Things to Do in Colorado Springs This Weekend: July 27-29, 2012

Here in Colorado Springs, we’ve been struck with Olympic fever!  As the home of the U.S. Olympic Training Center, we’re watching what’s happening in London right now with great anticipation.  This Friday evening, in fact, our community is hosting an Olympic celebration in downtown Colorado Springs.  Read on for details on this event, plus other ideas for how to enjoy your precious weekend.

Get ready to watch your favorite athletes compete at this Friday’s Olympic celebration.

• Olympic Celebration — Friday, 4-10 pm, downtown Colorado Springs.  This free community party, which will include fireworks and a special torch lighting, will coincide with NBC’s broadcast of the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in London, which will be displayed on a 15×27-foot high-definition video screen at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Tejon Street, in front of the U.S. Olympic Committee headquarters.  As American athletes get ready to represent our country in London, Colorado Springs citizens here in “Little London” will don red, white, and blue in support of Team USA. Two entertainment stages will feature music, performances, and interviews with local celebrities, including Olympians and Paralympians from past games.  Other family-friendly activities will also be available, such as autograph sessions with Olympians and Paralympians, performances by Maximum Velocity (a high-flying BMX performance stunt team) and the Flying Aces All-Stars (Olympic and world champion acrobatic athletes performing some of the coolest trampoline tricks around), a synthetic “ice” rink, kids’ tennis, and a children’s gravity play area.  The festivities will close with a breathtaking fireworks display off a downtown rooftop.
• Baseball:  Colorado Springs Sky Sox vs. Fresno Grizzlies — Saturday, 6:05 pm, and Sunday, 4:05 pm, Security Service Field (formerly Sky Sox Stadium).  On Saturday, the first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a Carlos Gonzalez bobblehead.  On Sunday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a fleece blanket, and hot dogs will be available for just 50 cents.  Tickets for Saturday’s game start at $8 each, and tickets for Sunday’s game start at $5.
• Adult Bingo Night — Saturday, 6-9 pm, Garden of the Gods Club.  Our Members are invited to join us this Saturday for a fun evening of dinner and bingo.  This event is priced at just $25 per person ($5 cash for game card).  Cash prizes will be available.

The El Paso County Fair features family-friendly activities like carnival rides.

• El Paso County Fair — Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm, El Paso County Fairgrounds (Calhan, CO).  Featuring a petting zoo, arts and crafts, a carnival, and more, the fair offers good ‘ol fashioned family fun.  Admission is $7 with a $2 discount for seniors 55+, a $4 discount for children ages 3-12.  Children under 3 will be admitted for free.
• Fiddles, Vittles, and Vino — Sunday, 2-8 pm, Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.  Fiddles, Vittles and Vino is an annual event that takes place at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic site, featuring live bluegrass music and a grand tasting involving independent local restaurants as well as a plethora of wine and beer vendors. Proceeds from the festival are donated to Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site.