Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Family friendly Golden Buffalo Bill's Days

PhotoCredit: Diana Rowe Kaydence's 1st Mutton Bustin' attempt 
Baby blue cotton candy, corn dogs swirled in mustard, fresh popped popcorn, twirling merry-go-rounds, chatter of carnies, cheers of crowds during demolition derby. Smell of 4H livestock – which I call the “smell of money.” With summer comes an abundance of county fairs and community gatherings. My first of many happy memories are of the Harrison County Fair in Missouri Valley, Iowa Summer is the best time to enjoy these festivals all across the country, including my own backyard at family friendly Golden Buffalo Bill's Days.

Yes, folks, hold on to your hats because the Harrison County Fair was THE biggest event in this small county. I saved my 25 cent allowance all summer too spend at this big all-day family and community event. From riding the merry-go-round to the sheer enjoyment of blue cotton candy and ring toss at the game section, it was a carnival but more than that with 4-H kids presenting their livestock and tractor pulls. 

The end of July in the nearby community of Golden, Colorado is another such gathering, Buffalo Bills Day. We made it a family event as my granddaughter participated in a time-honored tradition of Mutton Bustin’ – a rodeo event for kids ages 5-7, limited to 30-some participants. Instead of riding a bull for 8 seconds, kids wrap their arms around a sheep and hold on for dear life.  It’s a giggly fun event, and my granddaughter was very disappointed that she didn’t win the big prize. But she was quite proud of her trophy -- and we were proud of her too!

After the mutton bustin’, we walked along Clear Creek toward the rest of the festivities: car show, vendors, carnival rides, corn dogs and beer. What a fun afternoon! We finished off the day by kicking back and listening to the band – and dancing!  I look forward to returning with the family next year.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Motorcycle chicks in Telluride

Telluride was in for a treat, when two of my best (and hottest!) biker mamas agreed to join me and my man for a road trip from Denver to southwest Colorado. (Picture taken on Monarch Pass, between Salida and Gunnison, L to R: Gail, Diana (me) and Vicki).

For our 4-day road trip, the June weather couldn't have been more perfect, high 90s in Denver 70s in the San Juan Mountains. Telluride sits at 8,750 feet above sea level, and the entire town is designated a National Historic Landmark. Even though we're from the Mile High City (Denver), the uphill walks reminded us that the air is thinner here.

We were lucky to stay in Lumiere, (pictured right) a boutique luxury hotel, located above Telluride in its sister town, Mountain Village.

We all agreed -- summer in Telluride is one of our favorite rides.
Read more about my Telluride adventures from fly fishing to motorcycling on this blog, as Traveling Grandmom at TravelingMom.com blogger, and as Denver Travel Examiner.

P.S. Vicki even bought a new pair of biker boots!
Until next time, Diana