Six Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend

Although Memorial Day traditions date back to 1868, in the somber days after the Civil War, when Colorado was not yet a state, the holiday has evolved beyond its origins into a celebration of summer's arrival. Americans gather with friends and family to honor fallen soldiers and to enjoy the freedoms that men and women in uniform sacrificed their lives to protect, including live music on the mall, picnics in the parks...and skiing? Here are six events that should give you plenty to do over this holiday weekend.


Ski/Ride at Aspen Mountain
Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29
Aspen
After recent storms dropped eighteen inches of new snow, Aspen Mountain is reopening for skiing and riding Memorial Day weekend. The Silver Queen Gondola will operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for skiing and riding as well as sightseeing, and the Ajax Express chairlift will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for laps on Aspen Mountain’s upper blue runs as well as black runs such as Summit and Blondie’s. “The weekend will offer classic conditions for a Colorado multi-sport weekend with the town green and the mountain white,” says Rich Burkley, vice president of mountain operations for Aspen skiing company. Lift tickets are $42 a day; sightseeing tickets are $21. For more information, call 970-923-1227 or visit aspensnowmass.com.

Memorial Day Weekend in Boulder
Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29
Boulder
If you've lived here a season, you know about the Bolder Boulder race, and may have heard of the Boulder Creek Arts Festival, or even the Duck Race. All of this is part of Memorial Day in Boulder, a thing unto itself. Boulder has a lot to offer throughout the year, and especially in the summer months. But Memorial Day is its heart, and locals know it – even if you participate in the 10K by offering moral support rather than, you know, actually running.

Memorial Day Run and March
Saturday, May 27, 7 a.m.
Douglas County High School
Though Coloradans require little pretense to subject themselves to grueling early-morning runs, fewer occasions are more worthy to sweat through than the Memorial Day Run and March on Saturday, May 27. Citizens, veterans and uniformed active-duty military will engage in a family-friendly race starting at Douglas County High School at 7 a.m. Registrants can participate in a 5K run, a 10K run or a 30K march while raising funds to help feed homeless veterans. Registration prices range from $25 to $60. Visit the Memorial Day March website to register and learn more.

Keep reading for more events.
Water World Opening Weekend
Sunday, May 28, through Monday, May 29, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Water World
Weather has postponed Water World's opening by a day, but you should be able to make a big splash this Memorial Day during Water World's opening weekend. Boasting all the wet and wild waterslide mayhem locals have come to expect from the Federal Heights institution, Water World's summer season is beginning with a special buy-one-get-one-free coupon event, perfect for families and budget-conscious swimmers alike. Simply go to the coupon center and say, "More Value, More Fun," and get a free ticket with the purchase of one full-priced ticket (restrictions apply). Admission prices vary; passes are available from OmniTicket Network.

South Gaylord Memorial Weekend Festival
Saturday, May 27, through Monday, May 29
Old South Gaylord Street
Old South Gaylord will be honoring the memory of soldiers who died serving their country, at a three-day Memorial Weekend Festival starting on Saturday, May 27. The block party will take place on the 1000 block of South Gaylord Street (between Tennessee and Mississippi avenues), with family-friendly entertainment, food and drinks, rides and local vendors. The event begins Saturday evening with live music from 4 to 10 p.m. and continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more on the Facebook events page.

Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners
Monday, May 29, 1:10 p.m.
Coors Field
There's no better way to spend this patriotic holiday than by enjoying America's pastime with loved ones. Though it's relatively early in the season, the Colorado Rockies have been putting their best foot forward (finally) in 2017, leading the National League with 24 wins and 15 losses. The team will be defending its record from its American League rivals, the Seattle Mariners, at 1:10 p.m., on Monday, May 9. Admission prices range from $6 to $135 via Ticketmaster.

For more events, check the Westword calendar.