Fourth Of July Fireworks Fizzle This Year, As Always
As the July Fourth holiday approaches, residents ought to be aware that all fireworks, including fountains and sparklers, are illegal within most cities. Compounding this disappointment, many public fireworks shows have been canceled due to fire conditions.
At the recommendation of West Metro Fire Rescue, and after monitoring the increased fire risk and drought conditions this year, the City of Lakewood joined other Colorado communities in canceling its traditional Independence Day fireworks display, the Big Boom Bash, scheduled for Saturday, July 2.
As the Neighborhood Gazette went to press, Arvada was planning to hold its annual fireworks display at the Stenger Soccer Complex on July 4, from 7 to 10 p.m. (Check arvadafestivals.com for updates.)
Wheat Ridge and Edgewater typically do not stage Independence Day fireworks displays.
As for pyrotechnic do-it-yourselfers, Section 5.86 of Wheat Ridge City code prohibits fireworks and establishes punishment for violations in the form of fines, jail time or both. Anyone in possession of fireworks in the city will be cited into Municipal Court, and may face a fine of up to $999, up to a year in jail, or both, according to last year’s release from the Wheat Ridge Police Department. If the illegal use of fireworks causes serious bodily injury or damages property, more serious felony charges could be applied.
Anyone seeing or hearing fireworks being used is asked to NOT call 911. The number of calls about fireworks made to 911 dispatchers can mean a significant delay in responding to serious crimes or to those experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
In order to issue a citation for illegal fireworks, WRPD needs evidence to identify who was actually setting them off. Often when officers respond there are burn marks on the pavement and firework residue but the person who set them off is nowhere to be found. Photos or video as the fireworks are actually being lit would enable officers to issue tickets.
For any questions regarding the use of fireworks in Wheat Ridge, please call the Crime Prevention Office at 303-235-2910.
Wheat Ridge Historical Society To Thank Its Membership At Second Saturday Shindig
Calling all WRHS members! Come to the Historical Park on July 9 for the Annual Member Appreciation Day at July’s Second Saturday Social from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. We’ve planned several activities, all for you, our loyal members! Enjoy a cool drink as you stroll from museum building to building. Take a break from your tour to sit a while in the shade and “chew the fat” (figuratively, of course!) with other members and friends. If games are your thing, we’ll have some challenges set up to entice you. If you’re lucky, you may win a prize! Win or lose at the game challenges, you’ll go home a winner with a new membership card and the knowledge that you are valued by the WRHS. And, plan to attend the all-member meeting planned for 11 a.m. in the park.
We should know by the end of the month whether the WRHS has received a grant from the Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board to curate archival documents originally belonging to Judge Samuel M. Johnson (of Johnson Cabin and Johnson Park fame). The collection numbers over 700 documents, books and pictures and provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when the area around our fair city was just being settled and mostly dedicated to farming. Stay tuned!
The Historical Park museums are open on Fridays, 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. We are happy to accommodate your needs and glad to make appointments for tours on other days; just call or email us at the contact information below.
For more information visit wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org, email wrhistorical@gmail.com, call 303-421-9111, or stop by the Red Brick House, 4610 Robb St., on Fridays. Be sure to follow us on Facebook.
Nominations Close July 15 For Wheat Ridge Business Awards
If you have a favorite business in Wheat Ridge that has gone above and beyond your expectations, please nominate them for Business of the Year. The nominees and award winners will be honored at the City’s 18th Annual Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast on Sept. 29. All nominees must be submitted by July 15.
For more information, contact the Economic Development Division at sart@ci.wheatridge.co.us.
Wheat Ridge Parks & Rec Is Hiring Summer Staff
If you know someone looking for a fun summer job, Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation wants you to direct them to their website and apply. Seasonal hires are eligible to receive perks like a $50 sign-on bonus, a $100 “Go the Distance” bonus at the end of the summer, and scholarship opportunities.
Visit www.rootedinfun.com/jobs for details.
Books On Film Benefit Launches With ‘Where The Crawdads Sing’ July 22
The Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) will host its newest fundraiser – Books On Film – on Friday, July 22, featuring a movie premier of the popular book-turned-film “Where the Crawdads Sing.” The benefit will be held at Regal UA Cinemas in Colorado Mills Mall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film begins at 6:30.
“We are so excited to begin a new fundraising series starting off with a film adaptation of this best-selling novel by Delia Owens,” says Jo Schantz, executive director of JCLF. “We are also pleased that Nicole Brady, morning news anchor for Denver7 KMGH TV, will be our event emcee and moderator of a post-film audience discussion of the book and the film.”
Tickets are $50 per person and include admission to the film premier in a reserved theater, popcorn and a soft drink, plus opportunities to participate in a door-prize drawing and the interactive audience discussion. A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.
The Jefferson County Library Foundation and Friends of the Library work to support and enrich the capabilities, resources and services of Jefferson County Public Library through fundraising and advocacy efforts that benefit the community.
Tickets are available online at www.jeffclf.org; call 303-403-5075 for details.
Funk, Ska, Drums And Strings Amp Up Lakewood’s Summer Concert Series
Lakewood’s Heritage, Culture & the Arts is presenting a diverse lineup of performances in its 2022 Sounds Exciting! Summer Concert Series at Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Amphitheater, located at Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St.
Concerts opened late June, and the remaining lineup includes:
• The Sweet Lillies (Americana), July 6
• Paa Kow (Afro Fusion), July 13
• The Ries Brothers (Rock & Reggae), July 20
Concerts are Wednesday evenings. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the opening act performing at 6:15 p.m. and the headliner at 7:15 p.m. Dining options include local food trucks and beverages from a beer garden.
Purchase tickets at Lakewood.org/SummerConcerts, the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park, 801 S. Yarrow St., or by calling 303-987-7845.
