CELEBRATING THE CHAMPIONS

Fans who braved crowds for Nuggets victory parade not disappointed

BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Hatch family from Northglenn never misses a Denver Nuggets game, if they can help it. ey’ve been dedicated fans since moving to Colorado in 2011 and when the team won its rst NBA championship this week, they knew they’d be at the parade on ursday.

“We never really expected to actually win the championship, but we were hopeful for one,” Ariel Hatch said. “It’s amazing!” e family of ve were among the estimated 700,000 to one million fans to descend on downtown on June 15 to bask in the glory of the a Nuggets NBA title that was more than 50 years in the making. ere, they had the chance to see Finals MVP Nikola Jokic, who famously said he wanted to go home to Serbia following the title-clinching victory on June 12.

Instead, he was in a white Denver re truck with No. 15 in gold letters and his name, the missing Finals MVP trophy nearby. When he nally found his way through the crowd to a podium, the crowd erupted.

“You know that I told you I didn’t want to stay for parade,” Jokic addressed the crowd. “But I [expletive] want to stay for parade. is is the best. We love you, Denver. is is for you.”

He was one of many Nuggets players at the parade. Also there was Head Coach Mike Malone,

Butterfly Pavilion hosts pollinator extravaganza e Butter y Pavilion’s Pollinator Palooza Festival is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 25 to o er a spectacular celebration of pollinators of the vital role pollinators play in our world. e Pollinator Palooza Festival provides entertainment and enjoyment for all ages. Families can participate in engaging activities like face painting, arts and crafts, and interactive games designed to highlight the importance of pollinators. e festival showcases the beauty and signi cance of pollinators. It serves as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing these important creatures, such as habitat loss and pesticide use, and encourages individuals to take action to protect them.

Food vendors are often present, creating a festive atmosphere for attendees to enjoy.

Legacy Foundation hosts golf invitational e Westminster Legacy Foundation is hosting the 15th Annual J & Nancy Heil Tribute Golf Invitational on July 31 at Legacy Ridge Golf Course. e proceeds from the 2023 Heil Golf Invitation will advance the artistic, cultural and academic success for the students that are participating in the performing arts at Westminster High School. e funds raised will help with out tting with uniforms and updating instruments for the Mariachi Band, equipping students playing in the orchestra and providing extra instructional coaching for students who want to learn how to better play, sing or act. Proceeds will also provide scholarships to two graduating seniors. e link to sponsor or register is https://westyfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/54139-15thannual-j-nancy-heil-tribute-invitational-golf-tournament

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

CASA’s mission is to provide courtappointed 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 e Colorado Tiny House Festival is returning for its sixth year at the Riverdale Regional Park June 24 and 25. e 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 speci cally showcases ways people can camp or “glamp” in style. Each structure features its own, one-of-a-kind oor plan, décor, and remarkable use of space. e 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.

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.

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

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

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

Adams County and Anythink Libraries are o ering Healthy Farmers Markets in ornton for residents this summer through Sept. 28.

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

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

Annual Stars & Stripes Event to Feature Singer Thomas Mac e annual pre-Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park is back! Mark your calendars for the ird of July celebration. Ward Electric presents a free evening in the park with country singer, omas Mac, and a festive display of reworks.

Food and beverage vendors will begin serving at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music followed by the 9:30 p.m. reworks 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 reworks are illegal in Adams County; please leave reworks 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 e Adams County Human Services Department is partnering with local nonpro t Work Options to provide a free culinary training program for residents.

Program participants train with professional chefs over a six-week course and earn certi cations and up to $400 per month. Work Options also o ers 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. e café is located on the third oor of HSC.

Learn more about the program at workoptions.org.

Adams County o ers 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. Speci c location requests may be made in the application and will be considered by Adams County sta in collaboration with the Adams County Veterans Advisory Commission.

“ e Veterans Memorial Sign Program o ers 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 sacri ces 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/tra c-safety.