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17 fun and festive events in Greeley, Windsor, Loveland and around NoCo taking place the first week of July

17 fun and festive events in Greeley, Windsor, Loveland and around NoCo taking place the first week of July

Get ready to fire up your grill and watch some fireworks as we head into the Independence Day holiday.

This week’s Go+Do list of events includes local fireworks shows and parades, an music and arts festival in Longmont, Night on the Town in Loveland and more.

Do you have an event coming up that you think would be a perfect addition to the weekly Go+Do list? Send the date, time, a description of the event and other pertinent information to Tamara Markard at tmarkard@greeleytribune.com for consideration.

Saturday, July 2

1. The Independence Day Community Celebration hosted by the city of Fort Collins is set for 7:30 a.m. at City Park, 1500 W. Mulberry St. with a 5K run/walk, golf tournament, parade, free trolley rides and more. The free event is open to all ages. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3HFnbdz.

2. Join High Country Harley-Davidson for an All American Blast from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3761 Monarch St. in Frederick. The free event will feature a food truck, cold drinks, music and a contest for the most patriotic bike. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, contact the dealership at (303) 833-6777.

3. Exercise your singing chops at Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. at Rule105 Brewing, 4731 W. 10th St., Unit G. Hosted by Don Graham, adults ages 21 and older are invited to perform for customers. Not a singer? Then relax with a beer and enjoy the entertainment. Admission is free. For more information, contact Rule105 Brewing at (970) 301-4575.

4. Guerrilla Radio, a Rage Against the Machine tribute band, and Sabotage, a Beastie Boys tribute band, will be performing at 6 p.m. at Spirits Music Hall, 1 N. Parish Ave., Johnstown. Both groups will be playing fan favorites and top singles from both bands. The show is open to adults age 21 and older. Tickets are $15 per person. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3yoNBNH.

Sunday, July 3

5. Indie rock band, Wildermiss, are scheduled to perform at 6 p.m. at Washington’s FoCo, 132 Laporte Ave. The band is comprised of Emma Cole on vocals and synth bass, Joshua Hester on guitar and Caleb Thoemke on drums. All ages welcome to attend. Tickets are $18 per person for general admission. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3OnQhAt.

Monday, July 4

Happy Independence Day from the Greeley Tribune!

6. The Greeley Stampede Independence Day Parade will step off at 9 a.m. at 10th Avenue and 19th Street by the University of Northern Colorado and make its way toward Lincoln Park. The parade will feature a variety of marching bands, floats, equine entries and more. The parade is one of the most popular community traditions so you’ll want to get out early to find your spot. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3QPBfp2.

7. The annual Greeley Stampede fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. with amazing professional fireworks lighting up the sky of Weld County. This year Stampede organizers have a little something extra planned in celebration of the event’s 100th occurrence. People of all ages can watch the fireworks show from inside the Greeley Stampede grounds or surrounding areas. For more information on the Greeley Stampede fireworks show, go to www.greeleystampede.org.

8. Head on over to Loveland for the July 4th Festival at 3 p.m. at North Lake Park, 2750 N. Taft Ave. The event will feature a kids’ zone, vendors, food and drinks, live music, a cornhole tournament and more. Fireworks are scheduled to launch at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free and all ages are invited to attend. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3xVc1N5.

9. Celebrate Independence Day at Boardwalk Park with live music from the 101st Army Band and fireworks. The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by the fireworks show at 9:20 p.m. All ages are welcome to attend the free event. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and coolers for a fun evening under the stars and overlooking the lake. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3bfA9Cw.

10. The Estes Park 4th of July Celebration kicks off with the Steam-to-Electric Coolest Car Show beginning at 9 a.m. at the Estes Park Events Complex, 1125 Rooftop Way with over 100 vehicles. At 7 p.m. the Estes Village Band will be performing for free at the Performance Park Amphitheater, 435 W. Elkhorn Ave. Fireworks over Lake Estes begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3HP0un9.

Tuesday, July 5

11. Concert Under the Stars: Denver Brass is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. at the UNC Garden Theatre between 10th Avenue and S. 8th Avenue in Greeley. The free concert will feature the one-of-a-kind brass chamber ensemble comprised of 14 professional musicians from around Colorado. The concert is open to all ages. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3njA6Z7.

Friday, July 8

12. The Windsor Family Campout is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Boardwalk Park, 100 N. 5th St. The fun family event invites adults, teens and children to bring out a tent, sleeping bags and other camping gear for an evening of fishing, paddle boats, campfires, movie and more. The cost to attend is $12 per person and registration is required. For more information, or to register, go to https://bit.ly/3R0QgEy.

13. The 16th annual Loveland Loves BBQ, Bands and Brews will take place at 4 p.m. at 700 Railroad Ave. with five bands, over 10 beer vendors, food vendors and more. Admission is free and proceeds from the event benefit local charities such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Larimer County, House of Neighborly Services and Loveland Sertoma. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.lovelandlovesbbq.com.

14. Country western artist Kimmi Bitter will be performing at 9 p.m. at Stella’s Pinball Arcade and Lounge, 802 9th St. The San Diego native blends traditional country and soul with her own West Coast take. Adults age 18 and older are welcome to attend. Tickets are $15 per person for general admission and reserved tables range from $40 to $120. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3NrMukm.

15. Night on the Town is set to take place at 5 p.m.  along 4th Street in downtown Loveland. Local retail shops, restaurants, bars and more will be hosting sales as well as providing live music, snacks and specials. All ages are welcome to attend the free event. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3u0k5Lq.

16. The town of Severance is hosting its second concert in the Summer Concert Series at 5:30 p.m. at Community Park, 100 Waterfowl Way with a performance by Frank Ray. Attendees can also enjoy food, raffles, vendors and more. The concert is free and open to all ages. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3OMa0cP.

17. Rhythm on the River Music and Arts Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. at Rogers Grove Park, 220 Hover Road, Longmont. The festival will feature live music, mobile arcade and glow games, an outdoor adventure land, local vendors and more. All ages are welcome to attend the free event. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3u75uxY.

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Don’t get caught with an empty basket: Events, activities and ideas to make Easter for family, friends a memorable one

Don’t get caught with an empty basket: Events, activities and ideas to make Easter for family, friends a memorable one

Easter is the Christian holiday that celebrates the day Jesus returned from the dead after being hung on a cross. The holiday is often the marker that kicks off spring gardening and that warmer weather is on the way.

While Easter Sunday is the big day, the holiday is a weeklong affair, known as Holy Week, comprised of certain events and traditions in the Christian religion.

The week begins on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, and culminates on Resurrection Sunday, or Easter Sunday.

Throughout the week, Christians will often take part in a variety of ceremonies that include feet washing, gathering palm fronds and abstaining from eating meat.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday services will be taking place across Weld and Larimer counties as well as around the Denver Metro area.(Photo credit Tina Marie Photography)

Christians typically describe Easter as a foundation of their faith and reason behind the belief that Jesus has risen, fulfilling the prophecies recorded in the Old Testament.

Religious or not, the holiday is often filled with family, friends and food.

If you aren’t singing “Here comes Peter Cottontail,” that may be because you don’t know about all the fun and festive events, activities and services taking place in celebration of the holiday.

So take a moment to check out this list of events and Easter services that are taking place before and during the Easter Weekend, or some activities that you can do at home to celebrate the Easter holiday.

Egg hunts for kids and adults, visits with the Easter Bunny and snuggling baby animals are just a few of the Easter events taking place around Weld and Larimer counties. (Greeley Tribune file photo)

Easter Events

Easter egg hunts aren’t just for kids. Adults are invited to take part in The Great Grown UP Golden Egg Hunt beginning Monday online. Hosted by Northern Colorado Credit Union, adults age 21 and older will solve daily clues to win one of two prizes. The event is free to play and more information including rules and a game card can be found by going to https://bit.ly/3NM5J9K.

Dust off your Easter baskets and head over to the Fort Collins Marketplace Easter Event at noon Saturday at College Avenue and Horsetooth Road. Participating merchants will be handing out eggs filled with goodies as supplies last. Festivities will include face painting, balloon twisting, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more. The event is free and open to all ages. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3DN7mzy.

The Ranch Event Complex is hosting a Spring Craft and Gift Show at 2 p.m. Friday, April 15 through 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland. In addition to craft and art vendors, attendees can take part in an Easter egg hunt and toss and a chance to win $1,000 in cash. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3u7aUcq.

Westview Church of Christ is hosting a free Easter egg hunt from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at 4151 W. 20th St., Greeley. All ages are invited to come enjoy games, prizes, food, candy and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3qZ1m1u.

Head over to Sweet Heart Winery at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday for Easter Wine and Chocolate Pairing at 5500 W. Highway 34, Loveland. The event will feature four wines paired with decadent chocolate from The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The event is open to adults age 21 and older and tickets are $41.94 per person. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3JawPnA.

A community egg hunt is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at Bromley Farm, 1594 E. Bromley Lane, Brighton. The event will feature three different egg hunts by age group, crafts, egg coloring, baby animals, gunny sack races and more. The free event is open to all ages. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3KcrhKn.

Enjoy an Easter brunch and snuggle time with a variety of farm animals at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 17 at Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary, 8640 Dahlia St., Henderson. Attendees of all ages are invited to enjoy food from Way Veg and mix and mingle with piglets, lambs, calves and more. Tickets are $27.24 per person. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3x0cKOp.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wiley Roots Brewing Co. is set for noon Saturday, April 16 at 625 3rd. St., Greeley. Adults age 21 and older are invited to take part in collecting five eggs with the purchase of a full pour. Around 500 eggs will be hidden around the brewery for participants to find and win prizes. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3u4eQuB.

The Great Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt at Village at the Peaks is taking place daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1250 S. Hover Road, Longmont. Participants will hunt for 60 hidden painted eggs for a chance to win prizes such as gift cards, free meals and $1,000 in cash. For more information, or to print out a game board, go to https://bit.ly/3Kcw6mX.

Celebrate Easter with the White Horse Inn at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 17 at 2750 8th Ave., Garden City. Festivities will include $10 hoppy shots bingo boards, free pool, a golden egg hunt, and eggs filled with prizes. The event is open to adults age 21 and older. For more information, contact the White Horse Inn at (970) 356-5386.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday services will be taking place across Weld and Larimer counties as well as around the Denver Metro area. (Photo credit Anton Petrus)

Easter Services

If you are looking for a Good Friday, Easter Sunday or even a Saturday service to attend, there is no shortage of churches in Greeley, Windsor, around Weld and Larimer counties and beyond.Whether you are looking for a sunrise service, a kid-friendly event or a Spanish service, check out these offerings that are set to take place.

The 75th annual Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rock Amphitheater is scheduled to take place in-person at 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison. Doors open at 4:30 a.m. with the service beginning at 6 a.m. Participants are advised to arrive early and dress warm. Seats can be reserved by going to https://bit.ly/3j4Qfzz. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3fpz37m.

Celebrate Good Friday with Windsor Community Church at 6:30 p.m. at 700 Automation Drive. Easter Sunday service will take place at 10:15 a.m. at Windsor High School, 1100 Main St. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.windsorchurch.org.

Connections Christian Church is hosting a Good Friday service at 6:30 p.m. an Easter Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. at Roosevelt High School, 616 N. 2nd St., Johnstown. All ages are invited to attend. For more information, go to www.connections.cc.

Journey Christian Church will be offering four different Easter services — 6 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.— Sunday at 4754 W. 31st St., Greeley. The 6 a.m. service will take place outside, so attendees are urged to dress for chilly weather and bring a lawn chair. All ages are welcome to attend any of the four services. For more information, go to www.journeychristian.org.

Easter at Christ Community Church is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday at 1301 15th St., Greeley. All ages are invited to attend. For more information, go to www.cccgreeley.org.

Grace Community Church is offering Easter Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday at 2033 W. S. 1st St., Johnstown. The 10:15 a.m. service will feature Children’s and Youth ministries. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.graceconnect.com.

Greeley Vineyard Church will be hosting three Easter Sunday services — 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — at 1015 9th Ave. All ages of new and returning members are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.greeleyvineyard.org.

Easter at Restoration Church is set for 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel, Conference Center and Spa, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland. All ages are invited to enjoy singing, prayer and more. For more information, go to www.restorationchurch.online.

Traverse Christian Church will be holding Easter service at 9 a.m. Sunday at 810 Automation Drive in Windsor. All ages are welcome to attend. For more information, go to www.traversechristian.com.

Celebrate Easter with City Lights Church at 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. Sunday at 4100 20th St., Greeley. Services are open to all ages and will include Crumbl Cookies, a children’s service and a photo area. For more information, go to www.citylights.church.

Chocolate bunnies and eggs as well as other Easter candy and goodies can be found at local supermarkets and stores including King Soopers, WalMart and Target. (Photo credit Tomas Anderson)

Easter activities

Of course, you can always opt to celebrate the holiday at home with family and friends. Here are some fun and creative activities that will make your Easter celebration one for the memory books.

Guess the number of jelly beans is a fun and easy indoor game for all ages. Simply fill up a jar with vibrant colored jelly beans (be sure to count them while filling) and ask each family member and guest to give their best guess. The winner closest to the number without going over receives the entire jar as a prize.

Go with an old school game of egg and spoon races. You can use hard boiled or raw eggs, depending on how much mess you want to clean up and a metal or wooden spoon. Races can be individual or a relay style to kick the competition up a notch.

Make Easter easy by hosting a potluck lunch with friends and family. Ask each guest to bring a side dish, salad, dessert or other item. Pick up some to-go containers at the Dollar Store to pack up and share the leftovers with the crowd.

Like gingerbread houses during Christmas, get the kids and teens involved in building Peeps houses. You can use graham crackers for the walls and roof and frosting to glue it all together. Lay out a variety of decorations such as jelly beans, sprinkles, colored frosting and other candies.

Instead of spending the afternoon in the kitchen cooking the traditional ham or lamb, do a late afternoon picnic with finger foods, sandwiches, chips and dip, fruit and other easy to transport food items. Bring a blanket, some fun books to read to the kids, a couple of outdoor games and enjoy the holiday in the sunshine.

It isn’t really Easter without coloring eggs. Make the project easy by setting up egg coloring outside on the lawn or driveway. Bring out the sidewalk chalk for a full day of coloring and creativity for family members of all ages.

Not really a fan of boiled eggs? Then opt to decorate cupcakes. You can make or buy vanilla cupcakes and decorate them with vibrant colored sprinkles and sugar, marshmallows, food coloring, candies and other fun edible items. For a great vanilla cupcake recipe, check out The Pioneer Woman at https://bit.ly/37iMQdC.