5-BULLET FRIDAY – August 8, 2025

As summer winds down and the school year begins, we hope this season brings fresh opportunities, renewed energy, and exciting new goals for you and your family. Whether you’re packing lunches, setting up routines, or simply enjoying the change of pace, remember to take a moment for yourself amidst the hustle.

Here’s to a season of learning, growth, and making memories—both in and out of the classroom. We’re cheering you on, and those kidddos you love, for a fantastic start to the school year!

#1 – QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” – Willie Nelson

#2 – TOUR DENVER’S PARADE OF HOMES: 70 DREAM PROPERTIES TO EXPLORE THIS AUGUST

Denver’s much‑anticipated Parade of Homes is underway now through Sunday, August 24, offering free, self‑guided tours of nearly 70 newly designed residences across Metro Denver—from stylish condos and townhomes to custom “dream homes” priced between about $450,000 and $2.7 million. Tours run Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m., and many properties are also available via online virtual tours for added convenience. Visitors can pre-plan their route using an online map of locations—homes span the Front Range, including areas like Longmont, Castle Rock, Arvada, and Aurora. It’s an ideal opportunity to explore the latest in architecture, interior trends, smart‑home technology, outdoor living, and landscaping—an event designed to inspire whether you’re shopping for your next home or simply collecting ideas. For full details— including builder lineups, home styles, and tools to map your tour—visit ParadeOfHomesDenver.com.

#3 – VON MILLER REFLECTS ON BRONCOS SUCCESS WITH BITTERSWEET ADMIRATION

Von Miller will forever be among the greatest Denver Broncos, a Super Bowl 50 MVP and likely a top-five player in franchise history. But watching from afar as the team excels without him has been tough—especially knowing how deeply he loves the Broncos. Speaking on the popular “Pardon My Take” podcast, Miller reflected emotionally, “Being away from Denver… as time goes by you just miss those days,” noting the team’s momentum: new facilities, a rising roster, and a franchise that’s thriving. He captured the bittersweet feeling perfectly by comparing it to “seeing your old girlfriend with a new guy—she’s looking good again and bouncing back.” It’s a poignant reminder of his enduring connection to Denver, as both sides now pursue championship goals—with a potentially poetic twist that they could meet in Super Bowl LX.

#4 – A SECOND HOME COULD STRENGTHEN YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN

Many Americans feel uncertain about their retirement prospects, with nearly 70% saying today’s financial climate makes it hard to plan ahead. One increasingly popular strategy for building long-term stability is investing in a second home. A property can appreciate over time, generate rental income, diversify assets, and potentially be sold later for a profit. Contrary to popular belief, most multi-property owners aren’t big corporate investors—85% own only one to five properties. Right now, market conditions like increased inventory and more price cuts are tilting in buyers’ favor, making it a potentially opportune moment to purchase. If you live in an area where prices are expected to rise, buying now could help secure your financial future. For the best results, work with an experienced local real estate agent and a lender specializing in second home loans. To explore whether this move could boost your retirement security, connect with trusted professionals who can guide you confidently through the process.

#5- 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE DENVER AREA THIS WEEKEND

Looking for a weekend that blends theater, rhythm, and rodeo with a twist of vintage shopping and bananas-inspired fun? Denver’s got you covered with five standout events guaranteed to add some flair to your days.

ThriftCon at the National Western Complex
Dive into retro paradise with over 100 vendors showcasing everything from ’70s threads to Y2K collectibles. Hunt for unique finds, and enjoy browsing at your own pace. Open Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Details and tickets: thriftcon.co
Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Buell Theatre
Feel the passion of this Tony‑winning spectacle filled with lush costumes and a heart-thumping mashup soundtrack. Catch it now through August 10, with showtimes nearly every evening. Tickets available via Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Boulder County Fair in Longmont
Celebrate Colorado tradition with fair favorites—rodeo thrills, demolition derbies, 4‑H exhibits, and local eats. Perfect for families and nostalgia-seekers alike. Running through Sunday; admission is free. More info: bouldercountyfair.org
Summer Music Picnic: Before the Sun at Clyfford Still Museum
Bring your picnic and catch this free, soul-soothing live set under the open sky. Pair the tunes with a deeply discounted $5 museum visit and treat. Great for a laidback evening with art and atmosphere. Details: clyffordstillmuseum.org
Savannah Bananas Take Over Coors Field & McGregor Square
Known as the “Harlem Globetrotters of baseball,” the Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball—a high-energy, fast‑paced, spectator‑interactive baseball show—to Coors Field on August 9–10. Games feature wacky rules, choreographed dance breaks, and enthusiastic fan involvement. Both games sold out in under two hours, but fans can still soak up the fun at nearby McGregor Square, where you can watch live on a giant jumbotron, grab themed treats, and shop merch on‑site. Plus, enjoy frozen chocolate-dipped bananas nearby to sweeten the experience. Learn more: denver.org/event/savannah‑bananas‑at‑coors‑field and mcgregorsquare.com

Whether you’re in the mood for live music under the stars, rodeo thrills, dazzling theater, or three-dimensional thrift shopping, Denver’s weekend lineup delivers. Check the event websites for times and tickets, and enjoy your weekend exploring Mile High City!