For 90 years, Littleton residents have been holding a community celebration. This year’s Western Welcome Week is actually a 10-day fest, August 9 to 18. The event schedule is jam-packed spanning more than 40 events from a fishing derby to trivia challenge benefiting dozens of local nonprofits. Some highlights for true cheapskates:
Running every day of the festival is the Friends “Bag of Books” Sale at the Bemis Public Library (6014 S. Datura St.). Used books will be sold for $4 a bag (and they even provide the bags!).
Friday, August 9 — Community BBQ, BBQ & Fireworks with a FREE concert by The Denver Municipal Band at Sterne Park (5800 S. Spotswood St.) capped off by fireworks at 9 p.m. The Rotary dishes up BBQ and, new this year a Beer Garden. There’s a new menu ranging from $6 to $8, along with corn on the cob and watermelon for sale. Beer and wine is $6.
Saturday, August 10 — Go gold panning on the Platte. Equipment and instruction provided for this FREE event from 9 a.m. to noon at South Platte Park (3000 W. Carson Dr.). From 10 a.m. to noon, kids can test their angling skills at the Little Elks Fishing Derby at Geneva Park Lake (2255 W. Berry Ave.)
Sunday, August 11 — Play all sorts of games of old at Arapahoe Community College for FREE from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Includes panning for gold & gems, bubble blowing, apple dash, tic tac toe, sack race, cactus toss, marble race, water shoot, and more.
Sunday, August 11 — Custom Car Show at the Littleton Elks Lodge (5749 S. Curtice) featuring local hot rods and custom rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13 — Kick up your heels at RiverPointe Swing Dance, featuring a FREE concert by Zing: The Great Big Band and dancing under the stars from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 5225 S. Prince St.
Thursday, August 15 — Rock with Two Faces West during a FREE outdoor concert at Bemis Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 16 — Quilt Show from noon to 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton (1609 W. Littleton Blvd.). More than 100 antique, vintage and new quilts on display, as well as demonstrations.
Saturday, August 17 — Festival Day along Main & Prince Streets. Includes Grand Parade, arts & crafts fair, music and dance performances, quilt show, kids trike challenge, carnival games and more. Reinke Brothers Costume Shop presents music and fun in their parking lot, with midway games, paddle board and fish pond, market and bazaar.
