Littleton Colorado Celebrates a Tradition This Week! 

Are you new to the area?  Have you just relocated to Littleton or another nearby suburb?  If so, you probably don't know what the buzz is about surrounding Littleton's Western Welcome Week.

When I first moved to Highlands Ranch in 1995 (from the other side of Denver), it was the week of Western Welcome Week.  Highlands Ranch, especially the area I lived in, is so close to Littleton that lines and events were often a blur and I spent as much time in Littleton as I did in Highlands Ranch.  I remember seeing the local newspaper's coverage of Western Welcome Week and realizing what a big event it was.  Now in its 79th year, Western Welcome is as big of an event as it ever was. 

Over the years my own family has always looked forward to this week and often attends several of the events throughout the week.  My children's favorite is off course the Grand Parade on the last Saturday of the week.  They love the horses and floats but they have especially loved seeing their peers march as the support and promote their own hobbies and talents.  My son has seen a classmate march as he is a junior dog trainer.  And my daughter has cheered as she has seen neighbors and friends march with their cheer and dance troops.  And this is where my son saw his first tuba up close and said, "That looks really heavy."

After the Grand Parade, Festival Day begins and a combination of an arts & crafts fair with a good balance of entertainment & food.  My wife has always been thrilled to attend the Bemis Library Friends of the Library/Museum Used Book Sale and has often stocked our book shelves with great finds from this sale. 

Here are some tips I have learned over the years if you are going to attend the Grand Parade or Festival Day.  Go early to find parking.  Some of the roads are closed of course for the parade, so to allow you the shortest walk you need to get there early.  And when watching the parade, it would be wise to sit on the side of the street providing you with adequate shade.  It is almost always very hot.  Have fun!

Here is just a sampling of the events that are still to take place this week.  For a full list visit the Littleton's Western Welcome Week.  Each event on their site has a link to more detailed information including specific locations, fees (if any), if advanced tickets are required, etc. 

• Friends of Library/Museum Used Book Sale - today (8/15) - 8/19 - but did begin last week
• 24th All Colorado Juried Art Exhibit - Depot Art Center - today (8/15) - 8/19, also began last week
• Outdoor Family Film, Festival Under the Stars at Aspen Grove - Happy Feet - today 8/15 6pm
• The O'Brien Family Band - 8/16 - front lawn of the Bemis Library
• Pig Roast Dinner & Outback Dance - 8/17 - Littleton Elks Lodge 5:30 pm
• Children's Fire Fighter Parade - 8/18 8:30 am - Main Street, Historic downtown Littleton
• Grand Parade - 8/18 - 10:00 am - Main Street, Historic downtown Littleton
• Festival Day 8:30 am - 5pm 8/18 0 Main Street, Historic downtown Littleton
• The Cannibal Run - 5K & 10K- 8/19 - The Riverfront
• Concert in the Gardens - Chris Daniels & The Kings - Hudson Gardens 8/19 - 6:30pm

See you at the Parade!