The Noco Pulse | Week of May 18th

Welcome back to the NoCo Pulse as we navigate the whirlwind that is May in Northern Colorado. Someone at soccer described it perfectly: "How's your May December going?" That busy energy perfectly captures this week's packed episode of community news, business updates, and local highlights.

What's moving features Miles Beyond Running Community gearing up for their Weld Your Metal Running Festival on May 30th and 31st in Eaton, offering everything from a 7K run walk to ultra distance events complete with saunas, glamping, and mountain views. Following that is the Red White and Brew race on July 20th in Water Valley, closing at the Grainry at the Raynets, and the Greeley Freedom 5K downtown on July 4th. Bass Pro Shops is moving into their massive new 130,000 square foot location at the Brands at the Ranch, an 18 acre development that adds to NoCo's already impressive outdoor retail scene including Scheels, Jax locations, and Sportsman's Warehouse. Joyride is looking to move into NoCo as a bike cafe combining bike repair services with a coffee shop and cafe, founded by Rebe of Rebe Explores and focused on creating inclusive outdoor spaces for everyone from beginners to experts.

Community gatherings spotlight Ginger and Baker's eighth annual Dog Flower Crown Photo Day on May 31st, a free event where you can bring your four legged friends for flower crowns and portraits with donations collected for Animal Friends Alliance. The Blues and Cruise car show comes to downtown Loveland May 30th from 10 to 3 featuring classic cars and electric guitars, not to be confused with the Blues and Brews festival on June 5th. Local musician Aubrey Dale releases her debut album Fireweed on May 24th at the Rング for just $29 including a free beverage, sponsored by Greeley Hat Works.

Keeping the beat features the fifth annual A Brothers Fountain ABF at the Farm event on June 6th below Devil's Backbone in Loveland, with $30 suggested donation and 10% of proceeds benefiting Loveland Community Kitchen. The Global Sounds Music Festival returns to Old Town Fort Collins on May 30th, a free festival from noon to 6 PM on the big stage bringing music from around the world, presented by the Bohemian Foundation. Dancers from the suddenly closed Canyon Concert Ballet have partnered with Bas Bleu Theatre to present their Swan Song final performance May 22nd through 24th after raising funds to rent the space and pay the dancers.

Community support highlights Breeze Thru Car Wash's fundraising program where organizations can raise money the second full weekend of every month through October 31st, with Breeze Thru matching dollar for dollar every donation made at their pay stations. The Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County celebrates 40 years with their Great Futures Gala on May 30th at the Lory Student Center Ballroom, featuring cocktail attire, complimentary drinks, elegant dinner, live auction, and recognition of youth and champions for children.

Business news celebrates Verbal Bras, founded by Rebecca Thompson, a New Belgium senior executive assistant who created bras that support wearable breast pumps, saving working moms up to 30 minutes daily. The product has a utility patent and just started shipping this spring after Rebecca discovered the challenges three years ago when she had her daughter.

Food picks feature Aloha Poke and Boba on College Avenue near Noodles and Chipotle, serving delicious poke bowls with exceptional service that even got the kids involved and eating. Friendly Nick's Butcher on Lemay Avenue offers the best quality meats from local sustainable farms, amazing house made beef jerky, Nick's Sticks, dog bones, stock, and fresh beef liver, plus they do incredible community work from fundraisers to food baskets to hosting art contests for kids.

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