By Paige Jones
Special to the Herald Times
MEEKER | Any Saturday is a good Saturday when you are surrounded by art and music, and this year’s Meekerpalooza is going to be unlike any other.
The sixth annual event has been relocated to the downtown plaza for better accessibility, and now offers free entry to the public and a summer barbecue style.
For the last five years, Meeker has enjoyed Meekerpalooza as one of the first festivals of the summer season. A collaboration between the Meeker Arts and Cultural Council (MACC), ERBM Recreation and Park District, Pioneers Health Foundation and the Meeker Farmers Market, this year’s Meekerpalooza will combine old favorites with new fun.
PARK TO ART RACES
The ERBM Park to Art 5K, 10K and half marathon races start bright and early at 7 a.m. downtown. To register online visit parktoartrunraces.itsyourrace.com or stop by the Meeker Recreation Center. You can also register on race day beginning at 6:15 a.m. The races feature a variety of terrain, but start and end downtown. See PAGE 4A for more details
PIONEERS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION BREAKFAST
From 8-11 a.m. the Pioneers Healthcare Foundation healthy breakfast will take place. Proceeds from the breakfast will be put toward new healthcare equipment. The breakfast is $10 per person and includes ham and egg sliders, yogurt parfaits and French toast kabobs. See PAGE 2A for details.
MEEKER FARMER’S MARKET
The first farmers market of the summer will line Main Street from 8 a.m. to noon, featuring local produce, honey, caramel corn, fresh flowers, art, gifts and more.
LIVE MUSIC
Starting at noon and ending at 5 p.m., Meekerpalooza will host three of Colorado’s hottest bluegrass bands: Colorado’s Buffalo Commons, Meadow Mountain and Head for the Hills.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Test your aim by participating in the first cornhole tournament at Meekerpalooza. Entry fee is $20 per couple and winners take half the entry fee pot.
FOOD AND DRINK
No festival is complete without delicious food and drink. This year, enjoy Colorado-crafted beer from Living the Dream Brewery out of Littleton, Colo., and delicious food provided by a variety of vendors.
FOR THE KIDS
There’s something for everyone at Meekerpalooza! Youngsters can enjoy mini-lesson pony rides at the petting barn from the Baseline Barnyard or make flower crowns at the kid zone. Materials (and ponies) provided.
Kick off the summer festival season this Saturday in downtown Meeker!
