High Times

Big thinkers from the little town of Glendale really do have a lot to crow about, now that the block-wide Infinity Park complex, with its state-of-the-art rugby stadium, newly minted YMCA-run fitness center and not-quite-finished event center, is mostly off the ground and running. And what better time to do it than during Glendale’s always-spectacular annual fireworks extravaganza, which was heretofore one of its greatest claims to fame? The fireworks start sometime after 9 p.m. and are viewable from all over Glendale (and a bit beyond), but Infinity, 4599 East Tennessee Avenue, is putting on a party that’s well worth checking out. A ribbon-cutting for the sports center kicks it off at 4:30 p.m., followed by a food festival showcasing local restaurants, facility tours and a 6:30 p.m. performance in the stadium by Lannie Garrett and her Swingin’ Big Band. Concert admission is $8 (Glendale residents with ID and kids twelve and under get in free), and food costs as much or as little as you can cram into your mouth. Go to www.infinityparkatglendale.com or call 720-226-9720 for details.

But for folks who can’t even get close to Infinity — and that’s an endless possibility — there are still ways to celebrate the show, which traditionally lights up the sky on a night before or after the actual Fourth. For one, you can mosey up the hill overlooking Glendale from the north for festivities beginning at 5 p.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, which include a bake sale, fireworks-style food grilled up by church youth and live fireworks music by the Colorado Wind Ensemble. And the Whole Foods Market at 870 South Colorado Boulevard invites partiers to Celebrate the Fourth on the Fifth, with a tasty spread of grilled foods and more, followed by fireworks viewing from the parking lot. Again, the food is à la carte; call 303-691-0101.
Sat., July 5, 4:30-8 p.m., 2008