WEEK OF JUNE 19, 2025
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 51
FREE
Taste of Arvada set to return on July 10 BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
NEW IMAGE BREWING MOVING TO NEW SPACE IN OLDE TOWN P2
ARVADA SUMMERFEST KICKS OFF SEASONAL FESTIVITIES
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Thousands of people attended the first Arvada Powwow. COURTESY PHOTO
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 48TH SEASON
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First-ever Arvada Powwow draws thousands of attendees Celebration of indigenous culture features music, dancing, food
HOW TO (FINALLY) LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR THIS P10 SUMMER
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Arvada’s first-ever Powwow was such a success that the Arvada Center is already looking to make the celebra-
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tion of Indigenous culture an annual fixture. Thousands of people flocked to the Arvada Center Sculpture Garden on June 7 for the free event, which was hosted in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce. The event was highlighted by the Grand Entry, which saw dancers from all of the nations present enter the arena in procession, accompanied by sponsors and other esteemed guests, including
Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson. “The Grand Entry dancers were accompanied by all nine drums present, meaning drum circles, including the drummers and singers,” Arvada Center Communications and Public Relations Specialist Leslie Simon said. “Another highlight was the traditional Gourd Dance, and the honoring of the Head Gourd Dancer, who in turn SEE POWWOW, P19
One of Arvada’s favorite events is set to return, as Taste of Arvada — the annual showcase of the city’s best bites and sips — returns on July 10. As usual, the event — which sees dozens of local restaurants, breweries, distilleries, coffee shops and bakeries offer samples to folks — is hosted by the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce and will be held at the Apex Center from 6 to 8 p.m., though VIP attendees can get in at 5 p.m. and will have access to special samples. Some newcomers are going to be at Taste for the first time this year, including Freedom Street Social tenants Miss Amie’s Pizza and R!ot Grille, in addition to other local establishments like Heaven Creamery, Jackrabbit’s Coffee, Road Dips Mini Pancakes and Mad Macks Brewing. Olde Town’s favorite taco spot, Cochino Taco, will be at Taste for the first time this year. “The best thing about Taste is that you may have been to the event before, but it’s always going to be something new and different based on new vendors,” said Samantha Geerdes, the Chamber’s vice president of events and business services. Geerdes also mentioned that while the bites and sips might be little, they’re abundant in quantity, so no one will go home hungry. “It’s important to note that the price of admission gets you all of the samples of food and drinks that you could want,” Geerdes said. “So once you’re in the door, you’re not paying for anything. We promise you will not leave hungry or thirsty. There’s lots of different things to try, both food and drinkwise.” Tickets usually sell out in advance of the event and are not available at the door, so folks must buy in advance. Geerdes said that VIP tickets typically sell out by the end of June. The event will also feature a competition portion, which will see attendees vote on their favorite samples in a number of categories, including Best Overall Bites, Best Savory Bite, Best Sweet Treat and Favorite Cocktail. Live music at the event will be provided by the student band from Deeply Rooted Music School and headliners Wichita Run. Geerdes also said there are volunteer opportunities available for folks who want to help with checking IDs, stamping tickets and helping clean up. Tickets for Taste of Arvada can be purchased at arvadachamber.org/ taste.
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