A Colorado Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is coming - let's not forget the real reason for the holiday!  So, to start us off, here are a couple of free Memorial Day events that are truly in the spirit of this special day whose origins can be traced back to the end of the Civil War:

Parade & Tribute (Denver)
May 26, 2007
9 AM - free continental breakfast at the Colorado Veterans Memorial - west of the Capitol steps
9:30 AM - Wreath Placement
10 AM - City & County of Denver Memorial Day Parade & Tribute begins at 14th & Court, ends at the review stand near Colfax & Broadway
After Parade (around 11:30 AM):   US Air Force Academy Saber Drill Team, Highlands Ranch Community Chorus, Colorado Irish Pipe Band, and awards and special tributes.

Hometown Heros (Craig)
May 28, 2007 starting at 11 AM
Parade starts at City/VFW Park
There are also a number of free, fun activities all weekend long in Craig, including a car show, parade, street festival, concert, demonstrations by dutch oven cookers, Ute Dancers, Clyde the Trained Buffalo, antique tractor pull, cowboy action shoot, dog agility trials and much more.  Grand Olde West Days schedule of events.

Of course, many will want to also participate in some free, fun activities on this weekend that unofficially kicks-off the summer holiday season.  We aren't going to leave you wondering - we have some ideas for you to enjoy all weekend long:

Boulder Creek Festival (Boulder)
May 26 - 28, 2007 
9th Street to 14th Street (east to west) between Canyon Blvd. & Arapahoe Ave. (north and south)
Six performance stages will feature live music, dance, marital arts, storytelling, and more - with acts that will appeal to people of all ages and tastes.  In addition, there will be booths galore showcasing everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology.  Food and carnival rides are available for a fee.
The signature event is The Great Rubber Duck Race.  Come cheer on the little floaters, or even sponsor one yourself.  There is a requested $5 donation to sponsor a rubber duckie, and proceeds benefit the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation's EXPAND program, which provides recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.  You can sponsor a duck in the race for free, but that's really not in the spirit of the event.

Shakin' at the Basin (Arapahoe Basin)
May 28, 2007 - 1 PM at the ticket office steps
Free, live entertainment in the base area by local jam-band High 5.  This group creates new and exciting sounds at every performance.

Old South Gaylord Memorial Day Weekend Festival (Denver)
May 26 - 28, 2007 - 10 AM to 6 PM (Daily)
The festival features "World Class Music" on the Center Stage. This year's entertainment includes Tempa and the Tantrums, 17th Avenue All stars, Walker Williams Band, Miles Apart Band (Motown Review), Morning Kids Magic Show, Dotsero, Chris Daniels and the Kings plus a special performance by Miller Lite‚s  own Steve Thomas Band and more!
Browse the many booths of fine art, jewelry, pottery, clothing and other products.  There are special areas for children and teens.
Free parking at South High School (Louisiana Ave. & Franklin St.) with free Metro Taxi shuttle service to and from the Festival.