Trail run races, reading events and more this weekend in the Vail Valley
Vail Public Library/Courtesy photo
Touch-A-Truck
The Vail Public Library is taking you out from behind the books to an outdoor experience your kids will never forget. Touch-a-Truck returns this weekend and is an opportunity to get up close to some of the fascinating vehicles that save lives, move people and get the job done.
From ambulances, police cars and buses to a cement truck, a pink moving truck and heavy machinery there’s so much to see, feel and hear — yes, the sirens will be turned on, but there is a designated quiet hour, too, for those kids who are sensitive to noise. Please note that the organizers were unable to get the helicopter from High Altitude Aviation Training Site in Gypsum due to fuel costs, so, sorry, no chopper this year.
Touch-a-Truck will be held at the Ford Park Parking Lot on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. until noon. The quiet hour will be from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Parents, get the cameras ready (and you might want to take a selfie with one of the huge rigs, too!) and watch your kid climb up into the cab of a tractor, flip the lights on in the police car or switch on the sirens in a fire truck. This event is free and open to the public and parking is free in the Vail Village Parking garage, which is a short walk to Ford Park. For more information, go to vaillibrary.com.
Dig Into Reading at Museum at Dinosaur Junction
Dig Into Reading is an exciting collaboration presented by The Literacy Project and the Museum at Dinosaur Junction in Edwards. Taking place this Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon the event will feature an introduction by museum director Billy Doran and an author/illustrator visit with Kriss and Angel King who created the “Just Keep Zippin'” children’s book series.
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Sunday’s program will focus on “Back on Track” — the story of a T. rex train conductor who needs glasses. In this whimsical book, Doc Zippy, who is a horse, helps Trax navigate through the process of visiting the optometrist for eye testing and choosing glasses. Featuring the animal and human characters from the real-life Museum at Dinosaur Junction, including Doran, “Back on Track” is an encouraging tale of resilience that kids will find fun and heartwarming.
During the hour, Kriss and Angel King will share their creative journey and bring their stories to life for young readers. They will also have some fun dinosaur swag for kids. After the program, families are invited to stay and explore the museum at their own pace. For more details, check out Museum at Dinosaur Junction’s Instagram page.
Boneyard Boogie Trail Running Race
With the warm and dry winter that we had (until storms rolled in recently this spring) the weather has actually been good for running outside. If you feel up to the challenge, the Vail Recreation District is kicking off its annual Vail Trail Running Race Series on Saturday. The first stop is downvalley with the Boneyard Boogie held in Eagle. The race series is well known for its iconic routes. It’s a locals’ favorite which draws many runners from around the region, state and beyond.
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The Boneyard Boogie offers a 14K and a 6K option. Both races will start at the Eagle Pool and Ice Rink. The 14K will start at 9 a.m. and the 6K will begin at 9:15 a.m. Eagle is known for its singletrack, which flows through the pinyon groves and juniper shrubs. The elevation gain will be slightly under 1,300 feet for the longer race.
At the race finish, grab a donut from long-time sponsor Northside Coffee & Kitchen and then head to the post-race party at Capitol Public House for awards, prizes, burgers and beer. This trail running race series runs through mid-September. Sign up for the whole series or participate in individual races, the schedule and more details can be found at vailrec.com.
Bikes and BBQ fundraiser
Bikes and BBQ blends two great things: riding on two wheels and tasty eats from Moe’s. When you add the charity component to it, it makes it even better. Come support The Cycle Effect at its annual fundraiser on Saturday from 5-8 p.m. The Cycle Effect’s mission is to empower young women through mountain biking to create brighter futures.
During the day, join the coaches for a bike clinic and short trail ride for beginner and intermediate riders. Space is limited, so contact The Cycle Effect to get signed up. The bike clinic will go on from 12-3 p.m., meet at the Eagle Pool & Ice Rink. The price is $175 and that includes the bike clinic, swag from The Cycle Effect, the trail ride and a drink ticket for the party at Moe’s BBQ.
The party at Moe’s BBQ is open to the public from 5- to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Blue Ox Boys. There will be plenty of giveaways such as bike gear and accessories from FOX, SRAM, Bontrager, Melanzana ad Wild Rye apparel, Beaver Creek golf rounds, Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Watch, Vail lift tickets, Color Coffee goodies and more.
The money raised from the event provides the coaching, bikes, gear and transportation The Cycle Effect riders need to get out on the trail and teach life lessons. To learn more, go to thecycleeffect.org.
Books in Bloom
Even though reading a book seems like a solitary activity, Books in Bloom invites lovers of the written word to come together, get inspired by authors and share their joy of reading. The Eagle Valley Library District has been hosting this event since 2011 and this is their way of showing appreciation to the public.
This year’s special guests are River Selby, Amanda Skenandore and Allen Eskens. Each author will give a talk at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. with brunch and refreshments, with more food options available during intermission. Stick around to purchase books and have the authors sign them. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at evld.org or at the event.
Electric Social and Sustainability Fair
Feeling social? Head to the Electric Social at the Sustainability Fair in Avon this Saturday. Hosted by Walking Mountains Science Center, this event will feature a variety of electric vehicles for people to check out, and owners will be around to share their experiences and insights. E-bike vendors will be offering test rides and free tune-ups and advice for those who already own one. There will also be partners present to answer all your questions about rebates, bike safety and home electrification.
The Sustainability Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Sun & Ski parking lot in Avon. Check out all sorts of educational demonstrations and lessons from the pros on topics like composting, home and business sustainability, water-wise landscaping and more.
There will be live music by Al Maul, free beer and brats from Ein Prosit, mini donuts and lemonade. Additionally, every attendee will be automatically entered into a raffle to win one of three $100 gift cards to local bike shops, along with other Sustainability Fair prizes. For details go to walkingmountains.org and avon.org.
