Spring In Full Swing

After a winter that wouldn’t quit, we were eager for spring to get into full swing and for the Colorado Rockies to take another swing at the grand tradition of baseball. Fans did rise and shine to start the new season filling Coors Field to 97.5 percent of capacity for the Club’s 20th home opener at 20th and Blake.

After this winter small things feel like luxuries, even a hot dog at Coors Field. Humphrey Bogart once said, “a hot dog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz.”

Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to get you into the swing of things so you will be a hit at home and on the town whatever your game plan:

3          Expect lots of dreams to fly over the fence during the Mini Maker Faire at the National Western Complex May 3-4. Inventors and do-it yourselfers display out-of-the-box ideas to catch your attention, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-704-7876.

3          You’ll score a home run for Project Angel Heart by attending the Art For Life fundraiser May 9 at the Abend Gallery, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-407-9420.

3          Comedian Shayna Ferm steps into the batter’s box to entertain moms at the Pump & Dump Mother’s Day Show May 10. The raucous evening of comedy is a three-inning show at the Holiday Event Center beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-668-8700.

3          Score big and head for home with a fairly traded Bunyaad rug during Ten Thousand Villages Oriental Rug Event at Augustana Lutheran Church, May 14-17. Strike a deal on intricate floral and hand-spun dye wool tribals. Information: 303-316-8773.

3          Dig for home plate after scoring on sale of Master Gardener vegetables, flowers & herbs at Harvard Gulch Park May 17-18, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Information: 720-913-5270.

3          You’ll score big with mom by taking her and the family to enjoy the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet at the Inn at Cherry Creek, May 11. Information: 303-377-8577.

3          Cover all the bases by exploring options and opportunities for self-employment at the Un-Job Fair at Colorado Free University’s Lowry campus May 31. A lineup of self-employment experts will help you reach the big leagues. Information: 303-399-0093.

3          Swing into the game of life by attending this year’s Colorado Corks & Cuisine fundraising event at Four Mile Historic Park on May 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. You’ll be at the top of your game as you sip on Colorado’s premier libations while enjoying savory and sweet vittles. Enjoy views of the old west with friends and neighbors while also supporting the mission of Four Mile Park. Information: 720-865-0815.

Eating a stadium dog certainly isn’t a dining experience any more than baseball is something other than entertainment. Nevertheless it is worth noting that hot dogs stir impassioned feelings among fans at Coors Field where baseball buffs consume some 1.5 million of them each season, second only to those Dodger Dogs at LA’s Chavez Ravine.

Everyday things, be they simple, affordable, or sublime take just a little time and attention to make you a hit, even if it is a perfectly ripe tomato sprinkled with sea salt.

A simple daisy can bunt you into scoring position as easily as a dozen perfect roses. But neither is a joy if they are poorly pulled together in an unattractive container. No matter what the blossom or baseball pitch the runner won’t score without care and selection. Life will always throw you curves but when the right pitch comes be prepared to run the bases. Get out the rye bread and mustard grandma; it’s Grand Salami time!

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

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