Territory Days 2012 Old Colorado City

In 1859, the settlement of El Dorado became known as Colorado City. Two years later, Colorado City became the first capital of the Colorado Territory. In 1976 during Colorado’s Centennial and American’s Bicentennial celebrations, a little neighborhood craft fair, barbeque, and parade was held to honor this first territorial capital in the region.

Thirty seven years later, Territory Days in Old Colorado City is now a three day Memorial Day weekend street festival.  It plays host to approximately 200 vendors, and has an amazing line up of performers sharing live music, blacksmiths showing off their skills, cowboys performing quick-draw demonstrations, a Native American artist that will teach those interested about war paint.

There will be food, cotton candy, fun, crafts, pony rides, and entertainment for the whole family. For the children, there is a petting zoo, a kids’ play area, toy train rides, gold panning, and much more.  For older ‘kids’ there is a mechanical bull, Native American dancers, two beer gardens, to name but a few.  Full of period-costumed characters, this little town that has a rich Gold Rush history and beautiful turn-of-the-century architecture will host close to 150,000 revelers from across the country in this FREE EVENT.

WHEN:
Memorial Day Weekend ~ May 26th, 27th, and 28th
Saturday and Sunday ~ 10:00 am until 7:00 pm
Monday ~ 10:00 am until 6:00

WHERE:
Colorado Avenue Historic District Between 23rd and 27th Street
Old Colorado City

HIGHLIGHTS:
National Moment of Remembrance for our fallen soldiers ~ Monday, 3:00 PM, Bancroft Park
Casey James, season 9 American Idol runner up ~ Monday afternoon, Bancroft Park
J T Hodges, soulful heartthrob ~ Sunday, 4:30 pm, Bancroft Park
The popular Lakota Sioux group Brule ~ all three days at the top of every hour at the 25th Street stage

FREE SHUTTLE:
You are encouraged to ride the FREE SHUTTLE from either Coronado High School at Fillmore Hill at Mesa, or Rock Ledge Ranch at Garden of the Gods. Provided as a service from the Old Colorado City merchants to help shield you from very expensive parking tickets and parking hassles, the FREE SHUTTLE will run every 15 minutes throughout all three days during Territory Days 2012 Old Colorado City.

Territory Days 2012 Old Colorado City was written by Mimi Foster

Old Colorado City First Friday ArtWalk

On the first Friday of each month, the art galleries in Old Colorado City host an ArtWalk.  It is a charming evening of carefree strolling and visiting and appreciating the talents of many of the local artists.  Last evening started out with a severe thunderstorm which kept people away for the first hour or so.  But then the skies were clear and it was a perfect Colorado late summer night, and people started showing up and engaging and wandering.  It was a wonderful, peaceful, enjoyable evening.

My husband and I ran away went, saw many friends, and were joined by my niece towards the end of the evening.  We topped off an enjoyable evening with dinner on the patio at Tapateria, until another late night thunderstorm drove us inside.  I tried to get a good cross section of photos of the offerings. 

But I definitely need lots and lots more work and education on slideshows and videos, friends.  I took lots of pictures, but obviously I do not have the foggiest idea about making a slide show.  Nothing worked the way it was supposed to, then I thought I had figured it out but the music didn't last thru the whole thing and I REALLY didn't like the transition, and the whole thing turned out awful. 

Obviously I have a lot more to learn, but we are taking my daughter to the State Fair to meet Selena Gomez tonight, so I will do a better job on the next one.  And my new camera has a software glitch that will upload videos to my husband's computer, but not to mine.  So lots of learning still to go.

ArtWalk Old Colorado City

First Friday

There are three Labor Day Events that I am really excited about ~ the Balloon Glow (some of our fondest memories), the First Friday ArtWalk (because of the atmosphere), and the Vintage Baseball Game (because I’m gonna take my grandsons).  The others sound good, too, but those are the ones I’m most looking forward to.

The ArtWalk in Old Colorado City is going to be a relaxing and appealing evening.  There are numerous art galleries and studios that will be hosting FREE RECEPTIONS this Friday, September 2, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  It is held two miles west of Downtown Colorado Springs in the heart of Old Colorado City along Colorado Avenue between 23^rd and 27^th Streets.

All of the shops are within walking distance of each other, and many galleries will have unique demonstrations throughout the evening.  The artistic styles are as diverse as the individual artists themselves.

Visitors will be treated to something special at each participating gallery, and you will have the opportunity to meet a beautiful blend of artists displaying such talents as photography, original paintings, prints, ceramics, glassworks, sculptures, and jewelry.  You will have the opportunity to not only speak with the artists, but you may also purchase their works if you so desire.

Art on the Avenue is a program to teach people of all ages about visual arts and culture in Old Colorado City and Colorado Springs.  It is coordinated by local galleries in Old Colorado City, and is instrumental in promoting this fete.

Come enjoy the charm of strolling the enchanting streets of Old Colorado City for this First Friday ArtWalk, and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts.

Galleries hosting receptions:

• All that Glitters
• Arati Artists Gallery
• Cucuru Gallery Café
• Hunter-Wolff Gallery
• Michael Garman Museum
• Pine Creek Art Gallery
• Range Gallery
• Karibu African Imports
• Simpich Showcase
• The Second Floor Studios
• The Squash Blossom
• Thunder Mountain Trading Company
• Velez Galleries
• A Call to Life
• Colorado Copper
• Yobel Market
• Kathleen McFadden’s Range Gallery

The First Friday ArtWalk is made possible thru the generosity of the following sponsors:  Colorado Springs Style Magazine * Paravicini’s Italian Bistro * Front Range Bar-B-Que * Fox 21 * Old Colorado City Associates * Dat’s Italian * Historic District Merchants * Motif Jazz Bistro * The Westside Pioneer

ArtWalk Old Colorado City First Friday was written by Mimi Foster

Old Colorado City has a lot of history. Unless you go through guide books, or have a historian along, you might not catch the interesting bits of information and history that make this part of Colorado Springs so special.

Jump into a horse-darwn carriage to get an in-depth tour of this fascinating area and feel the breeze on warm summer days. The rides start and end at Bancroft Park in the center of Old Colorado City, leaving the park every hour on the hour from noon to 5pm Wednesday through Sunday.

The carriage and horses are part of the Academy Riding Stables. 

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Come take a walk through the streets of Old Colorado city and enjoy great music, food, and entertainment as Territory Days kicks off the official start of summer fun for Colorado Springs.  May 28^th-May 30^th starting at 10 AM the streets of Old Colorado City are filled with the sights, sounds, and delicious smells from over 180 vendors as locals and guests enjoy the free festivities replicating the daily life of the Wild West. 

The festival has grown to one of the largest gatherings in the state of Colorado over Memorial Day weekend.  Staying within the theme of the Wild West this year there will be the Fast-Draw competition, a Wild West Gunfight, the mechanical bull, and gold panning demonstrations. 

For the younger ones the pony rides, petting zoo, kid's zone, and miniature train rides are sure to please.  Educational opportunities exist with a visit to the Hawk Quest booth where visitors can learn about this non-profit organization that teaches about the importance of the Hawk, Owls, Falcons, and Eagles in the local ecosystem.  Photos with these amazing birds are also available at the Hawk Quest booth.  

The event is a rare opportunity to experience the musical talents of several artists including the sweet sounds of Inka Gold sharing the traditional music from the Andes Mountains. For the blues lover the Jake Loggins Band will be performing and for those needing a more traditional country sound the Black Rose Band will be on hand.  These are only a few of the many artists performing over the weekend. 

Territory Days is the favorite annual event for locals and a rare treat for visitors lucky enough to be in Colorado Springs over the Memorial Day weekend. It's a great way to spend the day outdoors enjoying the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Old West Colorado. 

Colorado Springs Housing Market Report for Old Colorado City Homes, Single Family

Neighborhoods Include:  Crown Hill Mesa, Colorado City, and Old Colorado City

Zip code 80904, 80905, 80903

Search for homes in Old Colorado City Area Colorado Springs

Here's a quick summary of the 2010 and 1st quarter of 2011 Real Estate Market for Old Colorado City:

• Pricing increased by 4% from 2010 to 2009
• Number of homes sold decreased by 13% from 2010 to 2009
• Days on Market increased by 9% from 2010 to 2009
• Pricing has decreased 7% for the 1^st quarter of 2011

Least Expensive Sale in area: 

• 321 W. Monument                                                                    
• 45,000
• Square Feet 920
• Area:   Cahns

Most Expensive Sale in the area:

• 1282 Gold Hill Mesa
• $349,900
• Square Feet:  3996
• Area:  Gold Hill Mesa

This Colorado Springs Real Estate report contains information on Single Family homes in Old Colorado City area Colorado Springs

This information is taken from the Pikes Peak Realtor Services Corp and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent, An Expert You Can Trust

Selling Real Estate in the Colorado Springs area, including Monument,  Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake

  www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com, www.KathyTorline.com