Good morning, Colorado Springs.

On Thursday, July 9, 2026, Colorado Springs firefighters battling the Rock Creek fire got unexpected support from Goldie (Golden Oreo), a Nigerian dwarf goat who trailed the crew and offered comic relief amid a challenging wildfire season marked by high temperatures and erratic winds.

The Blaqq Widowz motorcycle club is hosting a wildfire relief drive Saturday at 601 East Las Vegas Street near Interstate 25 and South Nevada Avenue, collecting nonperishable food, water and gift cards for communities statewide.

The drive runs (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

Community support saved the 83rd annual Pikes Peak or Bust Parade after a funding scare nearly canceled it; the parade returns Saturday for rodeo competitors from July 14-18, following Tejon Street from St. Vrain to Vermijo and honoring grand marshal Kaylee Gripentrog with the *Purple Mountains, Silver Spurs* theme.

El Paso County Fair runs July 11 to 18 at the County Fair and Events Center, 366 10th St, with carnival rides, rodeos and a demolition derby - free admission on select days for military and seniors.

The fair celebrates 121 years since a humble potato harvest sparked the tradition.

Firefighters have contained 30% of the Rock Creek fire that started Tuesday evening on Cheyenne Mountain, and higher humidity plus late rain may help control the blaze while pre-evacuation warnings near residences have been lifted.

Storms brought needed rain overnight to the southern Front Range, including areas near the Aspen Acres burn scar, without causing major flooding.

Weather experts (including meteorologist Mark Wankowski) said high winds helped spread fires and more rain is forecast, raising flash flood concerns over Colorado 65 near San Isabel.

Local water activities give Colorado Springs residents fun ways to cool off this summer.

Options include swimming at community pools, paddleboarding on popular lakes, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, and boat rentals for a day on the water.

New data from the Pikes Peak Association of REALTORS shows the median sale price in El Paso County was $499,999 for June — reflecting stable prices despite a slight decline from last year.

The market now offers buyers nearly 3,000 listings with an average of 42 days on market.

Broncos defensive end Zach Allen ranked No. 73 on the NFL’s Top 100 players list Thursday (improving 17 spots from last season) and became the first Broncos player on the list while earning Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors with 47 quarterback hits and 38 tackles.

Live Music: SofaKillers

4-7 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy the SofaKillers performing live and catch the summer vibes at this local brewery.

Yoga in the Park with Cambio Yoga

9-10 a.m. — PikeRide, Inc. — Free trip available — Enjoy outdoor yoga sessions at Nancy Lewis Park with Cambio Yoga this summer.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Relax and color your worries away with themed pages and craft supplies available.

Bleating Heart Night: Sue's Gift

5-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — $1 donation per pint — Enjoy craft beer while supporting a local nonprofit.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy delicious brews and pizza with friends.

Less Water, More Flavor: Garden Wine Dinner

6-9 p.m. — Hillside Gardens & Event Center — Ticketed event — Experience a unique wine dinner featuring dry farmed wines and drought-tolerant ingredients in a beautiful garden setting.

D2 Summer Food Service Program

All day — Family Success Center - Pikes Peak United Way — Free meals available — A community initiative to provide nutritious food during the summer months.

LIVE at the Lodge - Tiny Pockets with Good Grub Food Truck

6-9 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Food truck and live music — Enjoy an evening of tunes from Tiny Pockets while savoring delicious bites from Good Grub.

Brushes & Brunch at Beans & Brews

1-3 p.m. — Beans & Brews Coffeehouse — $15 minimum food purchase required — Unleash your creativity with step-by-step painting instruction in a cozy café setting.

Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — El Pomar Youth Sports Park — Registration required — Develop soccer skills with expert coaching from Real Madrid methodologies.