EDGEWATER — Edgewater’s first Children’s Festival this weekend is all about recreating a small-town fair, including lots of rosy cheeks, snow cones, storytelling and pony rides.
The city, which fits into less than 1 square mile and sits across Sheridan Boulevard from Sloan’s Lake, is putting on the festival to draw families into its quaint confines.
Starting at Sheridan Boulevard and continuing down a six-block stretch of 25th Avenue, Edgewater’s main street, about 10 jumping castles and other inflatable playgrounds were set up Saturday. Children rushed down the slides or through the obstacle courses as parents stood encouraging them, small pairs of shoes in hand.
A group of four police officers took part too, buying multiple $1 tickets sold that could be exchanged for snow cones, ice cream, hot dogs, sodas or other food.
The fair — financed by the city and private sponsors — cost $20,000 to put on, said organizer Jim Taylor. It continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Taylor owns a couple of properties along 25th that he has rented out to women who have created child-oriented businesses.
Next to Lightway at Sloans, a day-care center run out of one of Taylor’s buildings, there is a small grassy area with a gazebo where storytelling and karaoke are going on all day.
“Edgewater is becoming known as a children’s haven,” said Klare Looney, who runs the day-care center.
Along West 25th Avenue, vendors were selling a variety of items, including children’s pink tutus, hand drums and peaches.
“I definitely think this area is changing, and this is really neat,” said Nanette Almon, who owns Sugar Plum Fairy Bowtique. Almon was selling tutus, flip-flops with bows, crocheted caps with gerbera daisies sewn on and other products.
A stage was set up on the grass of the old Masonic building on West 25th Avenue and Fenton Street, where Jammin’ Junior was performing. The band, including singers in orange shark and blue elephant costumes, entertained an audience of about 50 people.
Taylor bought the Masonic Lodge four years ago and is renovating it, he said. The bottom floor will be The Village, a restaurant designed for children, with a 1,500-square-foot play area inside. It is set to open Oct. 31. The top floor is a 60-by-40-foot event space.
Despite Edgewater having the highest poverty rate in Jefferson County, it has one of the lowest rates for empty commercial spaces, Taylor said.
“We are trying to bring the community back to what it was many, many years ago,” said Mayor Bonnie McNulty.
Sarah Horn: 303-954-1638 or shorn@denverpost.com
