Look who just got named one of America’s “Top 10 Booming College Towns.” Greeley checked in at #9 on the 2018 list recently unveiled by CardRates.com, a consumer-oriented financial website. In addition to Greeley’s rapid job growth, low unemployment and well-educated population, CardRates lauded the city’s cultural amenities, especially the craft beer scene. The ranking places Greeley in the same league as buzzworthy burghs like Boise and Bozeman. It’s also one of four Great Plains communities on the list, alongside Bismarck, Lincoln and Dallas. So Greeley adds another prize to its growing trophy case, alongside recent national kudos from WalletHub.com, 24/7WallSt.com, and Livability. Read all about it at www.cardrates.com/news/top-10-booming-college-towns.
Two NOCO organizations hope to smash a world record in the name of stronger teeth—and you can help. On February 26, Change Gangs (www.changegangs.com) and My Big Day (www.mybigdaycompany.com) will create the longest toothbrush chain of all time. Laid end-to-end, they’ll cover 5.5 miles—that’s 55,000 toothbrushes at about 6 inches per, if you’re doing the math. Afterward, the record-breaking brushes (all individually wrapped and perfectly sanitary) will be donated to kids in need as part of National Children’s Dental Health Month. To donate toothpaste, participate in the brush-laying, or otherwise support the cause, check out the event website at www.milesofsmilescolorado.com.
An ice cream social in February? There’s one every month at Fort Collins’ newest ice cream parlor, Old Town Churn (www.oldtownchurn.com). Bring your own ice cream maker, hang out with neighbors and friends, and make ice cream that benefits the Fort Collins Rescue Mission. Housed in a 26-foot-tall ice cream barrel that sports a 2,000-pound handcrank, Old Town Churn serves tasty treats from Denver-based Little Man Ice Cream, with exclusive local flavors using ingredients from NOCO farms and craft breweries. Old Town Churn provides the base and mixings at the monthly ice cream socials, with the products donated to the kitchen at the Rescue Mission, which helps homeless individuals and struggling neighbors.
“Skål! Scandinavian Spirits” opens a six-month run at the Greeley History Museum on February 2. Presented by Aalborg and Linie Aquavits, the exhibition covers the drinking culture and traditions that Swedish, Danish and Norwegian immigrants brought to the United States. You’ll learn about beer (a gift of the Norse god Odin) and aquavit, the traditional booze of Scandinavia whose name translates as “the water of life.” Brewed with dill and caraway seeds, it has been likened to “rye bread in liquid form.” The exhibit begins February 2 and runs through July 20. Info at www.greeleymuseums.com.
The nation’s Sweetheart City will be sweeter than ever for this year’s Valentine’s season with the launch of the inaugural Loveland Sweetheart Festival. Dubbed “Love, Locks and Lights,” the family-friendly gathering takes place February 8 and 9 in downtown Loveland. In addition to a 30-foot love-lock sculpture (one of the largest ever built), the Sweetheart Festival will feature concerts, a downtown gallery walk, a beer/wine garden, laser shows, a “palace of sweets,” artist demos, the nation’s largest inflatable toboggan slide, and more. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. on February 8 and continue from 2 to 10 p.m. on February 9. Get full info at Visit Loveland’s website, www.visitlovelandco.org.
