Serving the community since 1903
VOLUME 120 | ISSUE 24
WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2023
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Rainbows, roller disco and wedding vows EPA grants set for Brighton City awarded $500,000 for environmental reviews to kickstat redevelopment BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
their partners as much as they love themselves. And with that, Diver declared them married. It was an experiment this year, Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum said. He plans to bring the event back next year, bigger and even better. “It was not as large as I wanted it to be, but it’s our first year doing it,”
Some forgotten buildings and properties could see some tender loving care over the next few years with the help of some federal grants. “Many of the things we’re talking about our residents really are not aware of,” City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Clint Blackhurst said June 9 as he and other city officials accepted a $500,000 Brownfields Grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The city plans to use that money to do environmental testing at several properties in Brighton, the first step in getting those properties cleaned up and redeveloped. “I think it’s our job to help bring that history forward,” Blackhurst said. Kelly Watkins, EPA Region 8 chief of staff said the Brownfields grant program is designed to help remove dangerous materials that can keep properties from being re-used and redeveloped. “Brownfields investments are partnerships between governments, housing authorities, private developers and others to help revitalize the most dangerous and polluted sites into cleaner, sustainable and more environmentally just places that
SEE PRIDE, P7
SEE GRANTS, P6
Lindy Zuroski of the Fort Collins Circus Center twirls rings at Adams County’s Pride celebration June 10 at Riverdale Regional Park. PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR Zurosky later donned an inflatable unicorn costume to entertain crowds with dancing and gymnastics.
“But looking at everyone right every day.” Adams County host second event. now, I’m starting to get a little misty.” And then Diver led the 16 people But speaking to the crowd at in their vows — moving forward into annual Pride celebration at Adams County’s Riverdale Regional a great commitment of their love, Park gathered for Adams County’s promising to keep their partner’s Riverdale Regional Park second annual Pride celebration, the heart safe and asking them to love BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As eight couples gathered below the stage, waiting to say their nuptial vows, officiant Stella Diver said it was nearly enough to make a drag queen cry. “The only reason they chose me to do this is because my heart is made of ice,” Diver said at Adams County’s first Marriagepalooza mass wedding
Denver-based drag performer said it was much more than just emotional. It was important. “Even now, the love we share for each other is questioned and considered an act of rebellion,” Diver said. “Pride is our moment, our month, to show the world how proud we are of the love we have for each other. And it does not stop with this weekend. The step you are taking today to cement your love for each other allows Pride to live on
VOICES: PAGE 8 | OBITUARIES: PAGE 9 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CLASSIFIEDS: PAGE 18 THEBRIGHTONSTANDARDBLADE.COM • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Landmark 20th
July 28, 29 & 30
Evergreen Jazz Festival Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting!
Dancers Welcome!
Free Parking!
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