Ridgefest in Wheat Ridge offers fun and games for all ages

Ridge at 38 is gearing up for Ridgefest 2015, a full day of fun for the whole family, which will be held from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 in the heart of the Ridge at 38 district. Ridgefest is an event highlighting the agricultural heritage and handmade/homemade appeal of Ridge at 38 and the entire Wheat Ridge community.

Presented in partnership with the Colorado Folk Art Council’s International Festival, Ridgefest will kick off a day of eclectic musical performances with bluegrass bands taking center stage at 5 p.m. through the close of the event. Ridgefest welcomes more than 25 artisan and food vendors from Wheat Ridge and surrounding communities, and will feature the same local brews available in nearby Wheat Ridge breweries and restaurants.

Thunder and Rain is the headlining band with Doctor Harlan’s Amazing Bluegrass Tonic performing just before them. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket to throw over straw bale seating or on the ground to enjoy the performances.

The Ridgefest 2015 lineup includes:

• Artisan and Agriculture Marketplace: More than 25 distinctive vendors offering handcrafted, locally made goods and services, including chile roasting.
• Food Court: Foods from traditional festival favorites such as pizza and tacos to Cajun and Creole dishes.
• International Festival: An eclectic lineup of music and performances, including acts like Chimaltonali Aztec dancers.
• Beer Garden: Unique, locally-crafted microbrews from Brewery Rickoli, Colorado Plus Brewpub, Clancy’s Irish Pub, Right Coast Pizza and more. Taste the special Ridgefest Red, a beer brewed specifically for the event by Colorado Plus Brewpub.
• Cottage Foods Contest: Participate as a contestant in pickles, jams/jellies or bread category. Purchase a $1 ticket to judge contests. Ribbons and prizes awarded to the winners.
• Home Brew Contest: Purchase a $5 sample glass to participate as a judge. Winner of the Home Brew contest gets to have their beer brewed and served by Brewery Rickoli.
• Car Show: No need to register, move in at 1:30 to participate. Show is limited to 40 cars. Prizes awarded to top five and Best in Show.
• Kid’s Activity Zone: Arts activity by Teller Street Gallery and free face painting. Field games like hula hoop contests and races for kids of all ages.

Ridgefest will be held on the Green at 38 on West 38^th Avenue between High Court and Upham Street.

For more information about Ridgefest 2015, visit www.ridgeat38.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/Ridgeat38 or contact Carolyn Doran at Wheat Ridge 2020 (720-259-1030 or email cdoran@wheatridge2020.org).