Golden has become a destination not only for tourists, but also for relocating families. Among the many reasons for this are its small “college town” atmosphere, its location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, and its varied and exciting arts scene.
Golden boasts several museums: from the Colorado Railroad Museum, Dinosaur Ridge, and Buffalo Bill’s Grave and Museum on the outskirts of town, to the Golden History Museum, the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, the Bradford-Washburn Mountaineering Museum, and the Foothills Art Center, all located within the city limits.
In the performing arts, Golden is home to the critically acclaimed Miners Alley Playhouse (current play is “Lend Me a Tenor”) and the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, which has a free Pops Concert this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Golden’s Parfet Park.
One of the city’s signature events, the Golden Fine Arts Festival, happens this Saturday and Sunday. Presented every August by the Golden Chamber of Commerce, 2018 marks the festival’s 28th year. Golden Real Estate is proud to be a secondary sponsor of this always-popular event that, like so many other things, has improved with age. As great as it’s always been, it just seems to get better every year. Situated along Clear Creek, the festival fills 11th Street with a diverse mixture of exhibits and artists from around the country.
The festival is a “juried” event. Artists, having been judged for acceptance into the Golden Fine Arts Festival, will now be judged during the show this Saturday. Award ribbons will be presented late Saturday afternoon for display at the winners’ booths on Sunday. Rita and I have several pieces in our home that we purchased at previous festivals.
As shown on its web page, www.GoldenFineArtsFestival.org, there will be nine categories of artists exhibiting: 2D, Ceramics, Fiber Arts, Glass, Mixed Media, Jewelry, Sculpture, Painting, and Photography. Prizes are awarded in each category.
A VIP reception Friday evening provides an opportunity to meet many of the artists from the festival. Enjoy appetizers, craft beer, wine and socializing. Register no later than today (Thursday) at www.GoldenChamber. org.
The festival itself is open (and free to the public) on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 11th Street west of Washington Avenue.
In addition to the artists’ tents, the Festival offers a variety of food vendors, wines, craft beers, and live bands. Here is the band lineup:
Saturday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | The Johnny O. Band, and 2:00 – 6:00 pm | Dotsero
Sunday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Sweet Spot Trio, and 2:00 – 5:00 pm | Funk it Up