Symbolizing the end of summer, this month brings backyard cookouts, the sweet ode to cars, romance and partying. A summer fling has hardly happened this year due to the coronavirus, albeit many tried on the July 4th weekend. There’s still primetime to linger and enjoy the Cherry Creek Valley’s outdoors as our days slowly begin to cool.
Even though this isn’t the summer we asked for, our mindset still envisions an open meadow of wildflowers, pastel colors and sunsets that never last long enough.
Here are our hotter’n a pepper-patch crop of choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to help you seize the final days of summer, sizzle and make a splash:
3 With the Morgan Adams Foundation’s other major fundraiser now canceled, plan to attend the 10th Race Against Kids Cancer at High Plains Raceway July 31-Aug. 2, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 303-758-2130.
3 Shop the Cherry Creek Fresh Market each Saturday at First Ave. and University Aug. 1 through 29, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 303-442-1837.
3 Mark your calendar and hit the streets in Cherry Creek North to browse-buy during annual Sidewalk Sale, Aug. 6-9. Information: 303-294-2904.
3 NFL author Scott Perry is Lowry Speaker Series first in-person guest this year at Eisenhower Chapel Aug. 11, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 For lunch, weekend brunch and dinner try newly opened Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café & Osteria, east of 9th & Colo. Blvd., at 932 Jersey St. Dinner menu has Lamb Chops, Scampi Romana & Bananas Foster. Information: 303-961-6135.
3 View the new Atlas Townhomes at Boulevard One in Lowry featuring a main-floor master or elevator, plus a personal rooftop terrace. Moreover, you’re surrounded by walk-to amenities. Information: 303-300-8789.
3 See art showing the music of ancient Americas titled Rhythm & Ritual at the Museo de Las Americas through Aug. 15. Information: 303-571-4401.
3 Attend the Park Hill Art Festival located on the Masonic Lodge grounds on Montview Ave. Aug. 22-23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 720-941-6088.
3 See the Denver Zoo in a new way, as Nature Connects®, Art with LEGO® Bricks has returned after five years, now through Nov. 1. LEGO artist Sean Kenney has created more than 15 life-size species. Sculptures placed throughout the Zoo includes a snow leopard, monarch butterfly, whooping crane and a black rhino. You’ll also see an African lion plus a polar bear with her three cubs. Information: 720-337-1400.
You know that feeling you get mid-afternoon every Sunday when you realize the next day is Monday? Well, welcome to the Sunday of Summer, better known as August. The eighth moon cycle is basically a month-long Sunday that marks the end of summer. It’s when we try to squeeze in everything we wanted to do over the entire summer.
It’s 31-days of what’s called “Sunday Sads” or “Sunday Weirds.” It’s Jimmy the sensation we feel moving from an unstructured weekend to a week full of structured time.
August is a transition month. The last open window through which pours the sunlight of summer’s serenity. One last chance to “make the most” of the season. As you begin to fill the fall calendar with work and school responsibilities, consider this month as Julie London did, “Now that it’s time for August, I’ve got thirty-one days to glow.”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.