DID YOU KNOW
Harvard Gulch flood hit metro area 50 years ago
During the last few days of July and the first few days of August 1956, the Denver metro area experienced a week of torrential rain and flooding. Denver, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties were designated flood disaster areas Aug. 2.
On July 30, flooding in areas around the Valley Highway – which later became Interstate 25 – “sent torrents of muddy water cascading down ramps at South Emerson and Downing streets,” The Denver Post reported. The area was nicknamed “Lake Downing” when water accumulated a block wide, six blocks long and as deep as 8 feet.
On Aug. 2, the worst flooding concentrated in the Harvard Gulch area, with boundaries of South Broadway, South University Boulevard, East Evans Avenue and East Dartmouth Avenue.
As a result of that flood and the tendency of Harvard Gulch to flood during summer thunderstorms, the Harvard Gulch Flood Control Project was completed in 1966.
Sources: Denver County, National Center for Atmospheric Research (www.assessment.ucar.edu/contact.html), Denver Post archives
REGIONAL NOTES
DURANGO
Fiesta Days celebrates the West
Fiesta Days, a celebration of Western heritage, kicks off today with a 6:30 p.m. coronation of rodeo royalty, followed by the rodeo at 7 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.
The Fiesta Days parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday on Main Avenue. Other Saturday events include a duck race on the Animas River at 11 a.m.; rodeos at 1 and 7 p.m.; and a Chuckwagon Cook-off at the Durango Senior Center and nearby Durango High School lawn.
On Sunday, cowboy church will be held at 10 a.m. at the rodeo arena. A rodeo follows at 1 p.m.For details, go to durangofiestadays.com.
ENGLEWOOD
Day of art opens studios to public
Art lovers should mark their calendars for Artabout Englewood, on Saturday at several locations throughout the city beginning in the morning and ending after dark.
The event starts at 10:30 a.m. with “Coffee With the Artists” on the CityCenter Plaza, 1000 Englewood Parkway.
The rest of the day will include tours of artists’ studios, a closing party and raffle, and a “Dance to the Music” program at 8 p.m. in the CityCenter Amphitheater.
For more information, go to the city’s website, englewoodgov.org, or call 303-762-2300.
GREELEY
Exhibit opens on president visits
The Greeley History Museum on Aug. 4 will feature a mini-exhibit of items relating to visits to Weld County by U.S. presidents and activities for children. The museum, at 714 Eighth St., will open from 5 to 8 p.m. for the event.
All exhibits and galleries are open for browsing, and light refreshments will be served. There is no admission charge.
Items from the collection include political buttons, paperweights, a Thimble for Hoover and George W. Bush T-shirt and cap, along with photos from presidents’ visits.
Children can create an American flag, fold and cut a five-point star, and color a patriotic sun-catcher at the craft tables. For more information on museum events, call 970-350-9220 or go to greeleymuseums.com.
