Fairy dust
No need to go to Holland to see tulips in a rainbow of colors. Just head to Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, where thousands of tulips are in full bloom for the annual Tulip Fairy and Elf Festival on April 3 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The affair features the lovely Tulip Fairy fluttering about, as little ones dressed as fairies and elves prance around. Fairy-friendly activities include face painting, art projects, nature-related activities, cookie decorating, live performances and more. Don’t miss The Tulip Fairy Parade, which gets moving at 3:30 p.m. The event is even more fanciful for parents because parking is free on Sundays at all Boulder municipal garages and street meters.
Tail spin
Go fly a kite…really! The annual Arvada Kite Festival is set to fill the skies on April 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stenger Soccer Complex (11200 W. 58th Ave, Arvada.) The high-flying event will thrill all ages with the artistry of kite flying and friendly competition, along with musical entertainment, food, kids’ activities, community booths, demos and more. When kids aren’t looking up, they can enjoy jumping castles, face painting, a balloon artist and hamster balls on the ground. With no inclement weather date, the event will fly, rain or shine. Admission is free. Kite-making classes for children ages 4 to 10 will be offered before the event at the Majestic View Nature Center (7030 Garrison St., Arvada) on April 2 at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Class costs $4 per person and includes all materials. Advanced registration for the classes is required by calling 720-898-7405.
Taco tips
If your “pesos” are limited, you can still get your fill at various taco nights around town. Del Taco serves three regular tacos for $1.29 every Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Then, on Thursdays, during the same times, they offer three grilled chicken tacos for $2.29. Café Rio Mexican Grill cooks up Tasty Tuesdays. For $5, choose a burrito, salad or taco meal. Once again, on Tuesdays, after 2:30 p.m., Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill hooks customers with its Fish Taco Especial for $2. Interestingly, Taco Bell offers a daily “Happier Hour” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., but no tacos – just a medium drink for $1. None of the promos have a limit, so your whole family can have its very own frugal fiesta.
Lesson plan
If your workplace or community group is looking for savings, consider contacting to schedule one of its free workshops on tips and tricks to stretching your dollar. For novices and bargain hunters alike, topics include everything from freebies or grocery shopping strategies to senior discounts, travel and more. The fast-moving, interactive workshops range from 60 to 90 minutes, with plenty of time for questions. Each session includes a Power Point presentation, handouts and a door prize. Learn from local “cheapskates” on how to live large in the Mile High City without breaking the bank. Workshops can be scheduled any day of the week, including weekends and evening hours. A minimum group of 20 is strongly encouraged. For more information, or to schedule a workshop, e-mail info@milehighonthecheap.com. milehighonthecheap.com/public-appearances
Every Saturday, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOnTheCheap.com compile “Cheap Checklist” to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 10 to 14 days in advance.
