Good morning, Bucket Listers! It’s officially spring, and for a brief moment, it even felt like it. But if the meteorologists are to be believed, there’s a good chance of cold temperatures and rainy weather on the horizon. While you’re cozied up indoors, it’s the perfect time to give us your thoughts — our annual reader survey wraps up on March 31, and we want to hear from you. Please share your feedback and, as a bonus, you will be entered to win a $50 Visa card. This week’s coverage includes updates on major retail closures, the Bernie and AOC rally and “Bee” Harris discussing her publishing legacy for Women’s History Month.
Saying Goodbye to JOANN Fabric
Amid a wave of national retail closures—including Kohl’s shutting its Arapahoe Crossing location this Saturday and Walgreens closing multiple stores in the Denver metro and Aurora—JOANN Fabric has announced it will shutter all 800 of its stores nationwide, including 14 in Colorado. Our Myra Kirk visited the Westminster location and spoke with sewers mourning the loss of a creative hub. For many, it’s not just about materials—it’s about preserving a skillset that’s becoming harder to access. While big-box closures leave gaps, local spots like ReCreative Denver and Strawberry Mountain are stepping in to keep crafting culture alive.
Bernie and AOC Rally Denver Against Billionaire Power
Last Friday, Civic Center Park was packed with an estimated 34,000 people who came to hear Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speak as part of their nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. Khaleigh Reed was in the crowd and captured voices from all walks of life, from energy healers to union stage managers, all of whom shared a desire for community and political change. The event’s message was clear: it’s time to organize and resist the rising tide of concentrated power among the wealthy few.
Denver Urban Spectrum’s Bee Harris Looks Ahead
Rosalind “Bee” Harris has led the Denver Urban Spectrum for nearly four decades—but don’t expect her to ride off into the sunset just yet. While retirement is on the horizon, Bee is focused on financial sustainability for the publication and continuing her advocacy through the Ruth Boyd Elder Foundation and Urban Spectrum Youth Foundation. In a reflective interview with our Khaleigh Reed for Women’s History Month, Harris talked about legacy, community storytelling and the challenges of transitioning her beloved publication to the next generation. As she puts it: “This journey is a step at a time.”
Stuff We Noticed
Boulder Lands Sundance Film Festival. In a blockbuster win for Colorado, Boulder has officially been named the next home of the Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027. The move ends Sundance’s four-decade run in Park City, Utah, and promises a huge economic boost for Boulder and the state — think thousands of jobs, millions in wages and a massive tourism draw. State lawmakers sweetened the deal with proposed incentives totaling $34 million over the next decade. Though some criticize the state’s approach of using tax dollars to entice an out-of-state organization to relocate to the city, with a 10-year hosting contract now in place, it’s clear Boulder is moving up on the global culture map.
Farewell to a Denver Botanic Garden Giant. Brian Vogt, who served as the CEO of the Denver Botanic Gardens since 2007, passed away this week at age 66. Under his leadership, the Gardens grew into a major cultural destination, welcoming 1.5 million visitors annually and raising over $120 million for projects like the Science Pyramid and Greenhouse Complex. A public memorial hasn’t yet been announced, but the Gardens have named Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd as interim CEO while next steps are determined. Vogt’s impact is hard to overstate—his vision quite literally reshaped one of Denver’s most beloved green spaces.
Colorado Gets the Post-Apocalyptic Treatment. A new movie shot in Boulder County, “Elevation,” starring Anthony Mackie, the new Captain America, has just been released on MAX, and it is giving the Centennial State a spooky sci-fi glow. The film, set in a world where deadly creatures roam below 8,000 feet, taps into our mountain mystique, with scenes shot in Boulder and Golden. Think “A Quiet Place” meets “The Shining,” with chairlifts and survival gear. While reviews are mixed, local scenery steals the show.
That’s it for now, Bucket Listers. Remember to complete our survey by March 31 to be entered into the drawing for a $50 Visa gift card. We also have an upcoming change to our Sunday newsletter. The final edition of our Top 5 Guide will be published on April 6, and our 5 Questions series will begin on April 13. We enjoy Q&As like Vanity Fair’s “Proust Questionnaire” and “By the Book” in the New York Timess so we decided to try it out with some interesting people in Denver. We can’t wait for you to meet them. We are also looking for sponsors for it so tell your local businesses about us. If you like what we are doing, please make a contribution to support community journalism. Have a fantastic Friday!
Warmest Regards,
Toni Tresca
Editor/Bucket List Community News
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