Good morning, Colorado Springs.

On June 26, at the Visitor & Nature Center, the Garden of the Gods Foundation celebrated its legacy of preserving the park by reviewing work since 1994 that raised over $7.6 million for trail restorations, facility upgrades, and education programs supporting millions of annual park visitors.

Cybersecurity and defense firm Apogee Engineering moved to its new 34,000 sqft headquarters at 9910 Federal Drive after announcing the move in May and later was awarded a $103 million contract from the Department of Defense to modernize GPS systems (press release).

After a funding scare nearly canceled it, the 83rd annual Pikes Peak or Bust Parade took place Saturday downtown (the scare was resolved within 24 hours as community leaders rallied) with riders, marching bands and the 2026 Girl of the West serving as grand marshal.

Local supporters can order Palisade peaches by July 23 as the Philharmonic Guild launches a fundraiser for symphonic music, with orders picked up on Aug.

8 at the Youth Symphony Office.

Fountain-Fort Carson graduate Jasmine Toney was named 2026 Colorado State Youth of the Year (recognized through her work at the Peterson Space Force Base Youth Center) and will attend the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.

Officials reported that evacuees in Beulah may return on Monday, July 13 once fire crews achieve greater containment and re-entry cards are issued from the Disaster Assistance Center at 29 Lehigh Avenue — residents near North Creek Road remain under evacuation.

Kyle McGuffey, a 14-year-old local, is opposing the proposed Project Taurus data center that a California company plans to build off Garden of the Gods Road.

He is gathering public records and speaking at events to examine potential environmental and utility impacts.

Colorado Master Gardener Fredricka Bogardus advises local gardeners to plant English lavender or lavender x intermedia 'Provence' in well-draining, alkaline soil for year-round appeal as these perennials offer summer blooms and winter texture (avoid annual types that will not survive local winters).

Colorado Springs Switchbacks clinched Group 2 of the USL Cup with a 3-0 win over Orange County SC Saturday night (goals came from Aidan Rocha, Sadam Masereka, and Juan Tejada) and will play in the Cup quarterfinals on Aug.

12 with details to be announced.

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.

Mash Mechanix Pickleball Club

5:30-6 p.m. — Mash Mechanix Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy friendly and competitive pickleball while sipping on discounted pints.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge while enjoying craft beer and prizes every Wednesday night.