Chamber’s Annual VIP Fireworks Party Dazzles As Guests Submit Rave Reviews

Chamber’s Annual VIP Fireworks Party Dazzles As Guests Submit Rave Reviews

by Mark Smiley

On July 2, 2024, the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce hosted a private fire­works viewing party in the spectacular Try Club at Infinity Park. Nearly 275 guests converged on the facility to enjoy a true VIP experience.

For the third year in a row, the City of Glendale launched the fireworks from the South end of Infinity Park which, as Glendale City Manager Chuck Line calls it, a more intimate experience. The city capped attendance at 4,000 inside the stadium to allow for more room for guests to spread out and offer a relaxed atmosphere. An additional estimated 9,000 people viewed the show from the south park.

“The fireworks proximity to the people and playing the movie [Independence Day] beforehand enhanced the experience, and we foresee doing this for many years to come,” said Line. “Guests inside the park cheered when they destroyed the aliens in the movie and then 15 minutes later we blew off the fireworks. I loved that we were able to provide this for the community. It was a very patriotic night.”

Line is already thinking about next year. “Next year will be even better and go to another level,” said Line. “We may allow more people into the stadium and a different movie will be played.”

While the fireworks are not blown as high in the sky as years past, the view from the field where spectators are allowed in with their own picnic, is spectacular. Line admits that viewing from surrounding neighborhoods has diminished but it makes for an easier setup and tear down. Managing the street closures and crowds is more expedited as well. Traffic was cleared after the show within 30 minutes. “Police and public works do a phenomenal job,” said Line. “A lot of preparation goes into this show and they executed flawlessly.”

As far as the private party for chamber members, they were treated to BBQ from Six Capital Brewing, bottomless popcorn courtesy of the Bull & Bush Brewery, a photo booth from Wild Pearl Photo Booth Co. sponsored by The Alchemy Group, lawn games on the terrace, and a prize wheel with many goodies from Chamber members.

Guests were also treated to bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. “Nothing Bundt Cakes have been a strong supporter of our Chamber and the community at large through the years”, said Jeff Allen, COO, Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce. “The bundt cakes were a wonderful addition to our already spectacular VIP party. An event I would say is one of the best ever in our 25 year history.”

Chamber members had access to the air-conditioned Try Club and conference room and the entire concourse where they played cornhole, ladder toss, putt putt golf, networked while enjoying a libation from Scrum Enterprises, and, of course, watched the fireworks.

The Chamber has a long history of hosting fireworks parties for its members and this year’s event at the Try Club was one of the most memorable and the third year in a row in the Try Club courtesy of the City of Glendale. For more information about the Chamber or to join to ensure an invitation for next year, visit www.ggchamber.com.

Keystone’s Bacon & Beer Festival Celebrates 13th Anniversary With More Bacon, Bourbon, And Music Than Ever Before

Keystone’s Bacon & Beer Festival Celebrates 13th Anniversary With More Bacon, Bourbon, And Music Than Ever Before

by Mark Smiley

Bacon: The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival celebrated its 13th year in June, 2024.

The 2024 Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival brought a dozen different food vendors, alongside four bacon companies, and 15 bourbon and spirits attendees to the mountains. Pairing with all this bourbon and bacon, guests were treated to an impressive band line-up. Twelve rock bands played over the festival weekend including Summit’s own CB3 and O’Connor Brothers Band, the world’s premier KISS Tribute Band STRUTTER, and the Bacon and Bourbon Festival staple AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles. In total there were three festival stages placed throughout River Run Village.

This year, the festival featured more bacon, bourbon, and beer than in years previous. More partners joined the bourbon tour tradition with 15 bourbon suppliers showcasing numerous brands for Hungry Hog ticket purchasers to enjoy. Local mountain man, Bacon Bill, made his debut heading up the event’s kid-centric Camp Bacon.

“After 13 years of a festival you’d think it may be tough coming up with new ideas.” says Maja Russer, Director of Events and Marketing for the Keystone Neighbourhood Company. “The highly creative events and marketing team at the Keystone Neighbourhood Company sat in a room and threw every idea at the wall. The new Harley the Hog mechanical pig, as well as a revamped Camp Bacon were just two of the many items that will make the weekend all about the bacon. A 2023 Festival guest provided feedback in a survey saying, quote: “Draw in the crazies, draw in the committed. Blow me away with bacon.” We are doing our best to fulfill this guest’s and many more enthusiasts’ visions.”

Hell’s Belles: The all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles closed the fest with an over 90 minute show that had the crowd dancing and singing the entire time.

The 13th Bacon and Bourbon Festival sup­ports the Colorado mountain community by featuring local businesses, restaurants, and supporting the non-profit Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, the Festival’s bene­fic­iary. For 2024, organizers are working with another prominent community partner, Climax Molybdenum, who this year is helping to power the entire summer festival series volunteer base.

Upcoming festivals in River Run Village include Bluegrass & Beer, August 3-4, 2024; Mountain Town Music Fest, August 17, 2024; and Oktoberfest, August 31, 2024. Visit www.keystonefestivals.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Photos from KNC Events