When this column was started many years ago, its name, Avenue Flashes, was coined because that’s what it literally was…Flashes of tidbits about what was happening that day on Washington Avenue. Usually just a sentence or two in what was more or less a list. Back then, the Golden Transcript was a daily newspaper and downtown was really only the one main street. But every day there was some little bit of news to share, particularly since everybody knew everybody in the entire town. So, when birthdays or anniversaries or store sales were happening, it was important news to all those folks.
But, over the years, our little town has grown exponentially, so Avenue Flashes has focused on things happening all over the Golden area. But this week, I’m going to put the spotlight back on Washington Avenue and give you a couple of more elaborate flashes about two things going on downtown.
So, let’s start off with a good old fashioned sidewalk sale. That’s what’s going to be happening on the Avenue Saturday, Sept. 9. They used to do these a lot more frequently when I was a kid, but it’s good to see one happening again because they are always fun. If you don’t know what that is, basically all the merchants on the street put out racks and tables full of special sale and clearance items on the sidewalk in front of their businesses. Then you get to rummage through all the stuff looking for that perfect bargain on something you may have wanted or discover a super price on something you never knew you needed until that day.
Years ago, you had a pretty good idea what to expect, but nowadays, we have so many diversified shops downtown that there truly is something there for everyone, and I’m sure you will even find a few things you never knew existed. Golden’s mostly locally-owned stores are going all out for this event with great prices on everything from outdoor gear and jewelry to clothing and artisan crafts. The sale is citywide and most Downtown Golden merchants are participating.
It’s going to be happening from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. but you will want to get there early for the best selection.
Now this next little Avenue Flash has me really scratching my head in disbelief. We all know that time starts to fly as we get older, but when something that happened 30 years ago seems like a recent occurrence, you know your hair is getting really gray or white.
Yes, Golden’s own Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza is celebrating its 30th Anniversary on Washington Avenue with of all things, a fabulous Beach Party on Sunday, Sept. 10. Celebrating 30 years? I still remember when it opened its doors, and for some reason, to me that feels like it just happened last year or something. Of course, I still remember the place being called the Big M Lounge. Give me just a moment to go fetch my dentures that are soaking before rambling on here. All right, got ‘em.
All kidding aside, Woody’s has become a landmark here in Golden and they are marking the occasion in style. Yes, it’s going to be a real Beach Party with live music, a tiki bar, beer from New Terrain Brewing Company, an arcade bus, bouncy house, cookies from Gnarly Mountain Cookies as well as a special “build your own pizza” station for kids. In addition to all that, there will be a fundraising bake sale for Golden High School going on, too.
The party goes from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza is located at 1305 Washington Ave., right downtown. Learn more online at woodysgolden.com.
Congratulations to the folks at Woody’s on hanging around our fair town for 30 years. Put in another 30 years and you can start writing this column once I retire. Hey, my Mom wrote her last Avenue Flashes column for this paper when she was 89, so it could happen.
So, let’s all head to Downtown Golden for the weekend. You never know what else might flash by while you are there!
John Akal is a well-known jazz artist/drummer and leader of the 20-piece Ultraphonic Jazz Orchestra. He also is president of John Akal Imaging, professional commercial photography and multimedia production. He can be reached at jaimaging@aol.com.
