Happy Pride Month, Bucket Listers! If you’re planning to get hitched this year, the City of Denver is throwing a wedding party like no other: the first-ever Pride Marriage Marathon will take place Friday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webb Building. There’s no appointment required; just bring your completed application and $30 license fee. As we celebrate love this June, we’re also covering how our communities are supporting each other in the face of change and uncertainty. From a church giving immigrants sanctuary to small businesses struggling through BRT construction, a lot is happening in our neighborhoods.
Aurora Church Opens Its Doors to Immigrants
At Aurora First Presbyterian Church, six congregations, ranging from African refugee communities to Spanish-speaking immigrants, share one roof and one mission: care without conditions. Our Dominick Zangara spoke to Pastor Doug Friesema, who said the church’s open-door model began with a single request two decades ago and has since grown into a multi-congregation hub. As immigration crackdowns intensify, the church has had to adapt, even locking its doors during services to protect congregants from ICE. In a moment defined by division, the congregations at this Colfax corridor church are choosing solidarity instead.
East Colfax Businesses Brace for the Long Haul
The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project promises faster commutes in the future, but for now, it’s cones, fences and frustration. Small businesses like Chivis Tacos and R&R Head Lab say they’ve seen a sharp drop in foot traffic since construction began last fall, with some entrances nearly blocked off. Although Denver has launched a relief grant program, few have managed to qualify. And with construction expected to stretch into 2027, business owners told our Dylan Barbee that they’re banding together to try to preserve Colfax’s unique character.
Denver’s New Community Film Fest Debut
Civic engagement took center stage at last week’s Denver Community Film Festival, where the inaugural event featured a screening of “Join or Die,” a documentary on the decline of American social clubs and the rise of isolation. Sadie Gonzales was there to catch the packed event at Highland’s Holiday Theater, where local organizers from Warm Cookies of the Revolution, Denver Elks Lodge #17 and Extreme Community Makeover joined a panel after the film including Join or Die director, Rebecca Davis. From food banks to neighborhood tables, the message was clear: if we want change, we have to be the ones to bring it.
Minyo Kai Dances at the Cherry Blossom Festival
The 51st annual Cherry Blossom Festival hits Sakura Square this weekend, and longtime dance group DBT Minyo Kai will be front and center. The troupe, made up mostly of second- and third-generation Japanese Americans, has been keeping Japanese folk dance alive in Denver since the 1960s. Daniel Montoya says the group has been rehearsing three traditional dances, including two they’ve never performed publicly before. Catch them on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Sakura Square, and don’t be surprised if they invite you to join in.
Stuff We Noticed
Hot Nights Are Getting Hotter. According to Climate Central, Denver’s average summer nighttime temperature has risen 2.5°F since 1970, and it’s not just us. Nearly every city studied saw a spike in warm nights, especially in the Southwest, with Reno up 17.7 °F and Las Vegas up 10 °F. We’ve currently got a heat advisory in effect and highs expected to hit nearly 100° this weekend, so consider this your reminder to hydrate, check on neighbors and avoid outdoor errands during peak hours.
Federal Theatre Is Coming Back. The historic Federal Theatre is being reborn as a new music venue thanks to the team behind the Oriental and HQ. Slated to open this fall with a fresh neon marquee and 650 seats, the venue will host everything from concerts to burlesque. Co-owner Scott Happel says it’s all about restoring culture to neglected corners of Denver.
Charles Burrell and James Leprino. The pioneer bassist and educator Charles Burrell died on Tuesday. Burrell was a WWII Navy veteran, a Detroit native and the first Black member with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. Burrell mentored Ray Brown, survived death threats and was the last living performer from Denver’s famed Rossonian Hotel. Burrell is often referred to as “the Jackie Robinson of music,” and his legacy will live on in every musician of color who steps onto a stage he helped create.
On another sad note, James Leprino, who built Leprino Foods into the largest mozzarella cheese manufacturer in the world died Thursday at 87. Despite international success his offices stayed close to the location of the original family grocery store in the Italian neighborhood in Highland.
Finally, we have exciting news. Starting on Thursday, July 3, Bucket List Community News will have a radio program the first Thursday of every month from 3 to 3:30 p.m. on KGNU. We can’t wait to serve you with free, hyperlocal neighborly news, not just online but on the airwaves too.
This is a huge opportunity for our team, and we are asking for your help to fund this. We are looking for generous friends and sponsors to help us raise $1500 to support production. You can contribute by going to our website. Help a neighbor out! Thank you for reading. Stay cool, stay proud and we’ll catch you next week!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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