Can we take a minute to appreciate how great the Ralphie's Blast logo is?

America's favorite holiday is rapidly approaching, and it's time to make plans to show a little patriotism towards the great US of A. Not to be a cheerleader, I know this country has its share of problems, but we do have a habit of focusing on the bad parts. Every time we mess up, critics come out of the woodwork. But this Independence Day, let's set aside the negative and just focus on the good. And we are good, really good. The US donates more to charity every year than any other country in the world. As of 2006, we accept more immigrants as citizens than all other countries in the world combined. In the past 70 years, over 80 Americans have won the Nobel Prize in Medicine. We have a 1st amendment that protects almost everyone, so people can live and do and say whatever they please. Over 1/2 of all Americans volunteer every year. We are known for our overwhelming compassion when a crisis situation occurs that is unmatched by any other nation. AND we just pulled through when it matters most- scoring a goal against Algeria in the World Cup, securing a place in the next round and winning our group for the first time since 1930. We must be pretty awesome.

The city of Boulder is showing its spirit by hosting many events on America's birthday. There is, of course, the annual Ralphie's Independence Day Blast on Folsom Field. Live music, entertainment, and a community sing along will be going down on CU's campus, followed by a fireworks show. There is free parking at the 29th St Mall and Downtown parking garages, and free Hop rides up to the event. The event is free as well and gates open at 8 pm.
Earlier in the day, Parenting Place hosts a 4th of July Kid's Parade on the Boulder Municipal Building from 10 am- 12pm. Decorating strollers, wagons, trikes and bikes is highly encouraged. There will be music by Sue Schnitzer, and snacks of bagels and watermelon.

Its always fun to host a barbecue on the 4th, but if you want to leave the meat-cookin' to someone else, there are options from some favorite Boulder restaurants. Centro is hosting a lobster bake, and West End is offering market-style smoked meat platters for small and large groups. As more restaurants release plans, we will post them on our website .

Whether you are celebrating at home or out, take a minute to appreciate where you live. After all, the US is home to the People's Republic of Boulder, the best city in the world, so how bad could it be? On July 5th you can go back to talkin' smack, but next Sunday don a little red, white, and blue, and praise the lord you aren't Algerian.

*Also, can we take a minute to appreciate how great the Ralphie's Blast logo is? (see above)

Say "Sesquincentennial Stroll" Five Times Really Fast.

For this year's July 4th and Boulder's 150th Birthday, the city of Boulder is celebrating with a Sesquicentennial Stroll. The day-long festivities include live music, tasty barbecue, arts and crafts, a bike parade and of course, fireworks.

The day begins at Chautauqua with an official welcome ceremony from 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. followed by the Colorado Music Festival Brass Band with an outside performance accompanied by delicious barbecue in the dining hall. In the spirit of creating a sustainable city, this event will be zero-waste.

From 1:30 - 5:30 you are invited to stroll to six city sights for entertainment, education and fun. Make your way over to the Columbia Cemetery for a "Stroll with the Spirits" from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Or if you're looking for something a little more lively, check out the Fourth of July Children's Bike Parade in Central Park from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. (be there early to decorate). If your in the mood for some dessert after your barbecue, head to the Boulder History Museum for a Boulder birthday cake 1 - 4:30 p.m. While you're snacking wander their "Only in Boulder" exhibit while your tots pan for gold and get artsy. If you're interested in a brief history lesson, make your way to the CU Heritage Center and their "Boulder and CU Through the Years" exhibit from 1 - 4:30 p.m. If you're looking to make your Independence Day a more global experience, stroll down to Pearl Street 3 - 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Boulder's many Sister City communities in Africa, Asia and Central America. Or if you're ready to just sit back and relax with food and friends, join the Bluegrass Concert at Central Park 2 - 5:30 p.m. to enjoy the great Summer sun.

At 8 p.m. make your way to Ralphie's Independence Day Blast at Folsom Stadium for Boulder's 150th Birthday Party, music, and fireworks until 10 p.m.

If you're planning on attending the Sesquicentennial Stroll, park for FREE in Downtown Boulder and taking the HOP to Chautauqua.

Have a happy Fourth!

-Claire Little

It's Monday...Let's Talk This Weekend

It's only Monday but this weekend is gearing up to be a spectacular mix of community events and great weather!

This Friday is Boulder's First Friday, where businesses celebrate the first Friday of each month. It all kicks off with Noon Tunes featuring Flexigrass with Pete Wernick from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Earthwood Gallery opens its July exhibit of Bob Rickard, fine metal artists, from 6 - 9 p.m. Ten20 will be offering a free polish change complete with M&Ms and Sex in the City all day. prAna will join in with an art show of oil painter Bridgid Lupetin. Boulder Theater continues its Beat the Heat Film Series with a showing of Dark Side of the Rainbow at 8 p.m. for a full list of First Friday events, see our events calendar.

If you're not too tuckered out from Friday's events, Downtown Boulder is celebrating Fourth of July (this Saturday) with quite a bang! Start it off with everyone's favorite Farmers' Market followed by a bluegrass concert in the bandshell. Centro, West End Tavern and The Blending Cellar are all hosting special July 4th events: Centro will have a tasty barbeque, West End Tavern will be offering specialty drinks like a pop rock cockatail and a free shuttle to the fireworks, and The Blending Cellar will celebrate with a red, white and sparkling flight. Boulder will also be celebrating its Sesquicentennial with a Sesquicentennial Stroll through several of our favorite historic landmarks. Check our blog on Thursday for more details on this event. And let's not forget the fireworks at Folsom Stadium (gates open 7 p.m.)!

Sunday is a day of recovery with some great live music held at Boulder Draft House, b.side Lounge, Boulder Theater and The Laughing Goat. See our events calendar for

From all of us at Downtown Boulder, we wish you a happy Fourth of July weekend!

- Claire Little