Santa at Twin Peaks

One of the things I missed out on posting was that Santa arrived at Twin Peaks last Friday! He's there every day in the North Court so stop by to say hi and maybe even have your kids' picture taken with him! He's there Monday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm and Sundays from 11am to 6pm through December 24! There are also a couple of events coming up featuring Santa:

Breakfast with Santa - December 6
9am-11am at Country Buffet
Children under 12 eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

Pet Photo Night with Santa - December 10 6pm-8pm
Bring your friendly pet for a photo op with Santa Claus!

New Program at Sunflower Farms for homeschoolers

From an email I received from the owner of Sunflower Farms, Bren Frisch:

In January, Sunflower Farm is introducing a unique afternoon program designed especially for home-schooled children. This outdoor program focuses on on each child's individual strengths, incorporating imagination, risk taking and critical thinking into a team-based approach. Using nature as resource, this small group of kids will explore rural life style. While an indoor setting is provided, our intention is to be outdoors as much as possible.

When: Wednesday afternoon Jan. 7 - Feb. 27 (8 class series)
Where: Sunflower Farm, 11150 Prospect Road, Longmont, CO 80504
Time: 12:30-3:00
Ages: 5 to 8
Cost: $225
Contact: 303-774-8001
Facilitator: Emilie Hilgers

EMILIE HILGERS lives with her husband Chris and six year old son Charlie and a family dog named Lisl. She has been teaching young children for 19 years. Putting her heart, body and soul into her work, she is absolutely passionate about children. Emilie has been working with the Sprouts the past two summers at Sunflower Farm. Offering profound insight, expertise and
knowledge, Emilie has been instrumental in developing the unfolding and evolving vision of the SproutHouse program. She is eagerly awaiting your arrival and welcomes you to either drop off your child or stay and observe.

Bren Frisch
Sunflower Farm
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001

http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

Play Grounds in Boulder closing

How sad that such a kid-friendly place as Play Grounds in Boulder is closing! Here's the email that's going around from the owners:

"From: play@playgroundscafe.com
Subject: Play Grounds: Final month

Dear Friends,

We have made a difficult personal decision and are relocating to the east coast to be closer to family. Sadly, Play Grounds will be closing at the end of this year on Saturday, December 20. It is a bitter sweet decision as we must leave behind our creation, but we have the chance for our children to grow up with their grandparents. It has been a magical and crazy year. We thank you all for supporting us, and being great guests.

For our members, we have reimbursement checks for the remaining balance of your memberships. You may pick them up at the front counter.

We wish you well in your parenting journeys; may they be filled with love and joy.

Kari and Kenny"

Whoa - another Loveland bounce place?

As I posted below about Bounce returning to Loveland, I came across an email advertising "Jumpin" which is apparently another bouncy place in Loveland. Have any of you been there? You can visit their website here for more info. We might have to check this place out! If you've been let us know what it's like!

Remember Bounce in Loveland?

So many of us were sad when Bounce!, the jumpy castle place in Loveland, closed last February. Well guess what? They're reopening at a new location in January! Yay! Not that Bouncetown here in Longmont isn't great, but it's fun to have an alternative that's not too far away! See this page for more info on their new location!

New Year's at the WOW Museum

New Year's Eve Celebration at the WOW Museum in Lafayette!
Wednesday, December 31, 11am – 12pm
Celebrate New Year's Eve at noon! Noise maker crafts, musical entertainment by Eric West and a special New Year's countdown and celebration at noon! All New Year's Eve activities are included with Museum admission. WOW! will be open from 9:00am to 1:00pm on New Year's Eve.

For more information or directions to this great children's museum, visit their website!

Sandstone Ranch Visitor Center Holiday Event

"Saturday, December 13, 2008
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Get away from all the Holiday shopping and stress and come enjoy storytelling by Dan Overholser and Spellbinders, caroling by Jesters and Heartland. The children can decorate a cookie and make several crafts, toast marshmallows and just enjoy the wonder of Sandstone Ranch."

See this page for directions and more info on Sandstone Ranch!

Crocs Warehouse Sale

I have been so busy and have such a backlog of emails that I have to apologize for those events that I missed or emails I haven't responded to! I'm trying! Does this year seem busier to anyone else? It seems that every day something new gets added to our own family calendar and frequently there are several 'must do' things overlapping! Eek! :)

Check out the Crocs Warehouse sale in the old JCPenney store at Twin Peaks! I went to the Friends and Family pre-sale today and scored some great deals! They have all different styles and sizes along with Crocs swag like t-shirts, hats, bags, etc. They even have some of their higher end shoes (did you know Crocs makes golf shoes? I didn't but my husband was psyched!) for great prices. Always love a great deal! Oh, the sale lasts through Sunday. See here for more info!

(And for those of you who've guessed who I am over the last year and I either didn't respond or playfully misled you, I'm pretty sure you know me after this post! haha! I'm ok with being 'outed' but it was fun to be anonymous for a while!)

Longmont Lights just keeps getting better!

Last year I thought I would miss the Holiday River Walk that the city used to host a Roger's Grove but I was wrong! The Longmont Lights events were so much fun and this year they have expanded it even more....

Look at all these events from the City of Longmont's website!

Come enjoy a magical place with sparkling trees and glittering paths. Glowing lamp posts will guide you throughout Roosevelt Park. A week long event with the following activities:

• Friday, December 5 - Downtown Longmont Tree Lighting is at 6pm, activities and holiday carriage rides 5pm- 8pm. Roosevelt Park kick off lighting is at 5pm. Free carriage rides will pick up from St.Stephens Plaza and the St.Vrain Memorial Building.


• Saturday, December 6, 10am-6pm- Ice Skating at Roosevelt Park with free skate rental.


• Sunday, December 7, Mini Gingerbread House Workshop 1-3pm at the Longmont Rec Center, 310 Quail Road. Free drop-in class, but space is limited.


• Monday, December 8, 4:30pm and 7pm - Movie Night at the Longmont Theatre presenting "It's a Wonderful Life". Come enjoy the downtown restaurants before or after his family oriented movie.


• Tuesday, December 9, 6:30pm Library Holiday Story telling with Spellbinders.


• Wednesday, December 10, 5pm-8pm National Collage Society 24th Annual Juried Exhibit. The Exhibit continues through January 11, 2009. (Tue-Sat. 9-5; Wed 9-8; Sun 1-5). Free. Longmont Museum.


• Thursday, December 11, 7:30pm Holiday Ice Show at the Ice Pavilion in Roosevelt Park.


• Friday, December 12
  5:00-8:00p.m. Park Lights & Light Show, Fire Pits, Hot Cocoa
  5:00p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Drop–in Santa’s Workshop & Live Reindeer – Memorial Building (Santa Claus invites you and your child (8 & under) to visit his local workshop on this special evening. Parent/child will be making toys, crafts and visiting with Santa himself. Bring your camera to take pictures. This workshop is presented by Recreation Services - Small Wonders Preschool. Please pre-register by calling 303-651-8404. Admission is Free)
  6:30p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Dance (Live Band) - Senior Center
  New in 2008 - Rose Garden Light Show - set to music!


• Saturday, December 13
  5:00-8:00p.m. Park Lights & Light Show, Fire Pits, Hot Cocoa
  5:00 p.m. Parade of Lights – Main Street & Coffman Street
  6:30p.m Fireworks off of the Memorial Building
  (700 Longs Peak Avenue)
  New in 2008 - Rose Garden Light Show - set to music!

Longmont's new recycling program

Do you love the new mixed recycling from the City of Longmont as much as I do? I know it's a small change but removing that center divider and changing from two lids to one is fantastic! I love the increased types of things you can recycle (cardboard, cereal boxes, more types of plastic, yay!) but the no sorting part just makes my life so much easier :) How do all feel about it? Are you recycling more now? I hope so!

Santa's House!

We went to this for the first time last year and had a GREAT time! We hope to make it again this year! I know, it's in Boulder not Longmont, but it's so much fun for the little ones that I can't help but tell you about it :)

SANTA'S HOUSE
(NOW IN ITS's 39th year!)
at Pi Beta Phi Sorority House
(all dressed up to look like the North Pole)
890 11 Street, Boulder
Saturday & Sunday Dec 6 & 7
TIMES: 10-4pm (best time 2-4)
$3 per child

Entertainment at Santa's House:

Music with Madelyn singing holiday songs
Maureen the puppet lady with her famious Christmas puppet show
Mother goose telling stories
Carnival game room for little tykes
Coloring room
Sitting on the laps of Mr and Mrs Claus
Being greeted by Snoopy and Giant xmas bear
Bake sale

All proceeds benefit children's charities in Boulder!

See you there!

Thanksgiving At Crackpots

"Day After" Thanksgiving Special at Crackpots! They open at 7am on the day after Thanksgiving with $2 studio fees if you finish by 10am. A fun tradition... come in your PJ's or to relax after your 5 am shopping spree.

Can't get out of bed that early? That's okay, check out their calendar for other specials during the week.

What a fun way to spend the day - painting pottery with your kids and making some Christmas presents or ornaments for your own tree!

If you'd rather go their some other day and still want a deal on your studio fee, print a coupon from here!

Only two more Saturdays to enjoy Sunflower Farms this year!

From Sunflower Farms...

Just a reminder!!! Sunflower Farm is open two more Saturdays and then we are closed for the winter! Nice weather tomorrow, so join us!!!
WHAT: Kid's Farmfest
WHEN: Nov. 22, and 29
TIME: 10-3:00
COST: $6 per person
Ride the pony, zip on the zipline, feed the animals, play in the giant treehouse, swing on the tire swings or nap in the hammocks. Lunch is not being served--so bring a picnic!

--
Sunflower Farm
11150 Prospect Road
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001
http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

FREE produce at Miller Farms this weekend!

Free produce for picking at Miller Farms THIS weekend 11/22 and 11/23!

Go to Miller Farms this weekend to harvest what they have left in their fields. You'll be allowed to harvest up to 10 10 lb bags of produce PER PERSON! Wow! They have red and Yukon potatoes, beets, carrots, and onions as well as a few pie pumpkins and leeks. What a great way to save money and enjoy local produce!!!

http://www.millerfarms.net/index.html

December Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot offers FREE clinics for kids! Home Depot's workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to noon and are designed for kids ages 5 thorugh 12. The next workshop is Saturday, December 6th, and they'll be making an art easel! See here for more information.

Family Craft night at the library

Next Monday, November 17th, the Longmont Public Library will host a FREE craft event for families. From 6:30 to 7:30 pm come to the library to make a "gingerbread" house from graham crackers, candy and lots of icing. This even is for all ages but the littlest ones will need help, of course! For more info please see the November 2008 Storytime and Events calendar.

Getting caught up!

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had much time to devote to this blog but will do my best to get back on track this weekend! If you've emailed me asking for information or for me to post something about your event or business, don't worry! I haven't forgotten about you and will respond soon!

Ice Pavilion opens Saturday!

I read the opening date for the outdoor ice rink a few weeks ago and thought it was impossible that the ice rink would be opening so soon since at the time I read it we still hadn't taken the winter coats out of the closet! It's true, though, the Longmont outdoor ice rink opens tomorrow, Saturday November 15th for the 2008-2009 season! Here are the details:

When: It's open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
Where: Longmont Ice Pavilion at Roosevelt Park, 725 Eighth Ave.
Cost: FREE (but only on Saturday)
More information: Call 303-774-4777 or visit www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/icerink/index.htm

It's not too late to register for skating lessons or hockey! We're definitely looking forward to some family time out on the ice!

Veteran's Day Parade

I've searched for info on the Veteran's Day parade over the last several weeks but wasn't able to find anything until it was finally in the paper today! The parade will be held this Saturday, November 8th! The parade will start at 11:11 am at Roosevelt Park and will make its way down Main Street to 4th Avenue, west on 4th and then back to Roosevelt Park via Coffman. Be sure to wear your red, white and blue and come out and support our troops!

Upcoming Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics

Have you been to a Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic? They look like so much fun! And who can beat time spent making something for FREE in a location other than your home so it doesn't matter how much of mess you make? :)

Here are the upcoming dates and projects:

Saturday, November 8th - Semi-Truck
Saturday, November 22nd - Football Goal
Saturday, December 13th - Gingerbread House

They're all held at 10 am on the dates listed above at the Lowe's in the Harvest Junction shopping center here in Longmont. You can register and also see a picture of the projects by visiting https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/. These projects are recommended for kids in the first through fifth grades but I understand from friends that younger kids have fun as well - they just need a bit more help of course!

Have fun!

34th Annual Turkey Trot!

I completely spaced posting about the Turkey Trot! It's next Saturday, November 8th, at Westview Middle School. The 10K run starts at 9 am and the 2 mile Fun Run starts at 9:15. Unfortunately it's too late to register by mail but you can register at Centennial Pool through the 5th and also at the race on Saturday. See more info on this City of Longmont page. Happy running!

Winter Wonderland Play Day

From a City of Longmont webpage:
"Moms and dads here is your chance to get a few things done before the holiday. Drop your child off to play with all the fund toys in our preschool. Your child can enjoy making arts and crafts, sculpting with play dough, reading books, putting puzzles together and more. Enjoy this opportunity for a couple of hours of free time while your child is entertained by our Recreation Staff.
Ages - 3-5,
December 23, 9am-11:30am
Resident $18.00, Non-resident $23.00"

Sounds fun! The page I linked to above has more info about other programs the Rec Center offers for preschoolers too - check it out!

Catching up...

I've been neglecting you lately, huh? Sorry about that! October is by far my favorite month of the year so spending any more time than necessary sitting at the computer just doesn't sound like fun! Did you all have a great Halloween? I didn't count our trick or treaters on Friday night but we had many more than usual since the weather was so nice! We spent much more time going door to door ourselves and had a blast!

There's so much going on in Longmont in the next few months! More info coming soon :)

The most important thing this week? The election, of course! If you didn't vote early or haven't returned your mail in ballot yet, don't forget to drop it off or vote at your polling place! I won't tell you how I think you should vote for any office or issue but I do hope that you exercise your right to vote and also talk with your children about it. My oldest knows quite a bit about the presidential candidates and isn't afraid to tell you who he's voting for! :) Yeah, he doesn't quite get the whole "legal voting age" thing but oh well. I'm just glad he has some age-appropriate ideas about what's going on in the world :)

Is your child gifted?

From LifeLongmontLearning.com:

University of Northern Colorado Professor Dr. George Betts, a national expert on Gifted Education, will deliver a two-session workshop entitled Learning to Fly: The Facilitation of our Gifted at Home from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on Thursdays, October 23 and November 6, at Heritage Middle School, 223 E. Mountain View Ave., in Longmont.

For more information and/or to RSVP, please contact Michelle Faye at the by email at faye_michelle@stvrain.k12.co.us or call 303-702-7808.

Do you have a picky eater?

Longmont Clinic presents "Healthy Kids - What vitamin and food supplements does your picky eater need?"

Thursday, Oct 16th from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Longmont Clinic West building

The Longmont Clinic is located at 1925 West Mountain View Avenue in Longmont, Colorado 80501. Their phone number is 303.776.1234.

This seminar is free and open to the public. The instructor is a Longmont Clinic Pediatrician - Heather Moffat, M.D., Board Certified Pediatrician.

For more info or to register, call 720-494-3165.

Trunk or Treat in Erie

I know I usually concentrate on Longmont events but this one sounds like fun and isn't too far away! The Erie Community Center is hosting its 3rd annual Trunk or Treat and Spooky Fest event on Saturday, October 25th, from 4:30 to 6 pm! Here's the blurb from their website:

"Trunk or Treat and Spooky Fest!
You have heard of going door to door, why not consider going trunk to trunk? Vehicles decorated by volunteers and area businesses will line the parking lot of the Erie Community Center for this year's 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat and Spooky Fest. This spooktacular event should prove to be plenty of fun with and indoor haunted house, spooky games, treats, and of course trunk or treating. Prizes will be awareded for Best Trunk!
Trunks Wanted - We need volunteers and area businesses to decorate their vehicle trunks or tailgaites and provide candy or small treats to our trunk or treaters - if interested by call Katie at 303-926-2793 or email krummel@erieco.gov. For more information please click on the following link to print off a Trunk or Treat Flyer."

New Parenting Place playgroup!

From an email to a moms group today...

"Parenting Place is starting a new group in Longmont for Parents of Infants and Toddlers!
Who: Parents with children 0-24 months old
What: A play/support group where we will discuss whatever parenting issues are on your mind.
When: Mondays, 10:30-noon, starting October 20
Where: First Lutheran Church
803 3rd Ave, Longmont
For more information, contact Karen Kandel 303.449.0177 x. 8 or Karen@boulderparenting.org

The Parenting Place is a Family Resource Center whose mission is to relieve isolation and reduce the stress of parenting by providing outreach and a place where families can receive support, education, and develop a sense of community. For more information visit our website at www.boulderparenting.org."

I called Karen and it sounds like they request a $3 donation per family when attending this playgroup but certainly won't turn anyone away who isn't able to pay. We loved the Parenting Place playgroups when my oldest was a baby! I highly recommend it!

Longmont Ghost Tours

From the Longmont Downtown Development Authority's website:

"Historical Ghost Tours in Downtown Longmont A chance to meet up close and personal, notable and notorious Historical figures. Some gone, but not forgotten!!!! ----- Others forgotten, but not gone?????

Tours start at 6:30 PM. Tour 1 primarily covers the Eastside of Downtown Longmont and starts on Main Street. Tour 2 primarily covers the Westside of Downtown Longmont and starts on Coffman Street. The exact locations of the tours are given at the time of reservation.

Friday, October 10 - Tour 2
Friday, October 17 - Tour 1
Saturday, October 25 - Tour 1
Thursday, October 30 - Tour 1
Friday, October 31 - Tour 2

Sponsored by Spooks Inc. (501c3)
Spooks = Society for the Prevention of the Obliteration or Ostraczation of Kindered Spirits

Reservations Required - Space is limited - 303-775-7137 or 970-669-1249
Adults $12.50, Seniors (65 and over) and Students 16 and under $10.00. Under 5 FREE.

This is a (leisurely) walking tour, so participants should dress accordingly. Inclement weather? Call ahead to confirm the tour will take place."

November's Home Depot Kids Workshop

Home Depot offers FREE clinics for kids! Home Depot's workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to noon and are designed for kids ages 5 thorugh 12. The next workshop is Saturday, November 1st, and they'll be making a leaf press! See here for more information.

YMCA Halloween Event

On Friday, October 31st, the YMCA will host their annual Tailgate "Trunk or Treat" event from 5:30 to 6:15 pm. Children and parents will gather in the YMCA parking lot at 5 pm. You'll park, open your trunk and pass out treats to children as they trick or treat from car to car. Don't forget to wear your costumes and be creative in decorating your trunk! Fun!

Ongoing Craft Events at Michaels

Michaels offers craft activities for kids on most Saturdays each month! The cost is $5 for supplies and generally are held from 10 am to noon. Most crafts are designed for 5 to 12 year olds. Be sure to check out Longmont's store schedule if you're planning to attend! Here's a preview of October's events:

10/11 - Great Pumpkin Event. Kids will create their own craft pumpkin.
10/18 - Haunted House Frame
10/25 - Mini Scrapbook

Enjoy!

October Lowe's Build and Grow Workshops

Head on over to Lowe's this month to build your own wooden skeleton and pumpkin! Register at http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com to build a skeleton on Saturday, October 11th, or a pumpkin on Saturday, October 25th. Both clinics are held from 10 to 11 am at the Lowe's here in Longmont (in the Harvest Junction shopping center). The clinics are recommended for kids in 1st through 5th grade and are FREE! :)

Community Potato Harvest

Also from today's Longmont eNews:

"The community is invited to participate in a Community Potato Harvest at Rogers Grove on Saturday October 4 at 9 a.m. This growing season the City of Longmont Parks, Open Space and Public Facilities Division planted two potato crop varieties as a pilot sustainable community food share project. Yukon Gold potatoes have already been harvested with over 250 pounds donated to the OUR Center. Russet Burbank potatoes are now ready to harvest. Bring a bag and shovel or garden fork. Potatoes will be split between volunteers and the OUR Center. If rain or excessively muddy conditions occur, the event will be postponed to October 11. Call Paula Fitzgerald at 303-651-8448 with any questions."

This sounds like a great opportunity for a family to learn about how food grows, maybe get some yummy locally grown potatoes to take home, do some hard work and talk about donating to those less fortunate than us!

Walk to School Day

From today's Longmont eNews:

"October is Colorado Pedestrian Month and to celebrate, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is welcoming all schools statewide to participate in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 8, 2008. As of today, 85 events have been planned around the state as a way to promote and inform children and parents about the benefits of safely walking and biking to school. A list of participating Colorado schools can be found by visiting www.walktoschool.org and click on Who’s Walking."

It looks like Alpine, Burlington and Central Elementaries are officially participating but there's no reason your family couldn't participate just because you want to! :)

Concerts this Sunday at Sunflower Farms

Music with Madelyn and Ernie will be performing at Sunflower Farms this Sunday, September 28th from 12 to 12:45! Studio Allegro will also perform from 1:45 to 2:30. What a great day to go to the farm - fun music, beautiful fall weather, pumpkins, and farm animals all make for great pictures!

Admission is $6/person on Saturdays, $8/person on Sundays, under 12 months free. Lunch is available for an additional fee. Pumpkins are also available for an additional fee.

Kid's FARMFEST is now open SUNDAY, 10-3:00 (Sept and Oct)
Haywagon rides, pumpkin carving and pony rides all day!

Sunflower Farm
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001
http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com/

Dia de Los Muertos

From Longmont's October City Line newsletter:

The Longmont Museum & Cultural Center’s 8th annual El Día de los Muertos celebration brings artists from Longmont’s sister city of Ciudad Guzmán, Jalisco, Mexico, to Longmont, to participate in an exhibition at the Museum. La Ofrenda de los Muertos: Honoring Days of the Dead, features altars created by members of the community in honor of loved ones, and a special altar built by two artists from Ciudad Guzmán, Felicitas Zamorano Gonzales and Hector Orozco Garcia. The exhibition runs from October 11 through November 9, 2008.

On Saturday, November 1, the Longmont Museum and our community partners invite everyone to come and celebrate El Día de los Muertos. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, visitors can enjoy lots of activities, including decorating sugar skulls, paper flower making, and El Día de los Muertos temporary tattoos. Music and dance performances take place from 12:30 to 2:50 p.m., headlined by Mariachi Vasquez at 12:30. Traditional food, including pan de muertos, tamales, and Mexican hot chocolate, is served in the Museum’s classrooms. All events and programs are free. For more information, call 303-651-8374.

"FREE" ice cream!

Tomorrow, September 25th, Cold Stone Creamery is hosting the 7th annual World's Largest Ice Cream social to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation! You can stop by between 5 and 8 pm and get one of two 3 ounce creations designed by Make-A-Wish kids for free! Donations are not required but certainly welcome! The two ice cream creations sound great: Jack's is marshmallow ice cream with oreos, chocolate chips and fudge and Emily's is Nutter Butter ice cream with white chocolate chips, kit kats and yellow cake - YUM! The Cold Stone Creamery on south Hover is definitely participating and the one inside Target should be also though I haven't confirmed that one.

Borders Kids Party

Borders is a hosting a free Kid's Party for children 12 and under this Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 2-4 PM. This event will include story time, games, and a scavenger hunt. Plus, you can get a free cookie with any beverage purchase at the Borders coffee shop. More information is available here.

Great American Dine Out

This week is the Share Our Strengths Great American Dine Out! You eat out at a participating restaurant between September 21st and 28th and a portion of your check will go to support the fight to end childhood hunger in America. The only participating restaurant in Longmont is Buffalo Wild Wings so get over there and eat some wings :) Check out their website if you'd like to learn more or find more restaurants (there are several in Boulder, Superior, Broomfield, Fort Collins, Westminster, etc).

Home Depot Workshops for kids

Similar to the programs Lowe's offers, Home Depot offers FREE clinics for kids! Home Depot's workshops are held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 am to noon and are designed for kids ages 5 thorugh 12. The next workshop is Saturday, October 4th, and they'll be making a fire truck whistle! See here for more information. If you have been to these in the past please post a comment or email me with your thoughts. Do your kids like it? Is it really busy?

Anderson Farms opens tomorrow!

You know it's almost Halloween when fall festivals start at area farms!

Anderson Farms opens tomorrow, Saturday, September 20th. They have a bunch of great activities - wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, petting zoo, barrel train rides, hay bale maze and much more! Their hours vary depending on the day so be sure to check the calendar on their website! Ticket prices also vary so check out their online ticket ordering page. They even have an online coupon!

I'll be posting more about area pumpkin patches soon!

Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and it's just around the corner! Have you or your children already decided what they should wear this year? We've been talking about it but really need to get busy since we like to make costumes! Last year was so easy as there was only one thing our oldest asked to be over and over and over again but this year he's gone through 4 or 5 things in just the last week! :)

The City of Longmont sponsors three great Halloween events:

Halloween Costume Parade
Saturday, October 25th, 10 am
Line up in front of the St Vrain Memorial Building at 9:30.
This is probably my favorite event in Longmont (I know, I say that for a lot of things...). But what's cuter than a zillion kids dressed up in their favorite costumes all walking down the middle of Main Street? There are babies in strollers (some with creative parents who incorporate the into the costume!), kids in wagons, and toddlers on up to adults with adorable, creative, scary, and/or funny costumes! The parade route goes down Main Street to 3rd and then turns back up Main and breaks up as kids trick-or-treat at many of the businesses on Main. It's a really fun morning! For additional information contact 303-651-8404.

Pumpkin Dunk
Saturday, October 25th, 5-7 pm
Centennial Pool, 1201 Alpine
We've never been to this but it sounds so fun! All ages are welcome to swim and somehow retrieve candy in the pool. There will also be crafts and apple bobbing! Cost is $3 per person, or $10 per family. For additional information contact 303-651-8406.

Safe Halloween Night
Friday, October 31st, 6-8:30 pm
Longmont Recreation Center, 310 Quail Road
Free admission!
A fun-filled evening with carnival games, cake walk, petting zoo, glow in the dark boat rides in the pool, and much more! For additional information contact 303-774-4800.

Longmont Walking Challenge

Registration began today for the Longmont Walking Challenge! Register at the YMCA, Longmont Rec Center, St Vrain Memorial Building, Longmont Senior Center or the Salud Family Health Center. Be one of the first 1500 to register and receive a free pedometer! Track your steps from September 20th to 27th and help Longmont reach 135 million steps that week!

The best part? Registration is free AND you can work out for free at the Longmont Rec Center or the YMCA that week! Yes, for free! And if you join the YMCA that week your $50 registration fee will be waived. All exercise counts (not just walking) so get out there and get moving! There will also be a drawing for a one year membership to the YMCA or Longmont Rec Center.

For more information see this flier or call 303-776-0370.

Moms Day Out

Sorry for all the posts today - I'm getting caught up :)

This tip came from a reader...

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy has openings in their Mom's Day Out program! This program is for kids 13 to 36 months old and you can sign up for 1 to 5 days per week. The standard time is 8:30 to 12:30 am but you can also add on afternoon hours. The kids do crafts, sing songs, play outside and hear a bible story. If you're considering sending your kids to this school later (they go through 8th grade) then get them in now - it's really hard to get in when they're older (there are usually wait lists). Go to http://www.rmcaonline.org/ or call Dorothy at 303-652-9162 for more information.

2008 Dog Day 5K Run/Walk

Longmont's annual Dog Day 5K fun run and walk will be held this Saturday, September 20th at Union Reservoir! Registration and packet pick-up begin at 7 am and the race starts at 9. After the race dogs can swim in the reservoir and there will be lots of pet and human friendly food, events and vendors! What a fun way to spend some time outside in this beautiful weather and get some exercise for you and fido at the same time :)

Lowe's Build and Grow Workshops

Head on over to Lowe's this month to build your own pirate ship and fire truck! Register at http://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com to build a pirate ship tomorrow, Saturday, September 13th, or a fire truck on Saturday, September 27th. Both clinics are held from 10 to 11 am at the Lowe's here in Longmont (in the Harvest Junction shopping center). The clinics are recommended for kids in 1st through 5th grade and are FREE! :)

Sunflower Farm Fall Children's Performance

From a Sunflower Farm email today...

Attention all talented children in the community!
Sunflower Farm is hosting A Fall Children's performance

Date: Kids Farmfest, Sunday, September 21st
Time: 12:00 to 1:00

Sunflower Farm invites children in the community to consider performing (solo or group) at Kids Farmfest, Sept 21, 2008. Please register/direct questions by emailing Bren at bren@ecentral.com. Performances can be 2-10 minutes long. Sound system provided.

Benefits include free family admission to Kids Farmfest, $10 per performance, and a free pie pumpkin (maximum six pumpkins per group).

Singing? Dancing? play an instrument? Puppetry? Bike stunts? Magic show? Acting?
--
Bren Frisch
Sunflower Farm
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001
http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

Grandparents Day 2008

Sunday, September 7th is Grandparents Day! Yes, it seems like just another Hallmark holiday but sometimes it's good to have an excuse to call Grandma and Grandpa or send them a note to thank them for everything they do. And if you're lucky enough to live close by, even better! Wish them a happy Grandparents Day in person! :)

September ArtWalk

The third and final ArtWalk of 2008 will be held on Friday, September 19th, from 6 to 9 pm! This is a great downtown event featuring many artists' work as well as opportunities to create your own art. There will be great food, live music, dance and gymnastics performances, face painting, musical petting zoo, art scavenger hunt and much more! ArtWalk activities take place mostly on Main Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues - see a map of all the activities and locations here.

From ArtWalk's website: ArtWalk is a free evening of art exhibitions, music, live theatre, dance and children’s activities. A collaborative effort between businesses and arts organizations, ArtWalk transforms downtown Longmont businesses into galleries and promotes cultural arts for three fabulous evenings each year.

Rec Center events

Just a couple of notes about upcoming events at the Longmont Recreation Center:

- They're hosting a Father/Daughter Dance on Saturday, September 6th from 6 to 9 pm. Dads, Grandpas, Uncles bring your special girl to the Rec Center that night for a meal and dancing! Each daughter will receive a corsage as well as 2 5x7 pictures to remember the evening. Register now and you might be one of ten lucky winners of a limo ride to and from the event! Call the Rec Center at 303-774-4800 for more info.

- The Longmont Rec Center is closed September 8th through the 14th for maintenance!

- The Fall Brochure of classes and events came out a few weeks ago. You can always view it online at http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/activities/brochure.htm! It's really easy to see how full classes are or register for them online too! There are way too many cool things to do to list in this post so go check out the brochure and find something great for you and/or your child - dance or swim classes, sports, tumbling and more!

Happy learning :)

Tomorrow is the first day of school for St. Vrain Valley schools. Kids, best of luck this year! Have fun learning new things and making new friends! Learn all you can from your amazing teachers!

Parents, best of luck this year! :) Enjoy your time helping with homework and hearing about your kids' days. If you're not already, get involved in your kids' school and keep in constant communication with their teachers. It really does help create the most positive learning environment possible! Pack a few surprises in their lunches now and then - a silly love note, a napkin with your child's favorite character on it, a sticker, or an extra snack to share with a friend. Speaking of friends, get to know your child's friends and their parents. I'm all about creating a sense of community whenever and wherever possible (you couldn't tell, could you?!) and your child's classroom seems like the ideal place to get plugged in and foster new relationships.

It's also a good time of year to be reminded, whether you have school age kids or not, to slow down in school zones, stop for school buses and watch out for crossing guards!

Here's to a great school year!

Fall 2008 JBF Sale

The JBF (Just Between Friends) sale is a huge consignment sale held at the Boulder County Fairgrounds twice a year. The Fall sale is just around the corner - August 22nd through the 25th. Admission is free and the doors are open to the public from 9 am to 7 pm. It's not to late to consign your gently used unwanted kids items! If you consign or volunteer to help out during the sale you get to shop early - before the doors open to the public. Happy bargain hunting :)

Itty Bitty City

Itty Bitty City starts up again on Friday, September 5th! Itty Bitty City is a drop-in open gym time for preschoolers (5 and under) at the St. Vrain Memorial Building (700 Longs Peak Avenue). They provide scooters, jump ropes, floor mats, bean bags, tricycles and rollerskates for kids and adults to play with. It costs $2 per child and is open each Friday between September and May from 9 to 11 am. It's a great way to burn off some energy especially in the winter!

Dog Swims

Kanemoto and Roosevelt Pools will host dog swims after the pools close for the season! Bring your friendly dogs to the pool for some fun splashing and ball chasing in the activity pools.

Kanemoto Pool - August 19th from 4 to 7 pm
Roosevelt Pool - August 20th from 4 to 7 pm

No people will be allowed to swim and the cost is $2 per dog :)

2008 Festival on Main

Isn't it great that Longmont has so many family friendly events? Here's another one! The 2008 Festival on Main will be held on Friday, August 22 from 6 to 9:30 in downtown Longmont. They close off Main Street during that time and the streets fill with food vendors, great music (Mojomama and Nachomen) and lots of activities. For more information see http://www.festivalonmain.com/. We went to this for the first time last year and I was amazed at how many people were on Main Street and how much there was to do!

LSO Oktoberfest 2008

The Longmont Symphony Orchestra's annual Oktoberfest fundraiser will be held Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th from 4 pm to 10 pm at Roosevelt Park. There will be lots of live music, food and craft vendors and much more! Visit their website for more info.

Outdoor pool closing dates

We've spent many hours this summer at Longmont's great outdoor pools so it makes me a little sad to type their closing dates for the season! It seems like they just opened yesterday...

Kanemoto and Roosevelt Activity Pools close Sunday, August 17th, 2008. Kanemoto usually has a couple "dog swim" days after the official closing of the pool - I'll update when I know more.

Sunset Pool closes Sunday, September 7th, 2008.
Edited 8/27/08 - I just looked at the website again and now Sunset Pool closes 9/1...

Enjoy those last few summer pool days - especially in this 100 degree heat!

Family Field Day

Sorry for the lack of posting lately - our family's crazy busy schedule has me feeling a bit overwhelmed! I'm so looking forward to back to school time and being on more of a routine again! :)

Before that, though, you should check out the Rec Center's Family Field Day! It will be held on Sunday, August 10th, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Longmont Recreation Center.

Fishing Derby - 9 am to noon - $5/child

Picnic Time - Noon - 1 pm

Field Day Events - 1 pm - 3 pm - There will be a Potato Sack Race, Three Legged Race, 50-yard-dash, Ring Toss, Dunk Tank, Arm Wrestling, Tug o' Rope, Seed Spitting Contest, Water Balloon Toss and More! The Field Day portion of the schedule has been cancelled!

Homemade salsa contest - 11 am - $5 per entry

For more information call the Longmont Recreation Center at 303-774-8400.

Boulder County Fair Parade and Pancake Breakfast

Don't forget that this Saturday, August 2nd, is the Boulder County Fair Parade through downtown Longmont! It starts at 10 am and you can view the parade route here. We love parades so this is a can't miss event for our family!

Before the parade, from 6:30 to 9:30 am, be sure to stop by 4th and Kimbark for the Twin Peak's Rotary Club's Chuckwagon breakfast! Adults and teens pay $7 and kids 12 and under are $3 for pancakes, eggs and sausage. Last year we ate with a big group of firefighters which was a big hit with our oldest of course! See you there!

Discovery Days News

From a Longmont Museum email...

You're invited to two special events where your entire family can have fun while helping Discovery Days!

1. Eat Up! On Monday, August 4, Texas Roadhouse will donate 10 percent of all dinner receipts to the Discovery Days program. Texas Roadhouse, located at 2351 Clover Basin Drive in Longmont, is open for dinner from 4 to 10 pm, and call-ahead seating is available at 303-774-1491. Check out the menu, and come hungry!

2. Miss Stephanie's House-building Workshop
Join Miss Stephanie on Saturday, August 23, from 9 am to noon to build your own playhouse just like the one in the Discovery Days room. Miss Stephanie will provide tips and suggestions and lots of materials, including a basic painted "house" for each family, paint, door knobs, and curtain fabric. You provide your family, in clothes that can get messy, and items you would like to use to personalize your house: posters, wallpaper, stick-on letters, or anything else that will make it special for your children. The cost is only $40, and the workshop is limited to 15 families, so register early! Call the Museum at 303-651-8374 by Saturday, August 10, to sign up for this fun, creative family activity.

**Don't Forget... Discovery Days begins for the 2008-2009 school year on September 2.

Discovery Days is an interactive program that encourages parent-child interaction through weekly themed arts and crafts.

Discovery Days is open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday during the school year with three sessions each day:
Session I: 9 - 10:15 am
Session II: 10:15 - 11:30 am
Session III: 12:30 - 2 pm

Cost: $3 per child

Located at the Longmont Museum
400 Quail Road
Longmont, CO 80501
303-651-8374


If you've never been to Discovery Days and you have a child who is approximately 2 to 5 years old, you should definitely check it out! It's such a great program that encourages our little ones to explore different art techniques and they get to take home several projects each time! Miss Stephanie is incredibly creative and comes up with the greatest projects using a lot of re-purposed materials!

More on the Boulder County Fair

We're getting excited about the upcoming Boulder County Fair, how about you? If you have a child between 5 and 7 years old and less than 60 pounds who wants to participate in mutton busting, pick up an application at the Corral West Ranchwear store on Ken Pratt. You can also view the Times Call's Fair and Rodeo guide for more details on the schedule of events! Kids day is Wednesday which means that the Carnival ride wristbands are discounted and there are more kid-friendly events. One of those is the Talent Show which kids as young as 3 can participate in! Click here to learn more about the Talent Show and here to see Wednesday's full schedule. Don't forget that all but the grandstand events are FREE - no admission or parking fees!! The Fair's website is slowly improving so it should be easier to find what you're looking for on there :)

Check us out!

Longmont ranked #50 in Money Magazine's Top 100 Best Places to Live for 2008! You can check out the full list to see where other cities rank. Colorado has 4 more cities in the top 100 - Fort Collins came in at #2, Highlands Ranch at #12, Loveland at #33 and Westminster at #44. I was surprised that California only had 4 in the top 100 and states like Hawaii, Maine, Oregon, Ohio, and South Carolina didn't have any in the top 100! We already knew it but Longmont is definitely a great place to live!!

2008 Boulder County Fair

The 2008 Boulder County Fair will take place August 1st through the 9th from 10 am to 10 pm at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. It seems they really listened to the public's feedback from last year because this year there will be no entrance fees and no parking fees! Hooray! There are still some ticketed events like the tractor pull and demolition derby, but you won't have to pay a gate admission to access the livestock and other fair events. There will be a carnival and kids area with fun events every day. Unfortunately they haven't improved their website at all but with a little luck and perseverance you can find what you're looking for! The main site is http://www.bouldercountyfair.org/ and the daily schedules can be accessed from http://www.bouldercountyfair.org/funatthefair.htm. The Times Call usually publishes a good listing of daily events too.

One event not to be missed is the Boulder County Fair Parade on Saturday, August 2nd at 10 am! The parade runs along Main Street and is usually full of fun bands and floats! There's also a Chuckwagon breakfast from 6:30 to 10 that morning - I can't seem to find the exact location on their website (besides "downtown") so I'll post more info on that when I get it.

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 5th is National Night Out! Help celebrate the 25th anniversary of this event by organizing a neighborhood potluck or just hanging out in your lawn chairs in your front yard while your kids scribble with sidewalk chalk. Getting to know your neighbors helps you feel more invested in your community! For more information on National Night Out, see http://www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno/.

The Longmont Police Department is hosting a National Night Out kickoff event on Saturday, August 2nd from 4 to 6 pm at Lanyon Park. They'll have free food, entertainment and prizes as well as oppotunities to talk with police, fire and emergency services personnel! You can also learn how to start your own Neighborhood Watch Program. For more information on this event see http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/police/community/nno.htm.

School Supply Lists

For some reason I was reminded today that summer vacation is half over and school starts in SIX WEEKS! What? Didn't summer just start yesterday? Anyway, if your kids attend St. Vrain Valley Schools you might be thinking about buying school supplies soon so here's a link to the supply lists! Enjoy!

I hope you all had a happy 4th! I was a bit disappointed in the fireworks display with the several stops and starts until I read that they had to stop while the fire department put out brush fires sparked by the ash. Eek! At least they're keeping us safe :)

Protect yourself from West Nile

Since the holiday weekend starts tomorrow I thought it might be a good time for a reminder about protecting yourself and your kids from West Nile Virus! At least one person in Boulder County has gotten West Nile this year so make sure you take proper precautions - wear bug spray containing DEET, dress in long sleeves and pants, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, and drain standing water! For more information from the City of Longmont, see here: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/westnile/.

July ArtWalk

The second ArtWalk of 2008 will be held on Friday, July 18th, from 6 to 9 pm! This is a great downtown event featuring many artists' work as well as opportunities to create your own art. There will be great food, live music, dance and gymnastics performances, face painting, musical petting zoo, art scavenger hunt and much more! ArtWalk activities take place mostly on Main Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues - see a map of all the activities and locations here.

From ArtWalk's website: ArtWalk is a free evening of art exhibitions, music, live theatre, dance and children’s activities. A collaborative effort between businesses and arts organizations, ArtWalk transforms downtown Longmont businesses into galleries and promotes cultural arts for three fabulous evenings each year.

At the ArtWalk in May we tried the Chocolate Oreo Marshmallow ice cream from Glacier and now I'm hooked! :) Three of my favorite things all mushed together in one little cup...mmmmm

Bounce on the 4th

From an email to the BoulderLongmontMoms Yahoo Group:

"We'll be celebrating America's Birthday at B&C BounceTown from 10-4 on Friday July 4th! Join us for $5 child admission (adults free), FREE cake, snacks and drinks. We'll also have LOTS of fun giveaways and door prizes, including a 10-visit BounceTown pass! Bring the whole family for unlimited Bouncing fun. No reservations needed.

When: Friday July 4th, 10am-4pm

Where: B&C BounceTown
1821 Lefthand Cir Unit C, Longmont (South of Ken Pratt on Sunset St)
303-774-9550

Hope to see you there!
Sara Levin

B&C BounceTown
303-774-9550
www.bncbouncetown.com"

Montessori Education Presentation

Sorry for the late notice but if you'd like to learn more about the Montessori method this event might interest you!

"The Montessori Advantage" by Dr. John Fowler
Thursday, June 19, 2008 6:00-8:00 PM
In the Fireside Room of the United Church of Christ (home of Gateway Montessori School)
1500 9th Avenue, Longmont, CO
(Please park in the parking lot to the north of the Church and enter the building through the Northwest doors.)

- Learn the major principles of a Montessori elementary education

- Understand how children can achieve greater academic success through this model

- Demonstration of hands-on Montessori "works" that provide a holistic approach for grasping and excelling in major concepts of academia at the elementary level.

John Fowler is a long-time authority on Montessori education and principles. He holds a PhD in Integral Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. He has served as the Upper Elementary Director and Teacher Mentor at Denison Montessori School in Denver, Colorado since 1992. John began the American Montessori Academy in 1986, and served on the Boulder Valley School District's assessment and consultant team for the Boulder Community Montessori School. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Endicott College, the Director of Research at the Houston Montessori Center, and as an Instructor at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado.

CHILDCARE AVAILABLE ($3 PER CHILD) Please R.S.V.P. to Katie Torres for child care at jkatietorres@comcast.net or 303-776-7596.

2008 Concerts in the Park

The City of Longmont hosts FREE concerts in the Roosevelt Park Pavilion at 6:30 pm on most Tuesdays during the summer! Bring a chair or blanket and come enjoy some beautiful music! Here's the schedule:

June 10th - Sh'Bang - Pop, Funk, Motown and Oldies
June 17th - The Indulgers (Celtic Music)
June 24th - Longmont Concert Band and the Longs Peak Chorus - Barbershoppers
July 1st - Mollie Weaver and Friends - Symphonic Folk Music
July 4th - Longmont Symphony Orchestra (at NOON in Thompson Park)
July 8th - Lonesome Traveler - Bluegrass band
July 15th - Deja Blu - Rock, Soul, Blues, Motown
July 22nd - Kelly J Band - Country
July 29th - Lionel Young - Violin meets the Blues

For a bit more information see http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/concert.htm.

Art Classes at the Old Firehouse Art Center

The Old Firehouse Art Center offers two programs for kids - the Saturday Art Experience and Blue Egg Arts classes!

Saturday Art Experience
2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month
2:45 - 4 pm for 5 to 8 year olds, 4:15 - 5:30 pm for 9 to 12 year olds
Cost: Free for Old Firehouse Art Center members (memberships start at $60 annually for a family) PLUS a non-perishable food donation for the OUR Center.
Preregistration is required as classes are limited to 12 students
Kids will have fun and explore their creativity while developing hand-eye coordination and learning new techniques.
To register, contact the Old Firehouse Art Center at 303-651-2787 or email contact@firehouseart.org.

Blue Eggs Art Classes
Niwot-based Blue Egg Arts hosts art classes for kids age 6 and up on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 pm.
Cost: $18 for the first child, $15 for siblings - a 6 week commitment is requested
To register for these classes, contact Kim Browne at 303-652-3383 or email her at
Kim_Browne@msn.com.

For more information on both types of classes or even classes for adults, visit http://www.firehouseart.org/OFAC/classes.html.

Father's Day freebies

I know it's super late notice but in case you want to treat your Dad to something free tomorrow here are a couple ideas!

TCBY is offering a free cup or cone for Dad's just like they did on Mother's Day! There are two TCBY locations in Longmont - in the mall or on the northwest corner of 17th and Hover.

Also, TGI Fridays is offering a free order of onion rings for Dad with this coupon!

Don't forget to say an extra special thank you to the Dad, Husband, Grandpa, Step-Dad, etc in your life! :)

Winners!

Congratulations to the following Longmont Moms who won prizes just for reading this blog and either leaving a comment or sending an email! What could be easier? :)

Bouncetown Punch Pass - Kerrie

Starbucks Gift Card - JoAnn

Jamba Juice Gift Card - Stephanie

Crackpots Studio Fees - Elisa

Congratulations ladies! By the way, two more local businesses contacted me this week wanting to offer discounts or freebies so I'll post them as soon as the details are nailed down! Thanks for reading!

Gift #4 - Saving the best for last?

Today is my official one year blogiversary! 184 posts and three blog redesigns later here we are! :) This week of giveaways was fun but sadly all good things must come to an end. This last gift is great too so make sure you enter to win it! Ready?

Crackpots has generously donated a package of four free studio fees! This gift will be awarded to one person but the winner can use the four studio fees themselves or bring along three friends for a fun day out! You'll have to buy your own ceramic pieces but the free studio fees will save you $32! What a deal!

Remember, leave a comment on this post or send me an email by midnight tonight to enter! Winners will be announced tomorrow (likely after the Pet and Doll parade)!

Bike to Work Day

Ok so this isn't directly kid related but it's good for you and good for the environment which means you're being a great example for your kids....right? :) Anyway, Bike to Work Day is June 25th and it's a great day to dust off that old Schwinn and put it to good use! On your way to work you can also get some free breakfast and more! Stop by one of these locations between 6:30 and 9 am:

City of Longmont - 350 Kimbark Street
Deja Brew Coffee Shop - 600 S Airport Road
Java Stop - 301 Main Street
Great Harvest Bread Co. - 1100 Ken Pratt Blvd.
St. Vrain Valley Credit Union - 775 Coffman (at the Roosevelt Park n Ride)
YMCA - 950 Lashley Street
Panera Bread - 425 Ken Pratt Blvd

There will also be bike tune-ups available at the City of Longmont (sponsored by High Gear Cyclery) and YMCA (sponsored by Bike-n-Hike) locations.

After work, swing by Lefthand Brewery or the Pumphouse Brewery and show your helmet to receive happy hour discounts! Just remember not to drink and ride :)

Rhythm on the River

I keep forgetting to post about this even though it's one of my family's favorite things to do in Longmont!

This year's Rhythm on the River will be held July 11th from 5 to 9 pm and July 12th from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. It's held at Roger's Grove and free transportation is provided from the Boulder County Fairgrounds parking lot. There is so much to do! Great food, great music, art projects for kids to make, bounce houses, children's fishing tank, information booths from local business, government and non-profit entities, city trucks to climb all over, a bike obstacle course for the kids and so much more!!! See this page for more details: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/activities.htm.

Also, don't forget about the Roger's River Run 5K that starts at 7:30 am on Saturday, July 12th. Register by July 9th at this site - http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/run_reg.htm! And after all that running you need some fluffy pancakes and juice, right? There's a pancake breakfast provided by the Egg & I from 7 am to 10 am which is free to runners or $3 (cash only) for non-runners.

There's also a fun duck race! There's an article about it here: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rotr/run_reg.htm and you can buy your ducks now at the Times Call or through any St. Vrain Rotary member or at the festival! If you buy a lucky duck you could win one of several prizes including a cruise and hot air balloon ride!

The best part is that it's a Zero Waste event meaning that everything (or I guess nearly everything) is recycled! They provide recycling containers at many areas in Roger's Grove and also lots of information on reducing your waste at home too.

We love Rhythm on the River and hope to see you there!

Gift #3 - Juice it up

Thanks for all the comments and emails with nice things to say about the blog! I really appreciate it! Did you think we were stopping with two gifts to celebrate my blogiversary? No way! There are still two more! :) Here is today's....

A $10 gift card to Jamba Juice! Mmm Razzmatazz.... :) And you can use it at the (relatively new) store at Harvest Junction or at one of the three Boulder locations. Yum!

Remember, enter by leaving a comment here or by sending me an email by Friday at midnight! Winners for all prizes this week will be announced on Saturday! Isn't it fun to win stuff just for surfing the web? What did we do before? :) Oh, right, interacted with our kids and bought our own overpriced coffee and smoothies.... LOL

Did someone say ZIP LINE?

Just got this in an email from Bren at Sunflower Farms:

Something new at Sunflower Farm: A 100 ft Zipline!!

WHAT: Kid's Farmfest
WHEN: Saturday, June 14
TIME: 10-3:00
COST: $6 Per person; under 12 months free

Mention this zipline email and the driver of your car gets a free hot dog!! June 14 only.

Sunflower Farm is located at
11150 Prospect Rd.
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001
http://www.sunflowerfarminfo.com

Gift #2 - Mmmm Coffee

I wasn't a big fan of coffee until I had kids and now I see it as luxurious and warm me-time in a cup. And since most of the moms I know enjoy it too, what better to give away than a Starbucks gift card? Yep, enter here by leaving a comment or send me an email (by midnight on Friday!) to win a $15 Starbucks gift card! It might buy you a couple double tall arabian mocha java lattes - half soy milk, half cream with a shot of french roast espresso, with foam, cinnamon and whipped cream upside down double blended, with a dash chocolate and caramel syrup on top. Don't worry, that's not really what I order.... :)

Don't forget to check back each day this week for something new for you to enter and win to celebrate my one year blogiversary!

Gift #1 - Who doesn't love to bounce?

It's hard to believe I've been maintaining this blog for an entire year! I hope you've found it a useful place to find kid related activities and events in Longmont! Or, if this is your first time here because you heard I was hosting a giveaway this week, welcome! Ready for the first gift?

Bouncetown has generously donated a 5 punch pass! It can be used during Open Bounce hours which are 10 am to 2 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays or 10 am to 7 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and doesn't expire until June 30th, 2009. My kids LOVE Bouncetown and have been there many times. They have great party packages as well as Summer Camp and punch pass discounts! In June they have a special deal - a 10 punch pass for $50 (a savings of $30 for 10 visits)!

So, how do you win?? Leave a comment on this post OR send me an email! New to blogs and don't know how to leave a comment? Click on the "# comments" link just below this post. A smaller window will pop up where you can type your comment. Then choose an identity (use your Google/Blogger account if you have one, just your name, anonymous, etc). Whichever you choose be sure that I can contact you some way - either through your own blog or website or leave your email address in the comment so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner! Click the "Publish Your Comment" button and you're done. Please only enter once for each gift!

The winner will be chosen on Saturday, June 14th, and will be announced here and notified by email. Don't worry - it'll be a random draw so if you know me or even bribe me you unfortunately have no advantage :)

Barenaked Ladies KIDS concert

I know I promised a giveaway today and it's still coming but I just couldn't wait to post this! I'm too excited!!! I love the Barenaked Ladies and was excited to see that they released a kids album. You can get a free download of one of the songs on their site: http://www.bnlmusic.com/snacktime. The exciting part, though, is that they'll be at Barnes & Noble in Boulder this Saturday, June 14th, for a free concert! You can get a wristband (which doesn't guarantee you a spot but increases your chances) by buying their Snacktime kids CD at the Barnes & Noble store at 2915 Pearl Street in Boulder. You could also check out the Daily Camera article about it too! There's just nothing better than kids music that Mommy likes too! :)

This week: Super big exciting news (for me) and FREE STUFF (for you)!

This Friday is Friday the 13th (eek!) but more importantly it is the one year anniversary of the Longmont Mom blog!! Anniversaries in blog-land are known as "blogisversaries" so wish me a Happy Blogiversary already! :) Just kidding! To celebrate I begged a couple local businesses to donate fun gifts for my loyal readers and they came through with great stuff! Trust me on this, you'll want to check back often this week for your chance to win one of a few things that I think any mom in Longmont would love to have. Ok, no, it's not free gas or prepaid college tuition but I'd be happy to receive and use them! So if you haven't done so already, subscribe to this site (look in the right hand column), bookmark it or add me to your favorite feed reader! No matter how you do it check back in the next couple days for details on my blogiversary gifts to you! :)

2008 Longmont Outdoor Cinema

The Longmont Film Society's annual outdoor cinema (which is also sponsored by the City of Longmont's Recreation Services and Crackpots) has changed locations this year to Thompson Park! They're showing three movies this year for FREE (yes, really!). The movies start at dusk and concessions will be available. No pets, glass or alcohol please! So, what movies are they showing? Here you go....

Saturday, July 19th - Grease

Saturday, July 26th - Alvin and the Chipmunks

Saturday, August 2nd - E.T.

For more information visit http://www.longmontfilm.org. We'll see you at Thompson Park! :)

Makeover for St Vrain Youth Soccer Association

The St. Vrain Youth Soccer Association is now known as the St. Vrain Football Club and they have a new logo and website to go along with the name change! Check out http://www.stvrainfc.com where you can register online now for Fall youth soccer (age 3 1/2 and above!).

Kids Worm Composting Workshop

I know this is in Boulder but it sounds like it's worth the trip for raising your kids' environmental awareness!

Wednesday, June 11
Kids Worm Composting Workshop
Boulder County Recycling Center
1901 63rd St., Boulder
10:30 - Noon
Please RSVP to 720-564-2242

Explore the wonders of red wiggler worms and how ‘worms can eat our garbage’. Participants will learn how to make a comfortable house for red wigglers, what to feed them and how they make castings that can be used on house plants, flowers and in the garden! Have fun during this hands-on workshop.

All ages welcome with adult.

Directions: At the intersection of 63rd St. and Arapahoe Rd. in Boulder, head north on 63rd St. for ¼ mile to the Boulder County Recycling Center. Turn left into facility and follow signs for Visitors to administration building at the back of the property.

More info on the Silver Creek Soccer Summer Camp

I guess that would be SCSSC? :)

The coach emailed me a pdf and I can't figure out how to upload it here (anyone? :) ) so I'll just give you the important info:

The camp is designed for children ages 3 to 6 who are just learning to play soccer. Coaches Merv Johnson and Harry Corvese along with soccer players from area high schools will work with your kids on passing, trapping, and shooting all in a fun atmosphere with lots of feedback for the kids. Merv Johnson is the head coach for the Silver Creek Lady Raptors' soccer team and Harry Corvese is the assistant coach. The camp will be held on Wednesdays (July 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6 and 13) from 5:30 to 6:30 at Silver Creek High School which is at 4901 Nelson Road. The cost is $60 per child and thereis a 10% discount for siblings. Kids need shin guards, soccer shoes, water, sunscreen and insect repellant. Request a registration form from Merv by emailing mervj66@yahoo.com or call 303-772-4681. Have fun!

Soccer Summer Camp

This was on the BoulderLongmontMoms Yahoo Group today:

"A friend of mine's husband is the girls soccer coach for Silver Creek High School. A group of the girls from the team, along with the coaches, are putting on summer soccer camps at the high school. They are doing one for kids ages 3-6 on Wed evenings from 5:30- 6:30. The camp runs July 9 - Aug 13 and costs $60. They are for all levels of players. They also are running camps for elementary, middle and high school age kids. I signed my son up, and told them I would pass the info along. For more info, just email mervj66@yahoo.com and they can send you registration info."

I emailed and requested more info and will let you know when I hear back!

Music with Madelyn summer concerts

Madelyn and Ernie of Music with Madelyn are playing two summer concerts in Longmont! The first is this Saturday, June 7th, at noon at Sunflower Farms. This one costs $6 per person (under 12 months free) but that admission also gets you access to all the farm fun - lots of animals to see and play with, treehouses, the sand box, tire swings and lots of room to run around! The second is Monday, June 23rd at 1 pm at the Longmont Public Library. This event is free but arrive early to get a ticket and get in line.

If you haven't seen Madelyn and Ernie perform, be sure to catch these or one or her other area concerts! They sing fun, lively, engaging kids songs geared toward the preschool crowd that get everyone up on their feet dancing, jumping and making animal sounds. She also teaches excellent kids classes as well as intro to guitar for parents (which includes tips on how to play while your kids strum!). We still sing songs we learned in her class years ago :) We'll definitely be at one or both of these concerts!

4th of July fireworks

Only one month until the 4th of July! Did summer just sneak up on you like it did me? Anyway, here's some info on the all important fireworks show from the June City Line newsletter:

Annual Firework Show Begins at 9:30 p.m.
The City of Longmont presents its annual FREE fireworks display at the Boulder County Fairgrounds on July 4, 9:30 p.m. Remember that you can be fi ned up to $500 for illegal fireworks use. All fireworks (including sparklers) are illegal on city streets, parks, golf courses, and other public areas. However, legal fireworks may be used with caution on your private property. Illegal fireworks explode or leave the ground. Fireworks stands and stores in Longmont sell only legal fireworks and it is illegal to bring fireworks across the state line. For more information call the Longmont Fire Department at 303-651-8437.

2008 Pet and Doll Parade

The 78th annual Pet and Doll parade will be held Saturday, June 14th, 2008 from 9:30 to noon at Roosevelt Park. The theme is Red, White and Blue (fitting, since it's Flag Day and all). There will be a Critter Costume contest judged by Petco so dress yourself, your dolls and your animals up in crazy outfits and come walk around the park! For more information, see this site.

No...wait...already?!

TWO DAYS of school left?? That's it? Where did the last 9 months go? I'd love to hear what fun, exciting, local plans you have for your kids this summer. Will you spend lazy afternoons at the pool, frolic in the park, keep up on that summer reading at the library, or send the kids off to a summer camp? Whatever you do I hope you come here to find out the latest local kid-friendly events! Post a comment or send me an email if you have any suggestions! :)

By the way, I've really been struggling with "advertising" on this site. Several people have emailed asking for me to post about them (with and without offers of trying their services first) and I don't know what to do! On the one hand, I frequently post about events that I have never attended before and know I'm not going to attend but posting about a public event feels different than posting basically an endorsement of a local business. Know what I mean? I'd love to hear your feedback. Would you like to know about these small, usually mom-owned businesses here in Longmont? Any suggestions on criteria I should use to decide which businesses to post about? What do YOU want when you come here?

Edited to add: Yes, I have that silly Google ad banner in the right hand column but I think I've made a whopping $1.43 off it (and they don't mail you a check until you reach $100 - haha!) so I'm not exactly doing this for the money or looking to get free stuff for myself (for you, yes! Always on the lookout for that!) :) Just wanted to clarify...

2008 Sunrise Stampede

The 23rd annual Sunrise Stampede will be held on June 7th. There are 2 mile and 10K courses available and proceeds go toward the St. Vrain Valley School District's substance abuse and drug awareness program! The races start at Longmont High School, wind their way through the streets of Longmont and both end with a lap on the LHS track. This is a great event for runners, walkers and everything in between! For more information on the races and how to register see their website at http://www.sunrisestampede.com/.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day everyone! I hope you're able to spend some quality time with your mom and/or kids today :) Want some free stuff, too?

Join Moxie Moms before 5/20 and get 2 for 1 - you'll receive a gift certificate for a free year's membership that you can use to either extend your own membership or give to someone else!

Also check out these deals (thanks to Money Saving Mom)...

TCBY - free cup or cone for Mom today! There's a TCBY in Twin Peaks mall and also at the northwest corner of 17th and Hover.

Boston Market - If you sign up for their Mom's Party you get a coupon for free dessert (with meal purchase) that can be used all month!

I know it's just a Hallmark holiday but it is kinda nice to have a day to feel extra appreciated :) There have been whispers in my house for the last few days and a kitchen cabinet I'm not allowed to open so apparently our 4 year old is really getting into Mother's Day this year! It makes me look forward to Father's Day so I can be the one whispering and making secret plans!

FREE movies this summer!

The movie theater at Twin Peaks is offering FREE family movies again this summer! Movies are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am and each day a G and PG movie are shown. Seating is limited and on a first come, first served basis! Here's the schedule...

June 3rd and 4th - Rugrats the Movie (G) and Nancy Drew (PG)
June 10th and 11th - Rugrats in Paris (G) and Shrek the Third (PG)
June 17th and 18th - Charlotte's Web (G) and Flushed Away (PG)
June 24th and 25th - Jimmy Neutron (G) and The Jungle Book (PG)
July 1st and 2nd - Wallace & Gromit (G) and Hook (PG)
July 8th and 9th - The Muppets Take Manhattan (G) and Stuart Little (PG)
July 15th and 16th - Everyone's Hero (G) and Bratz (PG)
July 22nd and 23rd - Pippy Longstocking (G) and Alvin and the Chipmunks (PG)
July 29th and 30th - Doogal (G) and Are We There Yet? (PG)
August 5th and 6th - Mr. Bean's Holiday (G) and Flicka (PG)

Crackpots preschool storytimes

Crackpots offers preschool storytimes over the summer where kids ages two to five can listen to a fun story and then paint a ceramic piece related to the story. These storytimes are offered on most Mondays and Thursdays over the summer from 11 am to about noon (or when you're done painting). Each one costs $12 plus tax per child and reservations are encouraged. The full summer schedule of books and accompanying ceramic pieces can be seen here. Call Crackpots at 303-776-2211 to reserve your child's spot today!

Mayor's Book Club Kickoff Event

Three and four year old kids can join Mayor Roger Lange at the Longmont Public Library on Saturday, May 17th, from 10 am to noon for the kickoff of the 2008 Mayor's Book Club! 500 kids will receive free books each month as well as a book club backpack and t-shirt! For more information contact Shelley Sullivan at 303-774-3762 or see this website (scroll down for book club info).

First ArtWalk of 2008

The first ArtWalk of 2008 will be held on Friday, May 16th, from 6 to 9 pm! This is a great downtown event featuring many artists' work as well as opportunities to create your own art. There will be great food, live music, dance and gymnastics performances, face painting, musical petting zoo, art scavenger hunt and much more! ArtWalk activities take place mostly on Main Street between 3rd and 6th Avenues - see a map of all the activities and locations here. We went to all three ArtWalks last year and had a great time. It's a fun family event!

From ArtWalk's website: ArtWalk is a free evening of art exhibitions, music, live theatre, dance and children’s activities. A collaborative effort between businesses and arts organizations, ArtWalk transforms downtown Longmont businesses into galleries and promotes cultural arts for three fabulous evenings each year.

Fishing and Scouting event

As seen in Eagle Crest's weekly newsletter...

Get Hooked on Scouting!
Saturday, May 17th
9:00 a.m. —12:00 p.m.
Izaak Walton Pond
18 S. Sunset Street, Longmont
Free fishing instruction for kids 15 and under.
Bring your own fishing gear or borrow from the instructors.
Learn about Scouting and Join a Cub Scout Pack!
Thank you to the following community partners: Bennett’s Bait and Tackle, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Chick Clark volunteer fishing hosts, Eagle Claw, and the Longmont Parks and Open Space Division.

Reminder about Cinco de Mayo celebration

I posted before about the Cinco de Mayo celebration in Roosevelt Park tomorrow, Saturday May 3rd from noon to 6 pm but I just found out they have a website if you want to learn more! Go to http://www.longmontcincodemayo.org/ to read about the event which includes music, dance, kids area, health screenings, an opportunity to talk with city council members and even a Chihuahua dog "beauty" contest! :) It looks like the weather will be decent for it too!

Now THIS sounds like fun!

How's this for a fun outdoor summer activity for kids and adults?

Tree Climbing - Dances with Branches (ages 7 and up)

Tree Climbing Colorado offers introductory recreational tree climbing lessons using fun, easy-to-learn, arborist rope techniques, stressing both safety for climbers and protection of trees. All minors must have parent/guardian present. Longmont area park location given after registration.

Fee: $26.00 youth & teen, $29.00 adult
Saturday June 28, 12:30pm - 3pm
Saturday, July 19 12:30-3pm

Register through the Rec Center!

City of Longmont Outdoor Fest

On Saturday May 17th the City of Longmont will sponsor an Outdoor Fest at Union Reservoir. From 10 am to 2 pm there will be demonstrations on rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and more! The regular entrance fee for the reservoir will be waived that day. For more information, see this page: http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/rec/special/index.htm.

Outdoor pools open in less than a month!

I know there is snow in the forecast for the next few days but it's almost May which means the City of Longmont's outdoor pools will be opening soon! Hooray! Here's the schedule:

May 24th - Sunset Pool opens for the summer

May 31st - Roosevelt Activity and Kanemoto Activity Pools open

Click on the links for locations, hours and fees! We're looking forward to some lazy afternoons at the pool! Hopefully we'll see you there :)

Texas Roadhouse 4th anniversary events

From this week's LAVA (Longmont Area Visitor's Association) newsletter:

To celebrate four legendary years in Longmont, CO the Texas Roadhouse invites the community to a week-long celebration:

Monday, May 5: Kids’ Night Pajama Party is the Theme - Kids Eat Free – only on this night!!! The Great Lloydini will perform magic also kids games with prizes (Free kids meal to 12 and under)

Tuesday, May 6: Sports Night - Show team spirit, dress in your favorite team colors or team. Coors will be In the house with prizes!!!

Wednesday, May 7: Wild West Night - Grab your Cowboy boots and 10 gallon hat and come on down.

Thursday, May 8: Retro Night - Come dressed from you favorite decade 60’s, 70’s 80’s or 90’s.

Friday & Saturday, May 9 & 10: Aloha! Hawaiian Weekend - Come spend the weekend at the tropical Texas Roadhouse. Best dressed family wins a dinner for the entire family (valid on next visit). Left Hand Brewery will be in the house giving away prizes on Friday night and Budweiser will be in on Saturday night.

Cinco de Mayo

From today's Longmont eNews...

Please join your neighbors as Longmont Celebrates Cinco de Mayo on May 3, 2008 at Roosevelt Park. The Cinco Planning Committee invites you to the 6th Annual Longmont Celebrates…Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 12pm to 6pm at the Roosevelt Park Pavilion, 910 Longs Peak Ave in Longmont. Music, entertainment, food, booths, and kids activities are part of the fun. Call 303-651-8444 for more information.

We went to this last year and had lots of fun! The music was great and there were fun games and crafts for the kids.

Youth Fishing Derby

Longmont Recreation Center will host a Youth Fishing Derby Sunday, May 4th, 2008 with check-in beginning at 8:30 am. Kids 15 and younger can catch and keep up to four trout. The first clinic begins at 9:00 am and judging will start at 12:00 noon. If the first 50 kids to register participate in all five 10 minute clinics, they'll receive a free fishing pole! Hot dogs, chips and sodas will be for sale. You can pre-register today at the Longmont Recreation Center and with your $5.00 paid entry fee you will receive:
A fishing pole (for first 50 registered)
Catch and keep up to 4 trout
entry into door prize drawings
and a drop in pass to the Longmont Recreation Center

For more info, call 303-774-4800

Free reusable bags at Wal-Mart

Thanks to Mom Advice's Freebie Friday post today: "As part of Earth Month 2008, Wal-Mart and Kellogg’s will be partnering to give away one million custom-made reusable shopping bags on Saturday, April 19th at 8AM local time.

Plastic bags can take as long as 1,000 years to degrade. Wal-Mart sells reusable shopping bags every day made from recycled materials you can use instead, for just $1."

We love our shopping bags and the satisfaction we get each week not throwing away 6-8 plastic bags or watching them pile up in the pantry :) Plus they are easy to carry and hold a lot more!

Child Safety Day tomorrow!

From the Longmont Area Vistor Association's weekly newsletter:

Child Safety Awareness Day hosted by The Kiwanis Club of Longmont - this Saturday, April 12th!
Activities focused on child safety, how to prevent childhood injuries to themselves and others. Safety stations relating to Helmet safety, the latest Colorado State Laws, proper use and installation of child safety car seats, pedestrian safety, how to use the emergency 911 system. Completion of all stations children will be eligible to receive free photo ID, emergency information booklet and purchase a new bicycle helmet for a nominal charge of $5.00. Staff from Longmont United Hospital and Pridemark.
Time and Place: 10:00am to 2:00pm; Twin Peaks Mall Center Court
Info: (303) 772-5789 – This event is FREE

Best Places for Families Poll

Kids' Pages is conducting their latest "Best Place for Families" Poll to determine the best restaurants, birthday party locations, museums, book stores, etc in the Denver Metro area. There are quite a few Longmont places listed (Airborne, Sandcastle Kids, Longmont Recreation Center) but if you have some local favorites that are not listed feel free to type them in the "Other" box for each question. I figure if lots of Longmont businesses get votes then maybe Kids Pages will advertise more Longmont-specific businesses and events! So go vote! Now! :) Did I mention that they're giving away movie tickets and dinner gift certificates to ten participating families? If voting for your favorite Longmont attractions isn't enough, maybe the bribe will work! :)

Furniture Painting Summer Camp

The Painted Poppy is offering two summer camps this year - June 3rd through 6th from 1 pm to 4 pm and July 8th through 11th from 1 pm to 4 pm. Kids will paint their own piece of furniture! Materials and furniture are provided. If you're interested, hurry to register because there are only 10 spots available in each session. Cost is $185 per session and you can register by calling them at 303-485-8270.

Music themed summer camps

Summer Camps with a music theme seem to be in demand this year. The Times Call wrote an article about them (http://www.timescall.com/entertainment/entertainment-story.asp?ID=7536) and it includes a list of more than 10 nearby music camps including Guitars Etc and Mojo's Music Academy right here in Longmont. If your child loves music this would be a fun way to spend some time this summer!

Longmont Athletic Club Summer Camps

Check out the summer camp offerings from the Longmont Athletic Club here: http://www.longmontathleticclub.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=103. They have camps for kids who like cheerleading, basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis and more!

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

The Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA will host Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:30 am to 1 pm. Healthy Kids Day is a free event for families and is open to the entire community. Activities include a family obstacle course, games and sports, a family cooking demo, and fun pool games. Free healthy snacks will be available at the Healthy Kids Café. Families may pick up a free YMCA Healthy Family Home kit too. YMCA Healthy Kids Day is the nation’s largest health day for children, an annual event that supports the healthy growth and development of kids and families.

More on summer camps!

The City of Longmont will host their annual Summer Activities Fair Sunday April 20th from 11am to 4pm at the Longmont Recreation Center (310 Quail Road). There will be representatives from several organizations there to answer questions and provide information on their camps. Be prepared to sign up too - registration forms will be available!

Participating Organizations include Longmont Recreation Center, Colorado Youth Programs, Blue Mountain Ranch, Longmont United Youth Soccer, Fiske Planetarium, Fire Mountain Kids, Longmont Humane Society, Highlands Presbyterian Camp, and Sun Pony Ranch

Also, Longmont Free University published their listing of 2008 Summer Camps. It's the most exhaustive list I've seen for Longmont and nearby towns! Check it out here: http://www.longmontfreeu.org/kids/. There are all kinds of camps listed - tennis, dance, woodworking, horsemanship, astronomy, photography, hockey, golf, anime, yoga, writing, jewelry, computers, drama, math, writing, art, spanish and much much more!

ColoradoKids.com also has a great list of Colorado summer camps here: http://www.coloradokids.com/camps.php.

Archery in the Wild

Looking for a summer sport camp that's not the usual soccer or baseball? How about archery? Archery in the Wild is a Longmont business that sells archery supplies and also provides lessons and hosts leagues and tournaments. They'll be offering summer camps too! Check out their website at http://www.archeryinthewild.com.

More events at the library during Spring Break!

Turns out there's more than just the Sue Schnitzer concert at the library during Spring Break!

On Monday, March 31st, Mark Strivings will present his "Shiver Me Timbers!" show which includes pirates, magic and laughter for all ages. The show time is 1 to 1:45 pm. 125 free tickets will be available starting at 12:30.

On Tuesday, April 1st, they'll have drop-in art time from 10 am to noon and the theme is "April Fool Around with Foam Shapes."

Airborne Gym's summer camps!

Airborne Gym has announced their summer camp info! You can get all the details you need here: http://www.airbornegym.com/2008_Summer_Schedule_Links.htm.

Some of the highlights include:
-camps and classes for kids ages 1 (and walking) through teens
-Junior Olympian (ages 4-6) and Olympian (age 7+) camps featuring 2000 Olympian Tasha Schwikert
-NCAA Gymnastics Camp (ages 7+)
-Angelina Ballerina Camps (ages 2 1/2-4)
-Princess Camps (ages 4-6)
-Half-day combo camps which include a little of everything - gymnastics, dance, rock climbing, crafts, games, outdoor play, etc (ages 4-12)
-plus all their regular gymnastics, dance and climbing classes!

The summer session runs June 2nd through August 16th. Current Airborne Gym members can register starting today and new students can register beginning April 10th!

Their summer pricing format makes it so easy to attend anywhere from 4 to 11 weeks of classes. Obviously the more you attend the cheaper it is per class, but it's so nice to be able to schedule vacations and not worry about missing (and paying for) that week of class. It's so much less commitment than their school year schedule! Our 4 year old attended last summer and can't wait to go back this year!

Sue Schnitzer concert at the Longmont Library

Sue Schnitzer will play a spring concert at the Longmont Library on Wednesday, April 2nd at 10:30 am. 125 free tickets will be handed out beginning at 10 am. This is during St. Vrain's Spring Break so it's bound to be packed! Sue is a very fun kids entertainer - we've enjoyed many of her performances and regularly check out her CDs from the library!

From her website:

"Sue's programs are energetic, entertaining and very interactive. She encourages her audience to sing along, jump, dance, twirl, stamp feet, clap hands, and have fun! She sings folk songs, children's songs, songs about being a cookie, a jack-in-the box, popcorn, being loved and being special. Instruments used may include guitar - acoustic and electric, harmonica, kazoo, ukulele, and assorted percussion instruments including kitchen items."

Register for a Community Garden plot!

Also from the City of Longmont:

Second Start Community Garden

The Second Start Community Garden, located east of Main Street, at 11th Avenue at Baker Street, is taking registrations for the 2008 gardening season. The Second Start Community Garden is an organic garden, with individual garden plots, but shared workdays for common areas, and social events during the growing season. Fees are based on income. To reserve a plot or for more information, contact Joy Kemna at 303-776-3747 or Veronica Sommers at 303-485-6904.

Sounds like a great activity for kids and adults to enjoy together!

Chick Clark Fishing Extravaganza

From the City of Longmont:

Chick Clark Fishing Extravaganza
Saturday, March 22

In association with the Longmont Breakfast Optimists, Division of Wildlife, and Bennett’s Bait, the City of Longmont's Parks and Open Space Division invites kids (15 and younger) and their families to the 5th Annual Spring Fishing Extravaganza on Saturday, March 22 at Izaak Walton Park, 18 S. Sunset.

Bring your fishin’ gear and join us starting at 8:30 a.m. for free fishing, hot dogs and pop, free fishing clinic, raffle and free rods while they last! Sign up for clinic times and information at 303-651-8446.

Arbor Day Celebration

The City of Longmont Parks Department will host their annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 19th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Thompson Park. We went last year and it was a great kid event - they had arborists that helped kids climb and rapel from trees, bucket truck rides, live entertainment and lots of opportunities for kids to learn about trees and protecting our environment. See you there!

Update 4/11/08: Just a few more details from the city: The Arbor Day celebration will be held Saturday, April 19th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Thompson Park located at 4th and Bross. The public is invited to climb a tree, take a bucket truck ride, and enjoy some live entertainment. A $1 lunch will be available along with balloons, wood carving, Smokey the Bear and a tree/rosebush sale. In case of poor weather, the festivities will move to April 26. Call 303-651-8446 for more information.