Take Ten: Simmer down, settle back and take time out to unwind. July is a noisy time, when fireworks and new life are bursting forth and birds chirp and sing. Enjoy the glorious roar of fireworks along with summer thunderstorms. To rephrase Katy Perry, you gotta ignite the light and let it shine. Just own every day like it’s the Fourth of July.
On Independence Day and at weekend gatherings, weeknight dinners and on restaurant patios we gather to eat, drink, socialize and bask in beautiful views.
Here are our rapid-fire action choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so that each day will be a blast of food, fun and fireworks with jaw-dropping velocity:
3 Light the fuse for pyrotechnic fun by viewing Glendale’s Fireworks Show July 1. The dazzling display begins at dusk (9-9:30 p.m.) and can be seen from Valley eateries, bars, patios and porches. Information: 303-759-1513.
3 Chill out on Wednesday evenings at the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Park July 5, 12, 19 & 25, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Pack up a picnic and enjoy free movies on Infinity Park’s Jumbo Screen July 10, 17 & 24, 6:30 p.m. Information: moviesatinfinitypark.com.
3 Find hot deals at shops and businesses during the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale, July 13-14 10 a.m-5 p.m., Information: 303-394-2904.
3 For food and fun try Del Frisco’s Grille in Cherry Creek. Grab lunch, dinner or a drink in the modern, inviting and stylish spot. Happy hour on the rooftop patio is great on summer nights. Information: 303-320-8289.
3 Need to free up some space? Edgemark Self Storage is a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that’s just opened on S. Birch St. in Glendale. It’s clean, and boasts temperature control and Wi-Fi. Information: 720-550-6551.
3 Join Glendale Y’s Trivia Night fundraiser at Infinity Park Event Center including dinner and prizes July 22, 5-9 p.m. Information: 303-639-4711.
3 Attend On Havana Street’s annual free Dotsero Jazz Concert and Pizza Party at the Rose Garden Plaza in Aurora, July 25, 6 p.m. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 To capture July’s patriotic spirit make plans to take the family to Four Mile Historic Park’s Independence Celebration on Saturday July 1, 5-10 p.m. You’ll see historic demonstrations, take the kids on wagon rides and play old-fashioned games while enjoying live music. Food trucks and a beer garden are on site. Moreover there’s free admission plus you can stay to watch the Glendale Fireworks Show. Information: 720-865-0800.
Allow the summer breeze and sun’s rays to wake you up gently in the morning. Rise up, be fresh and see the bright opportunity in each day this month. Choose to shine even if you have to create your own sunshine. Remember, you’ll never have this day again so have a blast and make it count. Don’t look back you’re not going that way.
The Dog Days of Summer begin in July and it is the hottest of the year bringing with it more thunderstorms. Temperatures average 84-91 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Roman Senate named this month in honor of the Roman general Julius Caesar’s birthday. It’s the month we’re reminded this is a land full of power and glory. As the words of Lee Greenwood so beautifully express it: “I thank my lucky stars to be living here today. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.