by Valley Gadfly | Jun 26, 2022 | General Featured
City Hosting Jaw-Dropping Show From Infinity Park July 1; Concerts, Park Hill Parade, More Fireworks During Weekend
Fireworks From The Park: Glendale’s annual July 4th fireworks — one of region’s oldest and largest — is allowing families to view the mesmerizing show from Infinity Park stadium and turf field for the first time.
Glendale’s jaw-dropping fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier display — will once again light up the Valley. Blazing into the skies at dusk on July 1, the Glendale Independence Day celebration is for the first-time allowing families and friends to view the mesmerizing free pyrotechnics show from Infinity Park stadium, or on the turf field outside the stadium.
One of the oldest and largest fireworks shows in the region, the 2022 show is adding a new format: Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will be preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, plus food trucks will be on site. Attendees may also bring food and beverages (no glass containers or grills). Changes are the result of closure of Creekside Park — the long-time launch site — to make way for construction of the new Four Mile Entertainment District.
The fireworks will flash and flicker into the sky beginning at about 9:15 p.m. The dazzling aerial display will create bright, colorful shapes that spin, spiral, whirl, whisk, spurt, spray, and splatter to outbursts of ooohs and aaahs from the close-up crowd. Information: InfinityParkat Glendale.com.
More Ways To Celebrate
Sprint Spirit: Families can get in the holiday spirit by participating in the four-mile Liberty Run-Walk in Wash Park on July 4th, 8:30-11:30 a.m. There’s also a Kids Firecracker Fun Run.
The Glendale blast off launches the biggest weekend of fireworks, concerts, art shows, and new Independence Day festivities in recent memory. From Friday through Monday July 4th, you’ll have no trouble finding fun activities to enjoy. Beyond picnics and backyard BBQs, there are baseball games, parades, musical performances, and onetime get-togethers to share with family and friends. Here’s the Chronicle’s day-by-day guide of things to do to make this the best 4th Of July holiday ever:
July 1
Concert & Fireworks: For longer than Colorado has been a state, the Denver Municipal Band has been delighting Valley audiences. Take the kids, dogs, and picnic gear and go to Cranmer Park on E. 1st Ave., 5-6:30 p.m. The free concert is followed by fireworks. Information: denvermunicipalband.org.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival: Start the holiday celebrations rolling by attending the annual Festival that opens July 1 and runs through July 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. The festival is returning to the streets of Cherry Creek North where you’ll enjoy art, music, and cuisine that is free to the public. Information: 303-355-2787.
Dzirae Gold Dazzles: Her sultry vocals described as “smooth as liquid gold,” soul singer is at Dazzle@Baur’s, 7 p.m., followed by jazz musicians Nostal-Jazz at 10 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Fan Expo: Activities and attractions for the entire family, event opens at the Convention Center July 1, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sun. until 5 p.m. Fans meet their favorite superheroes, princesses, and actors. Information: 303-228-8000.
Punx Unite Festival: Known as a blend of various band and music cultures, musical experience is July 1 & 2 at the Bluebird Theater on E. Colfax Ave., 5 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
July 2
Four Mile 4th: The annual Independence celebration at Four Mile Historic Park will feature music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Four Mile Park Independence Celebration: A fun-filled day of music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations at Four Mile Historic Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Event has live music, prairie games, crafts, plus food trucks. Information: 720-865-0800.
Colorado Rockies Fireworks: Nothing says America like a baseball game and some fireworks. Watch the Rockies face the Houston Astros July 2 and 3 followed by fireworks. Information: 303-292-0200.
Super Cruise Saturday: Car lovers gather along South Golden Road to watch vintage vehicles, hot rods, and custom cars of all kinds. Sponsored by Golden VFW Post 4171, the cruise is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 303-279-2119.
Holiday Hit: Valley baseball fans can watch the Colorado Rockies play the Houston Astros on July 2 and 3, followed by fireworks.
Roots & Rhythm: The group that just opened for four-time Grammy singer Dianne Reeves entertains at Inga’s Alpine Tavern, 7 p.m. Information: 720-389-6203.
Broomfield 4th of July Carnival: If the kids want to go to a carnival this holiday, take them to FlatIron Crossing. Rides are from 6-9 p.m. today, Sat.-Sun. & the 4th, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 720-887-9900.
July 3
Independence Eve: Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Colorado Symphony plus local artists in Civic Center Park downtown. Music starts at 6 p.m., Colorado Symphony performs at 8:15 p.m. followed by the light show on the City-County Bldg. The fireworks finale will begin about 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-861-4633.
Stars & Stripes Forever: Enjoy holiday music by the Arapahoe Philharmonic in the Farm House Restaurant at the Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, 7 p.m. You’ll hear symphonic classics like the “1812 Overture” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” plus film-TV favorites including the theme from “The Mandalorian.” Fireworks end the evening. Information: 303-803-1380.
July 4
Patriotic Playlist: Roots & Rhythm gets residents tuned-up for the holidays at Inga’s Alpine Tavern in Glendale July 2, 7 p.m.
Park Hill 4th Of July Parade: Marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters, starting at 1:30 p.m. Denver’s largest Independence Day parade runs along 23rd Ave. for approximately one mile from Dexter St. to Krameria St. A street fair concludes the parade on the 2200 block of Kearney St. (between 22nd and 23rd Aves.), with food, music, and kids’ activities. Information: 303-918-6517.
Aurora 4th Of July Spectacular: Musical performances and food trucks on the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn beginning at 5 p.m. Entertainment is from 6-9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-739-6702.
The Dream Maker: The Denver Botanic Gardens becomes even more magical as magician and former Cirque du Soleil performer Xavier Mortimer entertains, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Government Glitter: The Colorado Symphony performs at Civic Center Park at 8:15 p.m., followed by a light show on the City-County Bldg. and a fireworks finale downtown on Independence eve. Photo credit: denver.org
DeadBeats Backyard Jamboree: Zeds Dead & friends, including Blunts & Blonds, and So Tuff So Cute entertain in Civic Center Park, 3-5 p.m. There’s BBQ and lawn games, plus special viewing area off main stage. Information: 303-861-4633.
Liberty Run & Kids Firecracker Fun Run: A Four Mile Run-Walk in Wash Park, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Attendees can also provide talent on the Liberty Run’s Got Talent stage. Ice cream and apple pie provided. Information: 303-522-4387.
Lindsey Giffey: Acoustic guitarist plays and sings at The Morrison Inn on Bear Creek Ave. in Morrison, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 303-697-8850.
Lake Dillon Symphony Spectacular: Celebrate the stars and stripes at Lake Dillon as the Colorado Symphony plays scores from the “Armed Forces Salute,” “God Bless America” and other 4th of July favorites at the Dillon Amphitheater, 4 p.m. Information: 970-468-2403.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2022 | Travel
Ice Chests To Consider For Your Summer Pleasure
by Mark Smiley
The summer months are upon us and it is time to keep your drinks and food cold for backyard barbecues, soccer tournaments, and trips on the lake. Whether you are in the market for a new cooler, want to add to your fleet, or just want an upgrade, there are a few different kinds to consider and none of these three brands begin with the letter Y.
OtterBox Venture 25
Venture 25: Otterbox is headquartered in Colorado, and its Venture 25 is a versatile and rugged premium cooler.
OtterBox, perhaps best known for its phone cases, has a line of premium coolers that are all made in the United States. OtterBox is based in Colorado and has built a rugged line of Venture coolers in the 25-quart, 45-quart, and 65-quart sizes.
We found the 25-quart size plenty large enough to hold all of the essentials and keep them cold for days. Ice retention on this lasted four days in our test. It was kept in the garage and away from the sun. If kept in a cooler environment with a thermal blanket over it, we are confident it would have lasted for many more days.
The Otterbox Venture 25 is well insulated due to a 2-inch thick, dense foam insulation made of industrial-grade, closed-cell polyurethane. It weighs just under 17 pounds and features silicone seals and latches. We found this cooler to have some of the toughest latches around which is ideal for those using it for camping.
Another feature that separates it from the competition is the durable integrated handles. Most coolers at this size and price point have rope handles. We found carrying this cooler was a bit easier than most of the other models we tested.
Add in a mounting system which allows for added accessories, anti-slide rubber feet, and an attractive design, this cooler should be added to your inventory as it checks the boxes and provides most small families precisely what they are looking for, a cooler that keeps items cold, and is easy to transport.
Visit www.otterbox.com for more information. At press time, the Otterbox Venture 25 was 20% off and selling for $183.99.
GOAT BOXCO
HUB 50: GOAT BOXCO’s HUB 50 is a premium cooler that includes water resistant cans that easily insert into the side of the cooler. The cooler is one that is ideal for just about anything including hunting, fishing, tailgating, or backyard BBQs.
www.GoatBoxCo.com launched their GOAT Cooler System during the COVID-19 pandemic and have created one of the most innovative and stylish coolers on the market. The name GOAT actually means GO AT whatever makes you happy in life according to co-founders Jack Robbins and Gary Dickerson. And building this cooler has been something that has made them happy.
This is another cooler made in the U.S.A., and its rugged design turned heads while testing. It features customizable storage and organization with cans that are designed to hold essential gear for any adventure and slide conveniently into compartments on the side of the cooler. They are built from the same polycarbonate that NASA uses and are water resistant. Whether it be a first aid kit, a place to store can koozies, BBQ essentials, or many other items, it is a creative way to keep items separated and dry.
Ice retention, which most people judge a cooler by, on this model, the HUB 50 (there is also a HUB 70 model), was one of the best on the market, outperforming some of the bigger named coolers. Ice remained ice for six days under warm temperatures and without using the “sacrificial bag of ice” to prep it. This cooler is one you would want to take on a fishing trip, a long weekend, tailgating, or just a backyard BBQ.
GOAT BOXCO strives to improve upon its product and values input from its customers on what could be changed or improved upon. Look for new products and accessories to be launched in the coming year.
To learn more, visit www.GoatBoxCo.com.
Canyon Coolers
NOMAD 20: Canyon Cooler’s NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft cooler with a solid reputation of ice retention and ease of transport.
Finally, the Canyon NOMAD 20 is the only soft sided cooler tested and thus is the most lightweight. The NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft bag that is comfortable to transport wherever it is you need to go with the built-in shoulder strap. Ice retention on this lasted three days and would most likely last longer if it were stored in a cooler place and prepped with a bag of ice the day before using.
Based in Flagstaff, Ariz., Canyon Coolers launched in 2010 and has one of the best warranties of any cooler company. It features a lifetime, no-fault, no-hassle warranty. They stand behind their products and it is easy to see why, with the NOMAD 20 outperforming the Yeti Hopper Flip in ice retention.
The NOMAD 20 is ideal for transporting food and drink for a quick staycation, your kid’s soccer game, or as a guest for a backyard BBQ. It even features a built-in bottle opener. This cooler is durable, stylish, and holds quite a bit of product for being an over-the-shoulder soft-sided cooler.
There are plenty of five-star reviews from users making this a popular choice that won’t break the bank. For more information, visit www.canyoncoolers.com.
The three coolers reviewed here are all different from one another. They have different designs and features that separate them from their competition. They share at least one thing in common and that is, they all keep your items cold for days. What more can you ask from a cooler?
by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2022 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
Air Force Memorial: Paul Smiley, who served in the Air Force from 1968-1972, enjoyed visiting the Air Force Memorial on the 101st Honor Flight Chicago on May 11, 2022. The Memorial is located in Arlington County, Virginia, on the former grounds of the Navy Annex near The Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial: One of the highlights of the trip was the visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the most visited memorial on the National Mall. Most of the veterans on Honor Flight Chicago 101 were Vietnam veterans so this stop was especially important to them.
F-100: The last stop on the tour was the Udvar-Hazy Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s annex at Washington Dulles International Airport. Paul Smiley poses in front of one of the planes he worked on while serving in the Air Force in Clovis, New Mexico. The F-100 Super Sabre was developed from the F-86 and was the world’s first fighter capable of supersonic speed in level flight.
Honor Guard: The U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard performed for the veterans near the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
This July, we celebrate Independence Day. I had the opportunity to celebrate a day of patriotism a little early as I accompanied my father to Washington, D.C., on the 101st Honor Flight Chicago. It was one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my life.
My dad, Paul Smiley, served in the Air Force from 1968-1972, during the peak of the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Clovis, New Mexico, and although he never went to Vietnam, he served our country honorably for four years. And for this, he was treated to a day of patriotism, appreciation, and honor on May 11, 2022.
Honor Flight Chicago’s mission is to honor, thank, and inspire by building awareness and appreciation of the debt of gratitude America owes its veterans for their service and sacrifice for our nation. “A lot of veterans come into the day thinking it is just a sightseeing trip but when they come back, they realize that was the sixth most important thing about the day,” said Doug Meffley, Co-Director, Honor Flight Chicago. “It’s really about our eternal gratitude from a grateful nation.”
The day starts early. Veterans and their guardians are asked to arrive at Chicago Midway by 4 a.m. the day of the flight. The entire morning is well organized and a team of volunteers are deployed in every corner to make check-in smooth. A special streamlined TSA line, Southwest Airline’s chartered flight, and other surprises along the way made the morning seem to fly by. All told, over 1,000 volunteers are in Honor Flight Chicago’s rolodex with 200-300 helping each flight.
The centerpiece of the programming is the day of honor in Washington, D.C., visiting the memorials built in tribute to the service of veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This trip is provided at no cost to the veteran and is intended as a heartfelt thank you for their service and sacrifice from a grateful nation.
“All that we hear from our Vietnam veterans is thank you for this healing and closure, righting this wrong, when I was welcomed home with open animosity 50 years ago,” said Meffley. “That gratitude factor is the future of our movement.”
“Honor Flight Chicago brought many emotions to me as I shared the experience with my son [Chronicle Executive Editor Mark Smiley] who served as my guardian,” said Paul Smiley, Air Force Veteran, 1968-1972. “Visiting the memorials throughout Washington, D.C., paying homage to our fallen heroes, and to those traveling with us who served our country was awe inspiring and memorable.”
The emotions that filled me were profound and will last a lifetime. The chance to be able to spend the day with my dad and over 110 other heroes who served our country was one of the best experiences of my life. And that emotion is something Meffley experiences for a living. “I say thank you as a profession,” said Meffley. “It is the most rewarding and fulfilling work that I’ve ever had. For me, it feels like a stronger connection to my own family’s history in the military. I never served but this is my way of giving back to my family members who did serve.”
The typical waiting period after applying to go on the flight is two to three years for a Vietnam veteran. World War II and Korean War veterans go to the front of the line. Some veterans such as my dad who did not see conflict, initially felt they didn’t deserve this day of honor. “Our firm stance is that if you served during a period of war, you deserve our thanks,” said Meffley. “By and large, you did not choose where you were assigned. You went into the service during a time of war, you were just as eligible as the next person to end up as a grunt on the ground in Vietnam. Our view is that all of them deserve our thanks and honor. It does take some convincing. We are not always successful to get veterans to fly but we find once they come back, we often hear I never thought I was a hero or I never did anything worth thanking but my view has changed after this day.”
I can attest that each of the 111 veterans on our flight was treated the same and with the honor and respect they deserve. And when friends of mine learned of me coming to the city where I grew up to experience this with my dad, they wanted to send their own message to my dad who they have known for 35 years.
“Thank you for your service to our great country,” said Andrew McKenna, family friend of Paul Smiley. “It is the sacrifices and challenging work that patriots like you and your fellow servicemembers made and continue to make that allow us to have this precious freedom.”
“This is a special honor for you to not only reflect on your experiences,” but to also celebrate your accomplishments,” said Robert Paetsch, family friend of Paul Smiley. “Your dedication to our country, your community, the church, your students, and your family have lifted us all.”
A little-known fact is that every flight, they travel with a flag box full of photos of veterans who did not live to exper
WWII Memorial: Paul Smiley, left, and Mark Smiley at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The WWII Memorial opened in 2004 and honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.
ience their own Day of Honor. Some of those veterans never came home from battle. As Honor Flight Chicago 100 alum Glenn Taras said, “This is for those who didn’t make it home … to keep their memories alive.”
With the welcomed support of generous donors and a caring public, Honor Flight Chicago intends to continue its mission to include veterans of wars — past, present, and future — as they recognize the bravery, determination, and patriotism of our veterans.
There are 130 HUBs around the country. Honor Flight Chicago will fly any veteran from the country so long as they can arrive at Chicago Midway Airport by 4 a.m. the day of the flight. For more information, visit www.honorflightchicago.org or to find an Honor Flight near you, visit www.honorflight.org.
by Jessica Hughes | May 20, 2022 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Rendering of the revamped 16th Street Mall. Rendering provided by Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Breaking ground on the new 16th Street Mall Project. From left: Laura Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development, Kourtny Garrett, CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Fred Worthen the Assistant General Manager for Bus Operations of RTD, Adam Phipps, the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, and Councilmember Chris Hinds. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
After 40 long years, Denver’s 16th Street Mall is finally getting some love in the form of a much-needed makeover. On April 14, 2022, Mayor Michael B. Hancock gathered with downtown Denver residents and businesses for the groundbreaking ceremony on the 16th Street Mall Project. The long-awaited project serves to breathe new life into the iconic pedestrian destination.
As many Denverites know all too well, for years, downtown has been a contentious topic of conversation with its increased crime rate, rampant drug use, and the city’s continued efforts to support those who are unhoused. So, it should come as no surprise that the city finally put the plans in place for this necessary revitalization.
After years of discussions around downtown renovations, in 2019 the city received approval to move forward with the project. Funding for the $149 million project came from a mix of local, state, and federal funds, including voter approved Elevate Denver bond funds and contributions from partners including the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Federal Transit Administration.
“This is a truly monumental day in the life of our downtown as we kick off a project that will secure the future of the 16th Street Mall for generations to come,” Mayor Hancock said. “The 16th Street Mall reconstruction is a key part of downtown’s comeback and will set the pace of Denver’s overall equitable and sustainable economic recovery.”
The 16th Street Mall Project is the first major renovation of this vital downtown corridor since its opening in 1982. A primary driver for the project is the need to address deteriorating infrastructure, specifically the granite paver system, that results in poor drainage, frequent disruptions to the transit system, and maintenance costs of more than $1M annually.
“The 16th Street Mall is one of the city’s most important public spaces, serving millions of people each year,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “This project will enhance the overall experience for residents, employees, and visitors, ensuring the Mall remains Denver’s Main Street. For now, it’s more important than ever that we rally behind the businesses that make Downtown special and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive during construction.”
To support the small businesses along the mall during construction, the City and County of Denver will issue $1M from the city’s 2022 General Fund. Plus, the city is partnering with the Downtown Denver Partnership to distribute grants and technical assistance to eligible small businesses along the mall.
The city selected PCL Construction Services as the design/build firm to carry out the 16th Street Mall Project. Visitors will begin to see improvements to infrastructure taking place along 13 blocks of the main corridor from Market Street to Broadway. Work will begin between Market and Larimer Streets, with the project wrapping up at the end of 2024.
Construction equipment with colorful balloons that will be a hallmark of the project. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
Some of the biggest changes visitors are likely to notice the most will be the wider pedestrian walkways, new designated areas for entertainment, and exciting new art that will draw visitors to the corridor. Additionally, the project will replace the Mall’s existing granite paver system with one that drains more effectively and offers greater surface friction to improve overall safety and expanding the Mall’s tree canopy for improved beautification.
The 16th Street Mall renovation is a component of Denver’s overall financial plan for an equitable and sustainable economic recovery and is anticipated to support more than 1,800 jobs, generate more than $155 million in income for workers, nearly $380 million in sales for businesses, and have a regional economic impact of as much as $4 billion throughout the duration of the project.
The RTD Free MallRide shuttle will continue to run during the 16th Street Mall project, rerouted to 15th and 17th Streets as needed. RTD will update the public on their MallRide page.
Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project. More information and updates about the project are available at www.denvergov.org/16th StreetMall. People can also stay connected to the project by searching “16th Street Mall Project” in the Apple or Google Play stores and downloading the mobile app.
by Luke Schmaltz | May 20, 2022 | Travel
High Ridin’ Todd Bannister
by Luke Schmaltz
Todd Bannister is a competitive dirt bike rider, participating in the Monster Energy AMA (American Motocross Assn.) Supercross Championship.
For the uninitiated, this extreme iteration of motocross features pyrotechnics, huge jumps, and hairpin turns on a track of dirt and mud that looks like it is designed to punish as much as it is to entertain.
Meanwhile, stadiums full of exuberant fans cheer on their favorite riders and savor the carnage when the inevitable body-mangling pileups take place.
Road Worthy
Although he was born in Colorado Springs, Bannister currently resides in Eaton, Colo. That is, when he isn’t out on the road pushing his personal boundaries to further his position in the overall rankings.
Bannister competes as a “privateer” which means he is not a corporate-sponsored, factory-backed rider with a huge team of technicians, an enormous budget, and the high-profile hoopla that comes with all of the hype.
To the contrary, Bannister exudes positivity, humility, and a genuine smile that no doubt makes his handful of sponsors, his family and his fellow member of Team Faith proud to be in his corner.
Doggone Exciting: Colorado hero, shown with his riding companion, competes in the Supercross circuit with a winning smile.
Vision And Purpose
Team Faith was founded in 1994 by Brian O’Rourke, a former high-level competitor in the sport who now serves as Manager and Team President.
O’Rourke’s vision is to imbue the tremendous impact extreme sports stars have on young people with a positive, constructive message.
After all, athletes in Supercross and other arenas are highly influential, especially through social media, and O’Rourke vows to “influence the influencers with the message of Christ.”
Emulate Your Hero
O’Rourke’s team consists of Road Pastors, Pit Pastors, mechanics, former riders, his wife and PR Director Monica, and a handful of professional riders. As a rider for Team Faith, one of Bannister’s roles is to spread the good word while competing at his highest level in Supercross.
While being guided by his team’s evangelical endeavors, Bannister also looks to his personal Supercross hero, Trey Canard, for human inspiration. Canard is a former five-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion (among other accomplishments) while also holding the unofficial title of “The Unluckiest Rider Ever.”
His crash reel plays like a cautionary video shown in a driver’s education class or something a doting parent would show to a child showing interest in motorcycles. Yet his personal faith and positive outlook always helped him overcome adversity and forge onward.
Returns From Injury
Up In The Air: Bannister soars above the track in dirt bike competition. The sport requires monstrous jumps and pinpoint landings. Photo: Dave Black
“That guy [Canard] is such an awesome dude,” Bannister begins. “His faith with Jesus has taught me a lot. I like to put that towards my racing and my career, especially with my team [which is] a ministry. He always had such a great attitude on life no matter what. Whenever he had something go wrong, he put his best foot forward and just kept on going. I always put [him] as someone to strive to be like,” Bannister explains.
Just like his hero, Bannister recently suffered a shoulder injury which sidelined him for most of the 2022 season.
April 30th at Empower Field at Mile High marked his return to the Supercross track and doing so in his home state made the event extra special.
“Colorado has its own feel,” Bannister explains. “The track here [at Mile High] is a little harder packed and the altitude has an effect too. It’s high altitude and I like it,” he says with a grin.
Breaking Bread
Feeding The Faith: Team Faith spreads the good word and feeds hungry riders at event competitions.
Understandably, Bannister likes high-energy music, and orchestrates his pre-race ritual accordingly. “I’m a really big punk rock guy,” he explains. “I also like pop-punk, so I usually go for a lot of Blink 182.”
As a member of Team Faith, Bannister also participates in the weekly ministry-based practice of feeding anyone and everyone in the race paddock (race team staging area) who might need a meal. With all of the privateer racers on a budget, it can amount to quite a few people.
“My favorite thing we cook that I like is the chicken because it’s healthy,” he laughs, “I go with that and a salad. I keep it kind of light because I have to race. I don’t care who you are, you’re always going to be nervous to a certain extent, so I try to keep the food down.”
Hometown Hero
A hometown hero, Bannister is quick to describe his love for his home state, “Colorado has its own feel. Nothing is like home,” he says.
“This sport requires huge jumps,” he notes. When Bannister is soaring above the track, for just a moment, he says, “A lot is happening really quickly … you just pinpoint a line and you do it in, literally, like, half a second.”
He sticks the landing and rides on.
by Charles Bonniwell | May 20, 2022 | Editorials
June 28 is fast approaching which is primary day for both Democrats and Republicans. For Democrats it is no big deal. A few races with more progressives versus less progressives’ candidates, but very little controversy or heartburn. For the Republican Party it is the seismic clash between two wings of the party that has been going on for decades, and may spell the end of the Republican Party as a viable political force in the state, assuming it still is one.
Across the country, the establishment of the Republican Party personified by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and former President George W. Bush, are battling in primaries with former President Donald Trump advocates who believe the 2020 election was stolen. While today’s battle in Republican circles in Colorado has some of the same battle lines, the war is far deeper. The Colorado Republican Party has been controlled for over 50 years, if not longer, behind the scenes by businessmen like billionaire Phil Anschutz. They have always looked down their noses at the grassroots of the party who do almost all of the volunteer hard work for the party but have little money. They view them as crude and unsophisticated but then need them to till the fields like serfs in imperial Russia. To keep them in line, the Colorado Republican establishment uses a small army of consultants to whom no amount of viciousness and corruption is too much. They are always the overseers of the Colorado Republican plantation with bull whips in hand.
Pursuant to the Republican Bylaws, as re-written by the establishment, the party chair is almost all powerful over the state party organization and thus the establishment feels it must control that position. The grassroots have successfully elected the party chair in 2015 with Steve House and 2021 with Kristi Burton Brown over establishment candidates only to find the establishment was able to turn their candidates against them. In 2017 the grassroots appeared to be on the cusp of electing State Representative Susan Beckman as chair so the establishment, in a panic, went to Washington and rushed in Republican Congressman Ken Buck to be party chair. The fight for party chair was a truly dirty one by the establishment in which the grassroots believed the overseers consultants corrupted the proxy voting process and then destroyed dirty work evidence right after the election.
The Republican Party has a hybrid nomination process. You can get on the ballot if 30% or more of the delegates to the applicable assembly vote for you. Alternatively, you can pay a signature gatherer firm to get enough Republican signatures vis a vis a petition to get on the nomination ballot. It’s costly but establishment candidates far prefer it rather than having to talk and convince lowly delegates for their votes. In their view it is so much more civilized.
In this primary season, grassroots candidates won overwhelmingly in the respective congressional and state assemblies, with establishment candidates by and large gaining access to the ballot by petition. Because of a statewide referendum supported by establishment Republicans, unaffiliated voters get both a Republican and a Democrat ballot and can vote either one but not both, and the unaffiliated voters by numbers dwarf the number of Republican voters. Establishment candidates who have all the money hope by a dent of advertising dollars to overwhelm the grassroots with non-Republican voters to win the Republican nominations. If they don’t win a contest, they will refuse to contribute to any grassroots candidates in the general election and when they lose claim they were unelectable anyway in a general election.
The grassroots have indicated they have had enough and if establishment candidates win the positions, they will not do any of the grunt work to get them elected, thereby also dooming their chances in a general election. Phil Anschutz and the establishment are willing to call what they see as a bluff by the grassroots. Thus, even though with President Joe Biden having an approval rating in the 30s in Colorado, and the Republicans having their best chance in a long time, it may not make a difference. Set forth below are the key races in the Republican primary on June 28 with the leading grassroots candidates listed first in italics and the leading establishment ones in regular font so you can see on election night who prevails if you so desire.
Governor: Greg Lopez – Heidi Ganahl
U.S. Senator: Ron Hanks – Joe O’Dae
Secretary of State: Tina Peters – Pam Anderson
U.S. Rep (C.D. 3): Lauren Boebert – Don Coram
U.S. Rep (C.D. 5): Dave Williams – Doug Lamborn
U.S. Rep (C.D. 7): Laurel Imer – Erik Aadland
U.S. Rep (C.D. 8): Lori Saine – Barb Kirkmeyer
U.S. Rep (C.D. 5): Bob Lewis – Ken Buck
— Editorial Board
