Good afternoon, Denver. I’ve heard some rumors there’s fireflies in them hills! We’ll insect a little deeper to find out the truth behind these lovable nightlights.

In today’s Denver Weekly:

• Fireflies spotted in Colorado

• Organutan escapes Denver Zoo

• Ryan Meetup attempts World Record

• Summer Festivals are Back!

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Mattox

TOP STORIES

Organutan escapes Denver Zoo 🦧

An organutan was able to escape its exhibit this week after a “malfunction in the primary enclosure area”. Thankfully he didn’t come in contact with any humans just went to another area to explore. The Sumatran organutan can grow between 3-6ft tall and 66-250lbs, depending on their gender.

Calling All Ryan’s 📣

The Ryan Meetup group is aiming for a world record in Denver attempting to pack the most people named Ryan into a section of Coors Field for a Rockies game on June 20th.

The Ryan Meetup group has held several events in major cities like Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago, including a Ryan Rave, St. Ryan’s Day, the Ryan’s game show and more.

Ryan Fisher told FOX31 that he attended his first Ryan Meetup in Miami and was hooked. He said when he walked in, he was greeted by dozens of Ryans saying:

“Hey, Ryan’s here!” “You end up just talking the entire time, you have nothing in common with all these people, yet you have this amazing thing that you didn’t choose as your name in common with all these other Ryans,”

So yeah, hit me up if your name is also Ryan and Let’s DO THIS THING!

Denver introduces ‘Outdoor Drinking’ 🍻

In a move sure to excite anyone who loves alcohol and being outdoors, City officials are preparing to roll out designated outdoor drinking zones along Glenarm Place near 16th Street in downtown Denver.

The participating restaurants include: 

• Que Rico

• Paramount

• West of Surrender

• 5280 Burger

• Maggiano's

• Henry's Tavern

The new drinking zones will be open from 10am - 10pm daily, with extended hours during some special events.

_{*Source: 9news}

DID YOU KNOW

Fireflies can survive in CO

Fireflies are traditionally known to exist East of Kansas in the more humid climates of the US. But there are in fact certain species that survive in the wetlands along the Front Range.

In fact, Colorado has native fireflies. Yes, you read that right — native.

Butterfly Pavilion’s Firefly Lifecycle Project studies the various species and has an ongoing conservation effort to ensure these mesmerizing insects not only survive but also thrive.

To conserve fireflies, Butterfly Pavilion is studying how to breed and raise fireflies under human care. Learn more about fireflies, Butterfly Pavilion’s Firefly Lifecycle Project,  and how you can get involved in your own community!

Public Locations for Firefly Viewing

Some parks are not open late enough for visitors to see fireflies during public hours, however, they may host guided walks to view fireflies after hours. Please respect the posted hours of all parks and check with them in advance.

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area in Fort Collins, CO

• Open until 11 pm

• Fireflies flash along the boardwalk in the northeastern side of the natural area

• Fort Collins Natural Area volunteers lead guided firefly walks in June and July

Morey Wildlife Reserve in Loveland, CO

• Open from dawn to dusk

• The City of Loveland hosts Fireflies in the Meadows walks in June and July

• Bicycles and dogs are prohibited

Sawhill Ponds Open Space, Boulder, CO

• Open until 11 pm

• Fireflies have been spotted on the south side of the open space near the railroad tracks

Fountain Creek Regional Park in Fountain, CO

• Open until 9 pm

• The Fountain Creek Nature Center offers firefly hikes in June and July

Filoha Meadows Nature Preserve in Redstone, CO

• No access in the evenings

• Roaring Fork Conservancy leads guided firefly walks in July

_{*Source: Butterfly Pavilion}

EVENTS

Summer Festivals are Back!

There’s nothing quite like Summer festivals in the Mile High City. Fun for the whole family even your teens, you’re bound to find something here they won’t complain about.

16th Street Summer Kickoff 

When: Saturday/Sunday | 11am - 6pm

Free and open to all, the celebration features live music, vendors, kids adventure zone, games, DJs and food trucks on ten newly renovated blocks of 16th Street, from Market to Tremont Street, with festivities taking place all over downtown, between Union Station and Civic Center.

The celebration welcomes the community back to the newly renamed 16th Street as construction nears completion after more than three years. 16th Street includes more than a mile of patios, shopping and play features.

Outside Festival

When: Friday/Saturday/Sunday

The Outside Festival is a celebration of everything outdoors, featuring music, films, speakers and gear.

The schedule features 12 music performers onstage at Civic Center Park including Lord Huron, Trampled by Turtles, Sylvan Esso, and Khruangbin.

There will also be film screenings and speakers, including magician David Blaine and swimmer Diana Nyad, plus downtown park experiences.

Tickets for this weekend's festival are on sale at TheOutsideFestival.com.

Park Hill Art Festival

When: Saturday/Sunday | 10am - 5pm

The free two-day celebration of creativity will showcase over 100 juried fine artists and crafters from on the grounds of the Park Hill Masonic Lodge at 4819 Montview Blvd. between Dahlia and Eudora Streets.

_{*Source: 9news}

PET OF THE WEEK

Save A Life @ Colorado Puppy Rescue

Meet Luna — This sweet girl we have been calling Luna, is the absolute best dog I have ever known!! She is so cuddly and playful.

She is wonderful with bigger kids (my kids are 8 and 11) - she might be anxious around small children that are less predictable.

She sleeps through the night in her crate inside of a play pen so I didn't have to feel guilty locking her in her crate not knowing her history.

She hasn't had any accidents inside our home - she will willingly use a puppy pad if she needs to go indoors. She is great at going potty in a yard or on a walk.

For more information about Colorado Puppy Rescue:

Next Adoption Event: Saturday, May 31th | 9:30am-12pm

Adoptive families must complete an adoption application prior to meeting pups. Signing up is strongly encouraged, but not required.
 
Our Address:

18741 Ponderosa Dr. Unit D.
Parker, CO 80134

SPORTS

Bo Nix settles into QB Role

Bo Nix is happy to be in Denver. He’s entering his 2nd year as the starting QB for the Broncos and is ready to go to work.

He looks and feels more comfortable in this system — not having to learn a completely new playbook is a huge plus.

"Honestly, it felt weird because it hasn't (like this) been since high school. I'm just used to learning different things, so it's good not to have to learn an entire new system this year and have the same play-caller and have the same quarterback coach."

I know we’re all looking forward to the weapons we’ve added during the draft and offseason pickups. Here’s to another successful season and longer playoff run Broncos Country!

Until Next Week!

THANK YOU

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