The Centennial State celebrates its birthday tomorrow. Usually I’d just provide you with the link and trust you to read it for yourselves. But – at least for those in state – this is too important to let slide. So I’m re-printing an extended excerpt from the DP below. Remember: Admission to CO State Parks is free on MONDAY, even though the official birth date for the state is SATURDAY, August 1st (1876).
Happy 144th, Colorado!
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The Centennial State celebrates its birthday unlike any other, but 2020 is a little different when it comes to Colorado Day festivities.
History Colorado usually celebrates with a big birthday bash on Aug. 1st, including music, dancing and a petting zoo. But this year it’s opting for a more subdued day with free admission to the museum and online programming throughout the week. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will also celebrate the 144th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood with free entry to 41 state parks on Monday, Aug. 3rd. <Go take a hike, Colorado!>
CPW has always celebrated Colorado Day on the first Monday of August, though Colorado actually became a state on Aug. 1, 1876. Bridget Kochel, public information officer at CPW, said State Parks are prepared for plenty of visitors and – as always – rangers will close entrances for one-in, one-out if they reach capacity….
History Colorado is also offering free admission at its downtown location from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 1st, as well as the seven other sites across the state — the Byers-Evans House Museum, the El Pueblo History Museum, the Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center, the Healy House Museum and Dexter Cabin, the Trinidad History Museum and the Ute Indian Museum. All locations require reservations in advance to manage capacity. And (of course!) guests must wear masks.