Photojournalists call it the ‘Golden Hour’ it’s an hour typically before the sunsets and the spectrum of colors, especially in the mountains, come alive in vibrant ways that can be captured on camera by a professional photographer pointing into the sun.

While I’m proud to take the pics I do for the Courant, I would never place myself alongside some of the photogs I was privileged to work with in broadcast years.

Some of the best in the nation who could tell an entire story with just one shot or evoke emotion during the ‘Golden Hour’.

On another note, the Courant confirmed the Rapid Grass Festival is on this year.

It will not be held at the Idaho Springs ballfields, its usual venue, but rather at ‘Miners Point’ at the summit of the recently opened Mighty Argo Cable Car system.

Director of Idaho Springs Business and Community Promotions Sadie Schultz confirmed the event is scheduled for August, but said most of the details will be released during an event on June 19.

More info will be in the Clear Creek Courant and Mountain Life as soon as it’s announced.

Have a great week!

Chris

Miner Street looked like a page out of the Dr. Seuss/P.D. Eastman classic “Go Dogs Go” June 6.

“Big dogs and little Dogs. Black and White dogs. Do you like my hat?”

Local animal shelters and dog rescue organizations took over the downtown streets of Idaho Springs as Tommyknocker Brew Pub presented the third annual Fur-ling Fest.

It all came to life on June 6 on Miner St. in Idaho Springs, as downtown businesses opened their doors with water bowls ready and dog treats abounding.

Tommyknocker organized the Fur-ling Fest three years ago as a way to promote our local animal shelters, three years ago and it’s been gaining in popularity ever since.

“Idaho Springs is one of the most dog-friendly towns I know,”  Director of Business and Community Promotions Sadie Schultz said. “With Miner St. being closed, there are tons of spaces for them to roam outside.

“Restaurants have dog-friendly menus. I just feel like we’re a really dog-friendly place, so no better place to host a fundraising event for rescues,” Schultz said.

Adoptions, support, and information about at least four of the local shelters were available, including a special niche, Big Dogs Huge Paws Rescue.

According to its’ mission statement, “Big Dogs Huge Paws was founded on the core philosophy that every "BIG" dog deserves a chance. Our goal is to make sure that every dog receives only the best of care, food, and training.”

Long-time volunteer Jenny Curtis said the organization now covers 11 states, and currently houses at least 50-to-60 dogs in foster homes. 

“We’re dedicated to saving the big dogs, the kind that kind of get left behind. We handle the vetting, food, resources,” Curtis said.

The organization, according to its mission statement, focuses rescue efforts on breeds such as Akbash, Anatolian Shepherds, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Leonbergers, Mastiffs (all types), Mountain Dogs (all types), Newfoundlands, Irish Wolfhounds, and Scottish Deerhounds. 

“They are also some of the gentlest, most loyal dogs you’ll ever encounter, and once you’ve had one, it’s hard not to have one. They are just amazing,” Curtis said.

On their way through town from Iowa, the Gibbs’ family, including Rachelle, Tyler, and four-year-old Eliza, said they apparently stumbled across something pretty special.

“It’s just such a cozy, small mountain town, I love it. It’s so beautiful,” Rachelle Gibbs said. “Everyone is so kind, it’s just been so welcoming. You can just feel that they are all just kind people.”

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A chill in the air couldn’t deter a bunch of local teens from jumping on the water slides set up at the Idaho Springs ballfields for Teen Takeover.

Mountain Youth Network in Clear Creek County regularly schedules events like the ‘takeover’ on May 26 to bring local teens together to enjoy the evening with each other, and to celebrate the fact that school is out for the summer.

“I really think it gives all the teens a chance to get together and get to know each other,” Isaiah Wilson Williams of Clear Creek County said.

An impromptu Hacky Sack game sprang up as the sun set over the fields, teens in swimsuits challenged the chill to get soaked by MYN volunteers, and giant inflatable plastic balls with kids inside smashed together amid the laughter.

The MYN operates with funding from several public and private grants to provide outdoor activities, indoor climbing trips, and hiking and camping trips throughout the year, but especially during the summer months.

If you enjoy our mountain coverage specific to Clear Creek County, please subscribe to Clear Creek Mountain Life, a free weekly newsletter sent to your email every Tuesday morning.

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The Elks Lodge of Idaho Springs turned a parking lot into a bazaar over the weekend to highlight the knick-knacks, hidden treasures and the simply unwanted items from local basements or garages for sale.

The annual event offered a 10x10 foot space for a $20 day rent for locals to share their wares on June 6.

Books on carpentry and home improvement were stacked next to used power tools and ornamental glass pieces were shown in the afternoon sun, all available for a discounted price.

Dozens of pop-up booths were attended by vendors during the annual Elks Lodge Mountain Garage Sale, and there was no shortage of wandering eyes looking for their next treasure and a bargain.

Idaho Springs food pantry, Loaves and Fishes, had a space, as Director Rachel Josselyn explained, money for the non-profit is tight this year, and an unexpected gas line rupture has put the pantry in need of funds and donations.

“Some recent unexpected expenses, especially with the gas line repair, which is going to be around $12,000, so this is part of helping us out to raise money, especially with donations being down compared to previous years,” Josselyn said.

The Courant outlined the gas line issue in an article dated May 22, detailing how the food bank was without heat or hot water, suspending an estimated 200 hot meals served to community members every week. 

Others, like Idaho Springs Native Michaela Peterson, said they were there to sell and support the community, because, according to Peterson, that’s what you do in this town.

“Having grown up here in Idaho Springs and having such a tight-knit community, it’s what a community is supposed to be, you give a little, and then someone else is there when you’re in need, so I’m always happy to support in whatever way I can,” Peterson said.

“Supporting the Elks Lodge today was my little piece of giving back to the community that has done so much for me,” she concluded.

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