Longmont Mom

Under Construction

2009-11-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I'm playing around with the blog today :) Bear with me as I tear it up!

Sunflower Farms Winter Program

2009-10-30T12:41:00.001-06:00

From an email from Bren Frisch of Sunflower Farms:

"We are moving onto winter quarter at the Sunflower Farm SproutHouse

Classes are almost full! Don’t hesitate.

Ages: 2-6+
Choose one class per week or several.
M, W, F 9-1 pm —— $52
M, W, F 1:30 to 4:00 —— $25
T/TH 9-2:30 —— $68

This is an early childhood outdoor nature program. We connect children to nature and animals through synergy while cultivating creativity and risk taking in a small group setting. Even on cold days we bundle up and walk the farm, feed animals, build snowmen, collect eggs, climb the giant tree house, catch toads or follow bugs. Inside activities include books, puzzles, blocks and our large recycled creative art building where children choose from painting, woodworking, sculpting, fabric art, sensory materials and more! Parents are welcome to stay or drop-off.

Sunflower Farm
11150 Prospect Rd.
Longmont, CO 80504
303-774-8001

www.sunflowerfarminfo.com"

We love this program and highly recommend it!

November Rope World

2009-10-30T12:27:00.001-06:00

Rope World is part of the PE program at Rocky Mountain Elementary and several times throughout the year they open it up to the public. There are lots of ropes to climb, swing from, and crawl over and kids love it! Here's the schedule for November - http://ropeworldfun.wordpress.com/calendar/. This is such a fun and relatively cheap way to spend an hour!

They also host birthday parties, this time on Saturday November 7th, which you can schedule by calling 303-772-8402 between 8 am and 7 pm.
Birthday Party Fee: $4.00 each child (minimum $60, $30 non-refundable deposit required)

Rocky Mountain Elementary is located at 800 East 5th Ave. which is just West of Pace on 5th Ave. See you there!

BOO it's Halloween!

2009-10-29T23:53:00.003-06:00

Oh poor neglected LongmontMom blog. Anyone know where I can find a few more hours in the day? :)

Anyway...

Halloween is Saturday! Looking for fun stuff to do in and around Longmont? Great! Here's what I know:

Longmont Halloween Parade - Line up at 9:30 at Roosevelt Park and then parade your adorable costumes down Main Street. Follow that up with Trick or Treating at the shops along Main and it's a perfect way to spend Halloween morning! Here's a link to the parade route in case you feel like watching instead of walking!

Dia de los Muertos - The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center hosts it's annual Day of the Dead Celebration on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. From their website: "Music, dancing, singing, sugar skull decorating, traditional food, community altars, paper flower making, Día de los Muertos tattoos, and more. Free Admission.

Courtyard Entertainment
11:30 am –12:30 pm......Kalpulli Mitotilitztli Aztec Dance Group
1 – 1:45 pm....................Canciones de Mi Tierra and Coro San Juan
2 – 2:45 pm....................Alternatives for Youth Folklorico Dancers"

Halloween Events at Twin Peaks Mall - We've Trick or Treated in the mall in the past, but that was back when there were stores there! Ok, there are still a few left but I'm not sure how well attended this one will be! There will be a kiddie carnival for kids under 12 in the North Court by Pretzelmaker from 4 to 6 pm including games, music and activities. Then there's mall wide Trick or Treating from 6 to 8 pm. Also a costume contest near Pretzelmaker at 7 pm (registration for this starts at 5, full face masks not permitted). For the bigger kids (over 10), there's also an "Edgar Allan Poe Haunted House" from 5 to 11 pm on both Friday and Saturday nights. It's located next to the movie theater!

Safe Halloween Night at the Longmont Recreation Center - Visit the Rec Center from 6 to 8:30 pm Saturday for carnival games and boat rides in the pool. This one is best for kids 10 and under.

And an outside of Longmont event? The Munchkin Masquerade, Trick or Treating down Pearl Street in Boulder, has been postponed to Sunday, November 1st, from 1 to 4 pm. More than 60 stores will have candy and activities! Get a map at the Daily Camera parking lot (10th and Pearl) before heading out.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Longmont Fire Muster on Saturday

2009-08-14T10:01:00.001-06:00

Just found out about this fun event happening tomorrow and you can bet our family will be there!

Longmont Fire Dept turns 100 years old and is 'mustering' up a parade and party this weekend!

The City of Longmont's Fire Dept is celebrating by throwing a "muster" this weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of it's great fire department and lots of fire trucks (old and new) will be on display. A parade and open house will be held.

Schedule for the Longmont Fire Muster this weekend, Saturday August 15th:

PARADE - 9am - Main Street south from Longs Peak to 3rd Avenue.

TERRY STREET STATION OPEN HOUSE - 1:00pm - 3:00pm - Longmont's newest fire station. While preserving many pieces of Longmont history, the use of alternative energy and resource conservation features were a priority in constructing this building. The new station is home to a three-person engine crew, a four-person ladder crew, a two-person ambulance, and the on-duty chief officer.

FIRE BLOCK - 10am-2pm - Fire safety education on 4th between Main and Coffman. Vehicles from parade set up on Coffman between 4th and 6th. Fire department demonstrations at 4th/Coffman:

10:00am - Repelling Demonstration

10:30am - Steam Engine Display

11:00am - Fire Sprinkler System Demonstration

11:30am - Bomb Trailer Demo

12:00pm - Vehicle Extrication Demonstration

12:30pm - Steam Engine Display

1:00 pm - Bucket Brigade

For more info, go to:
http://www.ci.longmont.co.us/fire/

2009 Boulder County Fair

2009-07-31T17:40:00.002-06:00

The Boulder County Fair started today and runs through Saturday, August 8th! There are far too many events to list them here so head on over to their website and check out the Events listing. You'll also definitely want to check out the Kids Schedule which is chock full of free activities for the kids including scavenger hunts, story times, make n takes and more! You can even download an Excel format master schedule with every possible fair related event on it!

A few of our can't miss events:

Longmont Rotary Club Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, August 1st
6:30-9:30 am
4th and Kimbark
$7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger

Boulder County Fair Parade
Saturday, August 1st
10 am
Can't seem to find the exact route online but they line up at Roosevelt Park and then make their way down Main Street (perhaps to 3rd?) and then back up Coffman. Full of bands, color guards, floats, horses, tractors, you name it! Great fun for the kids :)

We'll also go to the Carnival (probably Wednesday when it's a little cheaper!), see all the animals, hopefully do some mutton bustin (eek!), and watch some auctions. No, we're not buying livestock any time soon but our oldest thinks being an auctioneer is one of the coolest jobs on the planet :)

There's really no excuse not to go with free parking and free admission! See you there :)

School Supply Lists

2009-07-20T14:25:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again, time to stock up on crayons and pencils and backpacks and such! FYI, you can find the school supply lists for St. Vrain Valley schools on their website so you can start shopping those fun sales :) This is our first official year doing back to school shopping (eek I'll have a kindergartner!) and I'm looking forward to it!

Summer 2009 Rope World

2009-07-19T14:05:00.003-06:00

Rope World is part of the PE program at Rocky Mountain Elementary and several times throughout the year they open it up to the public. There are lots of ropes to climb, swing from, and crawl over and kids love it! Here's the schedule for July and August:

Weekdays: Monday, July 27th through Friday, August 7th

TIMES:
9:30 -10:25 2 yrs – 3rd Grade
10:30 -11:25 2 yrs – 3rd Grade
2:10 – 3:05 2 yrs – 3rd Grade
3:15 – 4:10 2 yrs – 3rd Grade
Fee: $4.00 / visit

They also host birthday parties, which you can schedule by calling 303-772-8402 between 8 am and 6 pm.
Fee: $4.00 Each (minimum $60)
Monday, July 27th through Friday, August 7th from 11:30 to 12:30

Rocky Mountain Elementary is located at 800 East 5th Ave. which is just West of Pace on 5th Ave.

Oops! Outdoor Movies

2009-07-19T13:25:00.002-06:00

I put these on the calendar (scroll to the bottom of the blog) but forgot to post about them! Last night was the first of three outdoor movies this summer in Thompson Park. Next Saturday they'll be showing Goonies and the following Saturday, August 1st, they'll show The Princess Bride. Movies start around 8 or when it's dark enough to see the movie on the screen. It's FREE and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening hanging out with friends on the shady grass of Thompson Park! Don't forget the bug spray :) See here for more info.

Rhythm on the River this weekend

2009-07-09T22:07:00.003-06:00

One of our family's favorite Longmont events starts tomorrow - Rhythm on the River. This FREE festival with great food, music and entertainment runs Friday 5-8:30 pm and Saturday 7 am to 8:30 pm at Roger's Grove. There is free parking at the Boulder County Fairgrounds and stroller friendly shuttles to take you over to Roger's Grove.

There are so many fun things packed into that short time that I just have to direct you to the city's website about it. Our favorites include the music, climbing on city trucks, the pancake breakfast, and the many many kids events - rock climbing, bike course, jumpy castles, puppet shows, art projects, food from lots of local restaurants, etc, etc. It's a great way to spend a day in Longmont!

The 4th is on Saturday!

2009-06-30T18:52:00.002-06:00

This Saturday is the 4th of July which means you need the 411 on area 4th events, right? Here's some info on shows close to Longmont but if you'll be somewhere else in Colorado that day check out metromix.com for a good list.

Longmont - Boulder County Fairgrounds
The Longmont 4th of July Fireworks Display is free and begins at 9:30 pm at the Boulder County Fairgrounds (Hover & Boston). There is no parking at the fairgrounds so you'll need to join the herds of people in nearby parks or parking lots. Everyone has their favorite place but generally within one mile is best for viewing. Also, the Times-Call says this is supposed to be the best fireworks in years and, since they haven't been the greatest recently, I'm really looking forward to it! Here is the official Longmont fireworks page where you can read more about legal vs. illegal fireworks too!

Boulder - Folsom Field
The fireworks at Folsom Field are always a hit. See this page for info on parking, what you can and can't bring, etc.

Niwot
7:30-10:30 Pancake Breakfast in Cottonwood Square
11 am Parade from Cottonwood Square through downtown (kids and pets encouraged!)
11:30 - 3 Walking Tours, Kids Games, Live Music
More info one Niwot's Calendar of Events page

Elsewhere
I've heard the events and fireworks in Firestone are fun but we haven't checked them out yet.
Estes Park always has a great show over Lake Estes plus a pancake breakfast, music and classic car show if you want to make a day of it. There are also shows in Ward (who not surprisingly doesn't have a website! ha!) and Nederland that have a bit more small town feel.

Crackpots Preschool Stoytimes for Summer 2009

2009-06-11T23:57:00.001-06:00

Crackpots offers preschool storytimes over the summer where kids ages two to five can listen to a fun story and then paint a ceramic piece related to the story. These storytimes are offered on most Mondays and Thursdays over the summer from 11 am to about noon (or when you're done painting). Each one costs $12 plus tax per child and reservations are encouraged. The full summer schedule of books and accompanying ceramic pieces can be downloaded here. Call Crackpots at 303-776-2211 to reserve your child's spot today!

FREE movies at Twin Peaks 2009

2009-06-11T23:46:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the delay posting about this! Be sure to check out the Free Family Film Festival at the Twin Peaks Mall United Artists Theater at 10 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! Here is the schedule of remaining movies...

Twin Peaks 10

06/16/2009-06/17/2009
Mr. Bean's Holiday (G)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

06/23/2009-06/24/2009
Charlotte's Web (G)
Igor (PG)

06/30/2009-07/01/2009
Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Nim's Island (PG)

07/07/2009-07/08/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
City Of Ember (PG)

07/14/2009-07/15/2009
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)
Inkheart (PG)

07/21/2009-07/22/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

07/28/2009-07/29/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Hotel For Dogs (PG)

08/04/2009-08/05/2009
Doogal (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

Pet and Doll Parade this Saturday

2009-06-11T23:36:00.002-06:00

Don't forget Longmont's annual Pet and Doll Parade is this Saturday at 10 am at Roosevelt Park! Bring your kids and their stuffed friends for a walk around the Roosevelt Park loop followed by a free popsicle! Wagons and strollers (especially decorated ones) are welcome. This year's theme is Under the Big Top and there will be clowns, jugglers, balloon sculptors and painters. See this page for a few more details!

BounceTown Family Night

2009-06-11T23:28:00.001-06:00

Bouncetown is hosting a Family Night this Friday from 5pm - 8pm. They will be serving FREE Cold Stone Ice Cream for everyone! Moms, Dads, Grandmas, Grandpas and more are all welcome and are FREE as usual. $8 per child. Call for more details. 303-774-9550.

ArtLink tonight!

2009-05-15T13:25:00.001-06:00

My life has been crazy busy lately but I wanted to take a moment to remind you about ArtLink (the event formerly known as ArtWalk) tonight! It's a great family friendly event on Main Street, which will be closed from 3rd to 9th tonight for it! Hope to see you there! If you need more info, here's a link to my original post about it.

Video about Longmont Farmer's Market

2009-05-03T00:18:00.004-06:00

Here's an interesting video about the Longmont Farmer's market! It includes great info on local farms, why buying locally is good for everyone, the challenges local farms are facing and how you can support them! If you're reading this through a feed reader or email you may need to click here to view the video.

Movie and a Makeover at Twin Peaks

2009-05-01T23:23:00.001-06:00

From the Twin Peaks Mall website...

Movie & a Makeover for Mom
May 3 – May 9

Enter for a chance to win a variety of prizes, including the following:

4 movie tickets to United Artists theater
Haircut & Style from Master Cuts
Gift pack from Master Cuts
“Day of Pampering” from Dillards
Manicure & Pedicure from Nail Elegant
Jean Fitting from The Buckle
Gift certificates from Mobile 1 and Verizon
Kingman mine turquoise necklace from Art & Soul
Kay Jewelers

The first 100 entrants will receive gift bags containing merchant coupons and items.

Enter to win at the Security/Information booth in South Court.

(Winners will be announced on May 10th)

Longmon Farmer's Market

2009-04-29T22:43:00.002-06:00

Here's one event that won't be canceled because of a little rain - The Longmont Farmer's Market opens this Saturday!

Boulder County Fairgrounds
Hover Rd. and Boston Ave, Longmont CO.
Hours of operation: Saturdays 8am - 2pm
May 2 - Oct 31, 2009

For more information see their website!

Spring Awakening at Sandstone Ranch

2009-04-29T22:38:00.001-06:00

From a City webpage...

Experience Sandstone Ranch through the seasons – May 2, 2009 Spring Awakening

Bring a snack or plan a picnic lunch at Sandstone Ranch Visitor Center on May2, 2009 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We are having an Open House to greet the spring and have many fun activities planned. Come hear our resident beekeeper, Don Potratz talk about the bee hives at 10:30 am followed by Leslie Lewis talking about pollinators. There will be guided nature tours and house and barn tours, old time games such as jacks, jump rope, hopscotch, marbles, bean bag toss and others. Visitors can help plant part of the garden. We hope that you will come back when we are normally open or to one of our other public events to check on the status of the garden. The produce from the garden is donated to the OUR Center.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

2009-04-29T22:29:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately the forecast for Saturday once again includes rain but perhaps this event will still happen?

7th Annual Longmont Cinco de Mayo celebration
When: Saturday, May 2nd from 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Roosevelt Park (Longs Peak Avenue & Coffman Street)

Enjoy the Chihuahua Dog contest, specialty and information booths, New Car Exhibit, live entertainment, and delicious food booths!

Lots of fun for the whole family - they usually have fun crafts and freebies for the kids!

For more information, contact Mary Vigil, Cinco de Mayo Planning Committee Chair, at 303-776-8184.

Free pretzel at Pretzelmaker on Sunday 4/26

2009-04-24T23:05:00.002-06:00

I haven't been to the mall for a while - do any of you know if the Pretzelmaker is still there? Well, if they are, you can get a free pretzel there this Sunday (4/26) to celebrate National Pretzel Day. See details here.

Arbor Day Celebration Rescheduled

2009-04-17T16:48:00.001-06:00

Due to the "storm" we're having the Arbor Day Celebration scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday the 18th, has been canceled and rescheduled for Saturday, April 25th. Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative then!

Little Builders FREE family drop-in

2009-04-13T10:25:00.002-06:00

One of the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center's upcoming exhibits is called Little Builders. It will feature hands on activities including building structures with blocks, bricks and pipes as well as learning about weight, size, gravity and balance. The exhibit runs from May 23rd to August 2nd but they have a FREE family drop-in day on Wednesday, May 27th, from 10 to noon! This event will include free hard hats for the first 250 kids from Longmont Power and Communications and cool construction equipment on display outside!

ArtLink (formerly ArtWalk)

2009-04-13T09:50:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite summer events has a new name! What used to be known as ArtWalk is now known as ArtLink. It's an event held along Main Street on three Friday nights during the summer - this year it will be on May 15th, July 17th and September 18th from 6 to 9 pm. It's a fun evening of live entertainment, art exhibitions, children's activities, dancing and more!