The Bolder Life: Local Ways to Spend Your 3 Laborless Days

Don’t let the recent heat wave in Colorado fool you—summer is officially on its last leg, and what better way to bid it farewell than a three-day weekend full of fun, sun, and time away from the office. For most, Labor Day Weekend offers the chance to take that last camping trip to the mountains or hit the beach with the kids one last time, but for many, Labor Day 2011 will be spent in their own backyards—grilling free-range, organic hamburgers served with produce grown in their own gardens.  If you’re planning on sticking close to home this weekend, here’s a list of fun, local ways to celebrate the end of summer without leaving the county.

Louisville’s 76^th Annual Labor Day Parade (September 2-5th)

What’s more American than throwing an annual parade to say goodbye to summer and celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the United States ? The City of Louisville is throwing their 76^th annual Labor Day Parade on Saturday morning which kicks off at 10 a.m. on the corner of Main and Lafayette streets. Other weekend activities include: a pancake breakfast, car show, horseshoe tournament, pie contest and dog show. Click here for more details and a complete list of events.

Rudi’s Organic—Boulder Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & 10 K (September 5^th)

So you’re the responsible, athletic type—and do things like run marathons in your spare time. If this sounds like you, then you need to hurry and register for one of the races being held on Monday at the Boulder Reservoir. Full marathon, half marathon, 10 k… pick your poison and enjoy 85 degree weather as you spend your Labor Day giving your running shoes a mini tour of Boulder County.  Click here for race details and registration info.

Fishing

No need to wait for hours in backed-up traffic to find the great outdoors—just visit one of the many lakes and rivers in Boulder County to get your wilderness fix in. Check out the Front Range Anglers website for updates and tips on recommendations on flies and places to fish. Boulder Creek, Clear Creek and McCall Lake… grab your rod and reel, take the family, and make a day of it.

Labor Day Celebration at Nissi’s (September 4^th)

Do you usually skip Sunday night music in an effort to successfully tackle your Monday morning obligations? Well it’s a good thing that you have Monday off, because Nissi’s in Lafayette has invited AOA- Arrive on Arrival out for a big Labor Day Celebration! Tickets are only $5.00 which means you’ll have more to spend on Nissi’s extensive and delicious food menu. Visit Nissi’s website for my info on the band. 

Boulder Creek Hometown Fair (September 3-5th)

Close out a fantastic summer events season in Boulder with the 13^th Annual Hometown Fair, located in Central Park and the Boulder Public Library Lawn. This fair will feature over 100 arts and crafts exhibits along with a food court, beer garden, live music, chili inferno cook-off and The Great Zucchini Race in which kids get to decorate giant zucchinis, add wheels to them, and race them down the Great Zucchini Ramp. (Sadly, I’m too old to compete in this event, so zucchini racing will have to be a spectator sport for me this Labor Day…). This event runs all weekend and has a little something for everyone.

 And if you have your heart set on leaving town…

Check the CDOT website for a breakdown of current travel conditions along with tips for making it a safe holiday weekend on the road. Traffic between the hours of noon-8 p.m. typically tends to be the worst on Friday and Monday, so plan accordingly, drive safely, and have a great Labor Day Weekend!!