Evergreen officially celebrates its 150th anniversary July 3 with a tribute to its past that will literally glow.
“Illuminate the Past: Community Picnic and Balloon Glow” is planned from 6-9 p.m. at the Buchanan Park ball fields, adjacent to the recreation center at 32003 Ellingwood Trail.
The event will include booths from local historical and other organizations, turn-of-the-century music, vintage cars, kids’ games, pony rides and a hot air balloon glow. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the evening with their neighbors and fellow Evergreen residents.
“Illuminate the past is a community celebration,” said Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce President Nancy Judge. “It’ll be interactive and educational, and there is no cost to anyone.”
Tethered hot-air balloons will begin to glow about halfway through the event, as pilots ignite the burners, heating the air inside the balloons to create a glow against the darkening sky.
The balloons will also be on site the morning of July 4, as a kick-off to the Foothills Fourth celebration, also held on the ballfields.
From 6:30 to 8 a.m., people are invited to experience a candlestick balloon ride for $25 each. During the rides, balloons are tethered but rise about 150 feet above the ground. Guests can climb into the basket and experience the burner firing and the feeling of a hot air balloon ride.
Tracing history back
The Jefferson County Commissioners publicly recognized Evergreen’s 150th anniversary during their June 17 meeting, noting a history that traces back to the indigenous Ute, Cheyenne and Arapaho people who lived in the area for centuries
“From a tiny ranching and logging village reached only by rough wagon roads to the vibrant residential mountain community today off I-70, Evergreen is a magical place that balances the beauty of the natural surroundings, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a small community feel, only 30 minutes from Denver,” reads the recognition. “Evergreen prides itself on being the home of more than 70 active nonprofit organizations, which address many of the services that a city government would. The attitude of ‘taking care of ourselves and our neighbors’ is still predominant in the community.”
Formal dates not required
Evergreen is not incorporated, so there is no formal date for its founding. Former Jefferson County Commissioner Dwight Wilmot first came to Evergreen in 1875 and asked the federal government to put a post office in the community, requesting they name it “Evergreen” after the trees he so loved. That occasion — the first in which the name “Evergreen” was used — marks the community’s official beginning, according to Historic Jeffco. And that makes this year Evergreen’s 150th anniversary.
To honor its sesquicentennial, the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce has lined up a year’s worth of events, including a monthly gathering called “Sacred Spaces” that takes a closer look at the community’s most treasured places and assets, the upcoming “Illuminate the Past” event, and a virtual, historic Monopoly game involving many of the community’s businesses.
For more information on all these events, visit the Evergreen Chamber website.