Aaah, summer: It’s prime time to let family time shine. Neighborhoods begin taking on a festive buzz. At weekend gatherings, weeknight feasts, and on cafe patios we gather to eat, drink, socialize and bask in summer’s warmth. Outdoor time is the tonic that allows us to step outside our boundaries, meet new friends and discover a new you.

With yet another wet May, we’re eager for a June fling holding spirit-filled glasses garnished with clover. It’s deemed solstice for the soul while rolling in clover.

Here are our “play it cool” choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to blaze into June enjoying sizzling days and serene sunsets as we drink in the sunshine:

3          If you’ve emerged from Winter’s blahs feeling a little lackluster and disheveled get Dolled Up For A Cause while sipping mimosas at the Glamour Bar June 4, 1:30-4 p.m. Information: dolledupforacause.com.

3          Simmer down and begin shopping for supper June 4 at Cherry Creek Fresh Market Sat. and Wed. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-442-1837.

3          Settle back and unwind as St. Martin’s Chamber Choir singers entertain at private home summer garden party Fun Raiser June 11. Information: 303-298-1970.

3          See cool cars on the Havana Corridor at the Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run sites June 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.

3          Roar into summer during the Grand Opening of Cherry Creek’s new Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill June 14. Information: 503-222-4174.

3          See the coolest summer movies free during Monday Movie Madness outdoors at Infinity Park June 13-Aug. 8 Information: 303-639-4609.

3          For a blooming good time attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square with entertainment, June 18-19. Information: 303-295-1844.

3          Create a big splash with the family during the South Platte RiverFest, June 25-26 at Confluence Park, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Information: 303-455-7109.

3          Hang out all summer at Four Mile Historic Park watching the sunset to the soundtrack of great tunes each Wednesday night during the Shady Groove Picnic Series June 8-Aug. 17. Enjoy great music, affordable tickets and beautiful surroundings at a Valley tradition. Doors open to the outdoor concerts at 6 p.m., shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

Summer solstice occurs when the tilt of earth’s semi-axis is most inclined toward the sun that it orbits. The sun and solstice will come to pass here this year on June 20 at 4:34 p.m. local or Mountain Daylight Time. Welcome summer with open arms. Kenny Chesney’s lyrics say it best: It’s a smile, a kiss, it’s a sip of wine…it’s summertime!

Basking in the sun bedecked and bedazzled we relax and laze around in flip flops gazing up at the heavens during long daylight hours then stargazing at night.

It’s the time of year to utilize all of our senses to savor a season filled with fields of green, a riot of flowers and splashy sunsets. There’s still enough light for a late night bike ride and warm enough to eat as many flavors of Bonnie Brae Ice Cream as you want. Double-dipper scoops of the sweet treat are assurance the heat won’t lick you.

— Glen Richardson

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

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