Aaah, summer, that long anticipated stretch of lazy, lingering days, free of responsibility and brimming with possibilities. It’s time for BBQs, pool parties, sunset dinners and making new friends. The time of year to lie on the grass under trees listening to the murmur of water while watching the clouds float across the summer sky.
Hip, hip, hooray for hot summer days. Why? Summer is when laziness finally finds respectability. Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
Here are our lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer choices for shopping, dining and entertainment so dreams shine and you wish summer could always be here:
3 For a perfect summer evening attend Urban Peak’s benefit in the EXDO Event Center Aug. 4, 6 p.m. Grammy Award Winner Macy Gray entertains for homeless youth fundraiser. Information: 303-870-2909.
3 Enjoy summer at Commons Park Aug. 5 as Half-Pint & The Growlers provide a mix of Gypsy and Dixieland, 6 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 The Bird Conservancy tells the wonders of birds at the Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Information: 720-955-8833.
3 It’s a smile, a kiss, it’s a sip of wine at Cherry Creek North Food & Wine event on Fillmore Plaza Aug. 11, 6 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Swing and sway in the shade to prewar blues music as the Felonius Smith Trio close out the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Park, Aug. 22. Upright brass is backbone to group’s sound. Information: 303-777-1003.
3 Travel the world through global cuisines as 96 restaurants salute summer during Havana Restaurant Week in Aurora, Aug. 1-8. You’ll taste both unique and traditional fare at affordable prices. Information: 303-360-7505.
3 Enjoy summer weekend evenings of romantic comedy watching Guys & Dolls through Aug. 18 at The Bug Theatre. Information: 303-477-9974.
3 End summer with cocktails, dinner, music and dancing at Fete des Fleurs in Denver Botanic Gardens Aug. 24, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Competitors see stars while attendees kick back and chill out with the Valley’s finest craft beer. Join thousands of beer aficionados and rugby fans at Glendale’s Infinity Park as the Bruises & Brews Beerfest spreads out to two days for the first time ever. Enjoy the fast-paced RugbyTown Sevens tournament plus a beer festival pouring suds from more than 20 brewers Aug.24-25, noon to 4 p.m. Information: 303-639-4412.
Climate, tradition and culture define summer. The meteorological definition of summer aligns with the notion of summer as the season with the longest and warmest days of the year, in which daylight predominates. It is also the Valley’s thunderstorm season producing hail, strong winds and tornadoes during the afternoon and evenings.
To be in harmony with summer, awaken early in the morning and reach to the sun for nourishment to flourish as the gardens do. Work, play, travel, be joyful and grow.
Wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen: Yep, as Sheryl Crow’s tune prompts us, “It’s time to lighten up and soak up the sun.” August is like a long Sunday when you don’t want the summer to end just like you don’t want the weekend to end. They’re the days of soda and pretzels and beer. The tans will fade but the memories will last forever.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.