THE GOVERNOR'S NEWSLETTER |
Happy 4th of July and 250th Birthday, America |
250 years, a quarter of a millennia. That’s a long time. That’s how old (or young!) our country, the United States of America, is this July 4th. It’s no surprise that we are undergoing a bit of a midlife crisis. The story of our nation is one of progress as the basic promise of life, liberty, and property grew to include more Americans regardless of race, gender, faith, who we love, or who we are. Now, at the highest levels, our republic is being tried and debased. I’m eternally hopeful that whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and that as we navigate through these testing times we will emerge into a new American resurgence of spirit, prosperity, and peace. The great
American experiment has just begun. Happy 4th of July, Friends!
- Jared Polis
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Colorado is home to 43 amazing state parks that offer recreational opportunities. Fire conditions are currently impacting Horsethief State Wildlife Area and Loma Boat Launch State Wildlife Area. All other state parks are open and welcoming to visitors for the holiday weekend. Many areas of our state are open for business but Coloradans and visitors are reminded to understand which areas are impacted by fires and what restrictions are in place, and recreate safely.
This year, Colorado is also celebrating 250 years of American independence and 150 years of Colorado statehood. The America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission has launched new ways to explore our state, including the Colorado Passport Program, which incentivizes exploring Colorado’s attractions, businesses and hidden gems, and Stories in the Sky
, a drone show series that brings nearly 150 awe-inspiring drone shows to communities across the state. Find other events across the state at the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission statewide calendar of events.
During the summer months, Colorado draws visitors from around the world to explore the Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes and stunning vistas. In 2024, 95.4 million travelers visited Colorado, contributing $28.5 billion to Colorado’s economy and supporting over 457,000 jobs. The Colorado Tourism Office sponsors and hosts a wide variety of events offered throughout the course of the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend.
Some events happening across Colorado include:Other ideas for fun, creative events for your family and friends that don't include fire:
Red, White & Blue Iron Chef
Teams must use one red ingredient, one white ingredient, one blue/purple ingredient, and one Colorado Proud ingredient like Olathe Sweet Corn, Palisade Peaches, Colorado Beef, or Pueblo Green Chile.
Glow-in-the-Dark Field Day or bike parade
After sunset: glow bracelets, LED frisbees, glow capture the flag, glow bocce, glow ring toss. Kids get the spectacle without sparks.
Neighborhood Parade
Decorate bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, wheelchairs, or golf carts. Categories: most patriotic, best Colorado theme, best use of streamers.
America: The Talent Show
Each person or team gets 3 minutes. Songs, magic tricks, dramatic readings, pet tricks, dad jokes, any fun talent.
World Cup Watch Parties
Bring together friends and family to watch one of two games played on the 4th of July between Canada and Morocco and Paraguay and France.
4th of July Chalk Art Competition
Use chalk to create sidewalk art to celebrate America’s 250th, and Colorado’s 150th birthdays.
Make Red White & Blue Slime
All you need is some glue, liquid starch, and food coloring to make some star spangled slime.
Additional family friendly and fire-free activities could include:
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Host a Neighborhood Obstacle Course or Scavenger Hunt
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Play Capture the Flag
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Visit Golden, Colorado’s Original State Capitol
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Ride the Mighty Argo Cable Car
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Attend the famous Greeley Stampede
For more information on safe recreation, travel and preventing wildfires visit the Colorado Tourism Office page.
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Update on Fires in Colorado |
It is more important than ever that we all do our part to stop fires before they start, use our water resources responsibly, and help protect our communities. Colorado is strong and if we work together we can prevent and protect our land and people we care about.
Colorado is using every resource we have fighting the fires burning in our state, including working with our local and federal partners to deploy the crews, trucks, and air assets available. We are all working together in the Colorado way, and it’s going to help us be successful. Our state is here to support every Coloradan impacted by these fires, whether that’s through evacuation, shelter, or recovery resources. Thank you to all of our firefighters and emergency responders for working tirelessly to protect our communities and keep Coloradans safe.
I verbally declared a disaster emergency in response to the Snyder Fire in Mesa County and authorized the National Guard to support efforts to recover the three firefighters who gave their lives in response to the Knowles Fire. I was devastated to hear that three brave firefighters Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and Sydney Watson made the ultimate sacrifice to protect us. I and every Coloradan are deeply grateful for their bravery and service and my thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow crew members.
I also issued verbal disaster declarations for the Aspen Acres Fire in Custer and Pueblo Counties, for the Willow Fire in Lake County, and for the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. Lt. Governor Primavera issued a verbal disaster declaration for the Big Sheep Fire in Huerfano County. I have authorized the use of the National Guard for all of these fires if needed. |
RESOURCESAnyone in the vicinity of a wildfire should follow orders from local authorities first and foremost. The latest information on links to local authorities can be found at DHSEM.Colorado.gov. To be prepared to evacuate if necessary, folks should prepare a go kit with recommended items. All Coloradans are encouraged to sign up for county emergency alerts at
https://dhsem.colorado.gov/emergencyalert.
Additional resources for Coloradans affected by wildfires:
DONATEUnited Way Southern Colorado: In response to the growing threat and impact of wildfires across Southern Colorado, United Way of Southern Colorado has established the Southern Colorado Wildfire Relief Fund to provide support for individuals, families, and communities affected by wildfires throughout the region.
You may also mail a contribution to: United Way of Southern Colorado P.O. Box 11566, Pueblo, CO 81001. Please note "Wildfire Relief Fund" in the memo line of mailed checks and, if desired, specify the community you wish to support.
Requested relief supplies may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at United Way of Southern Colorado at 510 W. 3rd Street, Pueblo, Colorado 81003. Item list will be updated as information becomes available: https://www.unitedwaysoco.org/emergencyinfo
WCCF Emergency Response and Recovery Fund: Donations to this fund support wildfire response and recovery efforts.
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Stay Updated with Governor Polis! |
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This email was sent by: Colorado Governor's Office Proper
200 E Colfax Ave Denver, CO, 80203, USA
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