TODAY
Howdy, pilgrim!
The Elizabeth Stampede wraps up today with a patriotic PRCA rodeo salute to military service members, a Tough Enough To Wear Pink silent auction, and rodeo coronation ceremony. This event is a harbinger of the summer rodeo season, and a multiple-time winner of the PRCA Mountain States Circuit Small Rodeo of the Year. 9 a.m. gates open, Casey Jones Arena, Elizabeth; 303-646-0308, elizabethstampede
MORE FOR THE WEEK
TUESDAY
Fitness walks and tai chi classes every Tuesday morning through Aug. 26. Free to members of the Denver Botanic Gardens, AARP and T’ai Chi. 7:15-8:15 a.m., Denver Botanic Gardens, 1005 York St., Denver; 720-865-3500,
THURSDAY
Create stationery to write to a U.S. Marine and her battalion in Iraq. Ages 8 to 12 make artistic cards and compose letters along with packages of creative notes so Marines can respond. 3 p.m., Memory Magic and More, 200 Quebec St., Denver; 720-859-0758,
Soundscapes: The Music of Paul Hindemith, John Cage, George Crumb and Tom Waits. Interpreted via cello, electric guitar, accordion, viola, voice and iPod. Suggested donation: $5. 6 p.m., Object & Thought, 3559 Larimer St., Denver;
FRIDAY and SATURDAY
In the 15th annual Barbecue Challenge, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, competitors eyeing $15,000 in cash prizes fire up everything from beef brisket and ribs to alligator and tofu. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Main Street, Frisco;
SATURDAY
Free river-rafting trips on the South Platte River offered every Saturday through Aug. 9. Guides, equipment and instruction provided. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shoemaker Plaza at Confluence Park, in front of REI flagship store at 1416 Platte St., Denver;
