safety and comfort of your pets and all event attendees, please keep your furry friends at home for the Stars & Stripes event. Visitors are kindly reminded that most fireworks are illegal in Adams County; please leave fireworks of any type to our professionals.

For more event information and Park Rules, visit riverdaleregionalpark.org or call 303 637-8000.

Work Options FREE Culinary Training Program

The Adams County Human Services Department is partnering with local nonprofit Work Options to provide a free culinary training program for residents. Program participants train with professional chefs over a six-week course and earn certifications and up to $400 per month. Work Options also offers food truck internships.

In addition to the training program, Work Options provides the Human Services Center 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, with a full menu of breakfast and lunch options including breakfast burritos, pastries, burgers, pizza, daily specials, and more in the Mountain View Café. The café is located on the third floor of HSC. Learn more about the program at workoptions.org.

Adams County offers veterans memorial sign program

Adams County Public Works Department has started a Veterans Memorial Sign Program intended to allow Adams County residents with family or friends of military veterans killed in the line of duty to dedicate of a street in Adams County in their loved one’s memory.

Nominated veterans will be commemorated through the installation of special memorial signs bearing their name, rank, branch of service emblem, associated military action or war, status, and year of death. Memorial signs will be placed above existing street name signs. Specific location requests may be made in the application and will be considered by Adams County staff in collaboration with the Adams County Veterans Advisory Commission.

“The Veterans Memorial Sign Program offers an opportunity for residents to unite in gratitude and remembrance while fostering a sense of community pride,” said Steve O’Dorisio, Board of County Commissioners Chair. “It also serves as a powerful reminder to future generations of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom.”

Family and friends of seven veterans who served on the USS Colorado were honored with a memorial sign during the grand opening of the new Adams County Veterans Memorial on May 29. Residents are encouraged to submit applications for veterans they wish to memorialize through the program. Learn more and apply at adcogov.org/traffic-safety.