Geneva Lake looked more like the location for an international
gamefish tournament than the quiet piece of landscape it usually
is, as kids and parents alike gathered for the Littleton Elks
Children's Fishing Derby Aug. 8 as part of the 81st Western Welcome
Week.
"This is my fourth fish today," said 7-year-old Jocelyn
Burnside, holding up a pint-sized Oscar. The one she caught before
this one was her biggest, she said and she was working on winning
the prize for most caught fish.
Out on a Saturday with her grandparents, Jocelyn said this was
her first time fishing in a derby, though she was quick to point
out she's been fishing before. But she doesn't go camping.
The young anglers at the derby, toddlers through age 12, were
awarded for the smallest, largest and most caught fish. And from
the numerous tackle boxes filled with sinkers and bait, there were
bound to be a lot of fish caught before the day was done.
Across the way, Littleton's Main Street was full of vendors and
visitors to the second-ever Old Towne Market, hosted by Historic
Downtown Merchants.
Following the success of July's market, Peggy Cooper, Amy
Dougherty, Marcia Asheim and Sue Coffey brought in even more
vendors to display whimsical art.
"We are focused on bringing people to Historic Downtown
Littleton," said the women in an e-mail. "We created the Market to
help our Downtown Littleton thrive until this economy
improves."
Prior to Saturday's events, Littleton residents ushered in the
81st Western Welcome Week with a community barbecue with the
Littleton Lions Club.
A Western Welcome Week highlight, Lions Club-ers served up hot
dogs and hamburgers from The Platte River Bar and Grill for the
masses.
The event was a fundraiser for Littleton Lions Club Local Sight
Needs project.
Following the food came entertainment at Sterne Park by a Teen
Swing Band and the Denver Municipal Band at the 20th Family Night.
Fireworks brought the second night of Western Welcome Week to a
close.
Aug. 15 marks the day of the Grand Parade and a full day of fun
and festivities. The 29th Annual Littleton Fire Fighter's
Children's Parade begins at 7:30 a.m., with the Grande Parade at 10
a.m.
For more information visit, www.westernwelcomweek.com
