Be a Participant at Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival
From Michelle Patrick (michelle@thecarnationfestival.com):
Plans are being finalized for the 43rd annual Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival to be held Aug. 17-18 at Anderson Park on 44th Avenue. If you would like to participate in the city’s biggest event, this year offers more opportunities than ever.
The main attraction added to this year’s festivities is the Zoppe’ Italian Family Circus. Opening performance is Aug. 18 at 1 p.m. with 13 more performances to choose from through August 26. Tickets are on sale now at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center and Wheat Ridge City Hall or online at www.zoppecolorado.com. Also new is the Italian Cultural Village offering Italian food, wine tastings, vendors, artisans and Italian culture. If you are a vendor who would complement the Italian Village theme please contact Gina Hallisey (gina@getconnectedevents.com).
A community stage has been added to double the entertainment. There is no compensation but it’s an opportunity to build your fan base.
pIdol Pie Bake-Off Competition
Do you have a special talent for pastry? This year’s activities include “American Pidol” a pie-baking contest judged by local chefs in the flavor of American Idol. Entry is free and children are also encouraged to enter. Pies will be eaten immediately following the judging at 5:30 Friday evening.
A fine arts show and sale is also being added. Photographers, jewelers, sculptors and more are being encouraged to rent a space ($50) and show off their talents.
Transportation will be easier this year. Jefferson County Schools, in partnership with the Festival, will provide buses Friday Aug. 17 (6-11:30 p.m.) and Saturday, Aug. 18 (2-11:30 p.m.) to shuttle participants to and from parking lots at Everitt, Wheat Ridge Middle (5-8) and Wheat Ridge High. A round trip is just $1 and parking at school lots is free. Children age 2 and under that can to sit on laps are also free. Monies raised will pay Jeffco School for use of the buses.
Two paid lots ($5 and $10) will also be available on site at the Festival. The monies generated from these two lots benefit the Wheat Ridge High School Band Boosters.
There are also many opportunities to work as a volunteer both at the Festival and the Zoppe’ Circus. For more information, go to thecarnationfestival.com and click on “Volunteering.”
Returning to the Carnation Festival this year are many of the favorites like the midway, rides, food, fireworks and a parade. Free activities for kids include the Kids Craft Central booth and Lewis, the Magician, performing magic. The Butterfly Pavilion will bring Rosie the tarantula and other interesting insects and HawkQuest will bring birds of prey. Saturday afternoon there will be a remote model airplane demonstration on the baseball diamond.
Whether you’re interested in participating in one of the events, or just attending, mark your calenders for Wheat Ridge’s biggest event of the year.
