In the past, Arvada Days has been about embracing the old ways and “taking a walk back in time,” Nina Piccinini of the Arvada Festivals Commission said.
But with its third annual celebration on the horizon, the city plans to spice things up by embracing the old and the new, throwing different ideas that could become traditions into the mix.
“We love the concept of good old-fashioned family fun, so now it’s really about evolving the event,” she said. “We’ve made some changes this year.”
The free festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Clear Creek Valley Park, 5900 N. Tennyson St.
For the first time, the event will include a Dutch Oven Cook-Off in which participants may cook or bake any dish in a Dutch oven. Teams of up to five people may participate together, and the competition is open to both children and adults.
Registration for the cook-off was still open as of Aug. 8. Piccinini encouraged those interested to register as soon as possible to ensure they secure a spot in the competition.
Meanwhile, with the establishment of another new event, guests can sample beers from Boulder’s Avery Brewing at the Arvada Days Beer Garden. All proceeds from beverage sales will go to Hope House, an Arvada nonprofit dedicated to providing housing, education and other services to teenaged and young adult mothers.
“Hope House was a nonprofit we helped a couple years ago, and they helped tremendously with volunteers and logistics,” said Brenda Hergenreder, special events coordinator with the city. “We really wanted to push this event and get more people out, and we felt they would be a good fit.”
Lisa Steven, executive director of Hope House, said the event showcases just one way the Arvada community has shown support for the nonprofit.
“Community support makes all the difference for our teen moms, who are working hard to break the cycle of poverty and give their children a bright future,” she said.
Piccinini invited the entire community out for the beer garden, train rides, competitions, petting zoo and a “time of simplicity and coming together.”
“Kids are getting back to school, and it’s one of the last events of the summer,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy some sun and get out with the community.”
