TODAY
It’s Gator-iffic
The 15th annual Gatorfest continues with an event billed as the World’s Only Alligator Rodeo and Roundup. It’s a timed competition to catch and pen the largest alligators, including the 500-pounder that starred in “Happy Gilmore.” 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Colorado Gators Reptile Park, Hooper, 719-378-2612,
TODAY
Bring a can of soup for a 20 percent discount at any History Colorado museum store. This is the final day of the Colorado Historical Society’s “Cans for Colorado Day” drive. All donations go to a southern Colorado food bank that will use the cans in a re-creation of the El Pueblo Trading Fort at the Pueblo state fair. When the fair ends, the soup will be distributed to the needy. Denver-Byers-Evans House Museum, 303-620-4933; Fort Garland-Fort Garland Museum, 719-379-3512; Georgetown/Silver Plume-Georgetown Loop Mining and Railroad Park train depot store, 1-888-456-6777; Leadville-Healy House/ Dexter Cabin, 719-486-0487; Platteville- Fort Vasquez Museum, 970-785-2832; Pueblo-El Pueblo History Museum, 719-583-0453; Montrose-Ute Indian Museum, 970-249-3098; Trinidad-Trinidad History Museum, 719-846-7217
MORE FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
“Big World Up Close” is the theme of the new 3-acre Mordecai Children’s Garden opening at 9 a.m. The goal is to connect children with plants and the natural world through play, exploration and discovery. Janet Mordecai, through the Daniel and Janet Mordecai Foundation, visited children’s gardens all over the United States. She collected the best ideas and offered a generous donation for this new $4 million area. 9 a.m., Mordecai Children’s Garden (across the street at the top of the parking structure, opposite the Denver Botanic Gardens’ main entrance), 1007 York St., Denver. Included with regular admission, 720-865-3585,
DEADLINE: SEPT. 1
Get out your shovel, and get ready to dig. Now is the time to apply for The Park People’s Denver Digs Trees Fall Shade Tree Distribution. Trees are just $25 each, or free for those who live in these neighborhoods: Athmar Park, Baker, Barnum, Barnum West, Chaffee Park, Clayton, Cole, Elyria- Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, Jefferson Park, Lincoln Park, Montbello, Northeast Park Hill, Ruby Hill, Skyland, Sunnyside, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood and Whittier. Unlike in past years, there is no limit to the number of trees per household. Call 303-722-6262 or visit for a list of available tree varieties and to apply. Application deadline is Sept. 1.
SATURDAY
A different gospel group performs each hour all day at the eighth annual Masonville Gospel Music Festival. Arts and crafts vendors and food will be available. 11 a.m., Buckhorn Presbyterian Church, 8762 North County Road 27 in Masonville, . All donations will be used to preserve the 100-year-old building.
SATURDAY
The simple pleasures in life. Children ages 5 and older are invited to make a pinwheel in a free art class at the Boulder Arts & Crafts Gallery. 1 to 3 p.m., 1421 Pearl Street Mall, Boulder; 303-443-3683
SATURDAY
Have you ever heard of a Banjola? Denver luthier Edward Victor Dick created this acoustic instrument — a guitar/mandolin/banjo hybrid. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner to “The 2nd Ever Colorado Banjola Festival.” There will be live banjola music by various performers, and visitors can try playing a banjola, too. Admission is $15 at the gate ($10 for tickets purchased in advance). Free for children 12 and under. 6 p.m., Willow Farm, 11898 75th St., Longmont;
THROUGH DEC. 31
The 13th annual “Colorado . . . it’s AgriCultural” photography contest is seeking entries celebrating Colorado agriculture. All photographs must be taken in the 2010 calendar year. Prizes will be awarded in four subjects: agritourism, crops, livestock and people. Entries must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Agriculture with an official entry form by Dec. 31. For contest rules and a form, call 303- 239-4119 or visit .
