As smoke and heat stole summer away, we’re all hoping September will chase those memories away. Can you recall when there wasn’t a smoky day, yow! Ironically it was the band Earth, Wind & Fire that penned lyrics to the song September. It was written, released and cracked the top 10 in 1978 to became a dance-pop masterpiece.
We had no idea back then that 42 years later fires would have already burned 7.0 million acres worldwide this year, double the 3.3 million acre 1990s yearly average.
To chase away any early September smoke, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to grasp days filled with peace, relaxation, and clear skies:
3 Start September sipping wine at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless food and wine tasting fundraiser. The gala is at the Cable Center on the DU campus Sept. 2, 5:30 p.m. Information: coloradocoalition.org/events.
3 For a September to remember attend the Cherry Creek Arts Festival Sept. 4-6 along the creek at the Cherry Creek Mall. Information: 303-355-2787.
3 Make September songs country at the Tennyson Center County Q & Brew benefit at Mile High Station Sept. 10, 6 p.m. Information: 303-433-2541.
3 Don’t miss the last free movie at Glendale’s Infinity Park Sept. 12. Disney & Pixar’s “Soul” starts at 7 p.m. Information: infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For the tastiest rotisserie meats and seasonal sides in town, go to The Rotary on S. Holly St. in Hilltop. Kitchen is fast, staff is top notch, with beer, wine & cocktails. Dine-in or take out. Information:303-537-5327.
3 September starts the holiday season and time to wrap your home with drapery and Roman shades. Shop Cherry Creek Shades & Drapery to make your own September statement. Information: 303-355-4223.
3 Enjoy music by Andrew McConathy & Drunken Hearts at Glendale’s Festival Plaza Sept. 16, 4 p.m. Information: Infinityparkglendale.com.
3 For a smokin’ good time take the family to the Denver BBQ Fest Sept. 17-19 at Empower Field at Mile High. Information: DenverBBQFest.com.
3 For a fabulous September finale take in the Last Days of Summer Concert with Dotsero at The Stampede Sept. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Hosted by On Havana Street, the concert is free with lots of free parking. There will be a 14 minute intermission and break for the popular Colorado jazz ensemble. Attendees can purchase street tacos at Stampede’s Street Taco Bar. Seating is first come, first serve. Tickets: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Late summer vacations and weekend retreats primed us for new beginnings so we can chase lingering smoke away and be ready for the 21st night of September. “Our hearts will be ringing in the key our souls are singing” if stars, rather than smoke, fill the night skies by that date. With autumn weather, we don’t have time for a waiting game.
As lush foliage begins its journey into deep, autumn hues bright light still penetrates our aspen trees creating artistic shadows that twinkle in moments of magic.
Earth tones and rich tie-dyes emerge to embrace autumn’s arrival. September, none the less, gives a nod to the still warm days ahead. We’re eager to say ta-ta to summer and hello to cool temperatures, football, and everything pumpkin flavored. Contrariwise, burning embers are still singing, “Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!”
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.