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July 24, 2014 VOLU M E 6 9 | I S S UE 37 | 5 0 ¢
WestminsterWindow.com
A D A M S C O U N T Y A N D J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O A publication of
City partners with SunShare for energy By Ashley Reimers areimers @coloradocommunitymedia.com
Traditional meets new Adams County Fair celebrates 110 years By Tammy Kranz
tkranz@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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WESTMINSTER WINDOW
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Traditional meets new is the idea behind year’s Adams County Fair, which is celebrating its 110th anniversary. Co-Fair manager Melanie Snodell said that while there have been a lot of changes over the last century, she feels the purpose of the event has remained the same — bringing people together. The five-day celebration kicks of Wednesday, July 30, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 3, at the Adams County Regional Park, 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton. The first United Power Grandstand event will be the fair’s traditional event — the Budweiser CPRA Rodeo at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31. “We are celebrating the 110th at the rodeo — it has been part of the fair all 110 years,” Snodell said. “It’s not going to be the typical rodeo you’re used to having at the fair. We added a lot of surprises I think people will enjoy.” The event will feature traditional rodeo activities, along with mutton bustin’, appearances
Children get ready for the annual United Power Mutton Bustin event at the Budweiser CPRA Rodeo during the 2013 Adams County Fair. This year, fair representatives will hold the official 110th Anniversary celebration during the rodeo at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 31. Photo by Ashley Reimers
by the Adams County Fair Queen and the Sweethearts of the West Drill Team, and children in attendance will receive free cowboy hats. A new event this year that officials hope grows into a large, signature event of the fair is the Funnel Cake 5 & 10K Run/Walk, which takes place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Proceeds will benefit the Foster Families of Adams County. The neat thing about this event, Snodell said, is that the course is certified with the USA Track and Field so participants can use this race to register their times for future events like the Boulder Boulder. “Bring your whole family out and walk or run the 5k and enjoy the fair afterward, and at the time, raise money for a much needed program in the county,” she said. Those interested in signing up are encouraged to do so by July 31 at www.imathlete.com/ events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=20814&fQuery= &z=1404910583313. At 1 p.m. Sunday in the park area of the fairgrounds, there will be a re-enactment of the 1904 fair’s signature event — a Tomato Fight. Snodell said the idea is to have a team of eight Democrats and a team of eight Republicans to face off, like it Fair continues on Page 7
CLOWNING AROUND IN WESTY
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P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Jim Jackson the clown performs for a group of children on July 14 at the Irving Street Library in Westminster. Jackson combines magic, juggling, balancing and comedy during his performances. He will be performing again on July 28 at College Hill Library in Westminster. Photo by Ashley Reimers
For the last several years, staff at the city of Westminster has been investigating alternative energy measures the city and residents can utilize. The search is over now, after the city approved a partnership with SunShare, a Denver-based community solar provider. The partnership will make clean, reliable energy from community solar gardens available for both the city and residents. “Westminster has a clear goal to identify and implement alternative energy options for city facilities, and this partnership is an important step in that direction,” said Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison. “It makes financial sense for our energy costs and it builds on our leadership role as an environmentally responsible community.” SunShare currently has over 11 megawatts of community solar gardens built or under development along the Front Range. With the addition of Westminster, Tom Ochtera, energy coordinator for the city, said two more solar gardens will be constructed for city and resident use, one near White Ranch Park in Jefferson County and one near 48th Avenue and Imboden Road in Adams County. The Jeffco garden will have a capacity of 1.5 megawatts and the Adams County garden will have a one megawatt capacity. Both solar gardens are expected to be built this fall. Ochtera said Westminster residents will have the option to buy a specific amount of energy from the solar garden in their county and also receive a credit on their Xcel Energy bill for that amount. The city will also receive credits for the energy they purchase from SunShare. “Through this partnership, Westminster residents now have the option to use solar energy, without having to install their own personal solar panels at their home,” Ochtera said. “The city is trying to lead by example by partnering with SunShare and city council is always encouraging alternative energy use.” The construction of the solar gardens is at no cost to the city. Marc Bencivenni, Vice President of SunShare said he applauds the city for demonstrating that renewable energy is a serious priority. He also mentioned the importance of Xcel Energy’s importance in the partnership. “Xcel Energy is a key partner in the solar gardens model. Xcel took a leadership role by becoming the largest investor-owned utility in the country to implement a community solar garden program,” Bencivenni said. ”Westminster is making a leadership decision that is positive for the environment, good for its bottom line and should be an inspiration for others in the community.” For more information on SunShare, visit http://mysunshare.com.