Serving the community since 1926
WEEK OF JUNE 5, 2025
VOLUME 98 | ISSUE 27
$2
Parents warned about the dangers of chatbots Consumer alert urges conversations at home about AI tools, content BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG
Scenes from years past of the annual Highlands Street Fair from years past, which takes place 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 21 along 32nd Avenue from Irving to Perry streets.
The Highlands Street Fair is back and bigger than ever BY JACQUI SOMEN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
One of Highland Square’s most exciting events is coming, and it’s going to be bigger than ever. Now in its 42nd year, the Highlands Street Fair is a community institution. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m on Saturday, June 21, West 32nd Avenue from Irving to Perry will be bustling with food, fun and music. The Highlands Street Fair has come a long way from its humble beginnings. An initiative of the Highland Merchant Association, the first Highlands Street Fair lasted 45 minutes and featured dance, a clown tying balloon animals, a guitarist and a Boy Scout troop, according to The Landmark Building’s website that chronicles the history of the fair.
In 2025, there are more than 180 vendors planned to participate, including food trucks, nonprofit organizations, local businesses and jewelry, home goods, arts and crafts, and artisanal goods purveyors. The fair will also feature performances by local musicians and a workout class from Orange Theory Fitness Highlands. Past events have featured dance companies, local rock bands, and fine artists. Confirmed food vendors include Polar Bros. Nitro Ice Cream and Bohemian Wurst and international, American classic and healthy cuisine will also be available for purchase. For the first time in seven years, Orangetheory Fitness will lead a workout, a combination of body weight exercises and band work, at the fair. The fair’s kids area, which in the past has
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 12 | CLASSIFIEDS: 14 | LEGALS: 16
hosted several features such as bouncy houses and slides, is slated to get an upgrade this year as well, featuring a larger area and more family-friendly activities. “The Highlands Street Fair has been a staple of the community for over 30 years,” said Nate Karnemaat, event director of the Highlands Street Fair. “This year we will have over 180 vendors including artists, food trucks, local businesses, and more. We will have a larger kids area this year with more activities for families. We’re so excited to bring this amazing event to an even more amazing neighborhood.” Entry to the fair, including workout, performances and kids’ area is free of charge. Learn more about the upcoming Highlands Street Fair at highlandsstreetfair.com.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a consumer alert warning parents about the growing risks posed by social AI chatbots. Chatbots are tools designed to mimic human conversation, which, in some cases, can lead young users into harmful interactions. “These chatbots interact with people as if they were another person,” Weiser said. “They can take on personas like a celebrity, fictional character or even a trusted adult, and the conversation can turn inappropriate or dangerous quickly, especially when it comes to sexual content, self-harm or substance use.” The alert, released May 21, comes amid a sharp rise in reports of children engaging with AI bots in ways that have resulted in mental health crises and unsafe behaviors. Weiser’s office warns that children and teens may not realize they’re interacting with an AI rather than a real person, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. Realistic, relatable and risky
Social AI chatbots are increasingly common on popular platforms. Some are embedded in social media sites, while others exist as standalone apps. They’re often marketed as friends, mentors or entertainers. According to HealthyChildren.org, children and teens are turning to chatbots not just for quick answers but also for entertainment or companionship, which can be risky as these programs are not designed with kids in mind and may expose them to false, harmful or inappropriate content. “What you thought might be benign can turn quite harmful,” Weiser said. “Parents need to be mindful of what their kids are doing.” SEE CHATBOTS, P6
DENVERHERALD.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA