Good morning, Colorado Springs.

At Tava House, Derek Waggoner of America’s Mountain Festival donated $10,500 to Rifles 2 Reins and gave a $3,000 bonus to Northeast Teller County Fire Protection District — while the Ute Pass Saddle Club Foundation donated $10,000 to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region at Park State Bank and Trust.

Several local comedy and theatre events start today, including Don’t Tell Comedy in the Knob Hill area at 8 p.m. and Vicki Barbolak at Loonees Comedy Corner at 7:30 p.m.—additional shows and improv performances are scheduled in the coming days.

Colorado Springs will host a busy slate of events this summer and fall.

Highlights include Colorado Day Sunrise & Sunset Viewing at Pikes Peak on Aug. 1 and cultural programs at the Pioneers Museum, local colleges, and community parks through Oct. 31, with varied ticket prices and times.

The 39th POW/MIA Recognition Ride will take over 1,500 motorcycles from Woodland Park for the Annual Salute to American Veterans Rally on Aug.

21-22 as Cripple Creek’s main street hosts a tribute for veterans — local supporters will line highways to cheer the riders.

Historian Steve Plutt and the Ute Pass Historical Society recount the story of Lake George — 40 miles west of Colorado Springs — where George Frost launched a booming ice business in 1891.

This pure ice once fueled railroads and local resorts, spurring the town's growth.

Local drivers are coping with fuel costs above the national average as gas hovers around $4.15 a gallon.

Many adjust their budgets and scout for lower prices to ease the burden of daily travel given the area's reliance on personal vehicles.

ACCO Engineered Systems announced Thursday, July 30 that it will build a $36M manufacturing facility in Monument to create 135 jobs together with local+ state incentives from OEDIT, boosting Colorado’s advanced manufacturing industry.

Several Colorado Springs school districts are undertaking multimillion-dollar construction projects to update aging facilities while students await improvements.

Upgrades include new HVAC at Widefield, renovated wings at Palmer High and Jenkins Middle, and safety enhancements at Manitou Springs, with most projects scheduled for completion by fall semester.

A local explorer discovered a hidden section of Sand Canyon Trail One at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, a 3.9-mile loop with 617 feet of gain and scenic views near Garden of the Gods (accessible from 3550 W.

High St. off U.S. 24).

Foster dog Charlie needs the company of confident dogs to feel safe and is available for an appointment via TCRAS at 719-686-7707; meanwhile, barn cat Kunoichi, once a new mom, seeks an experienced adopter to help her acclimate from her foster home.

Tri-Lakes Little League softball team returned to Colorado after competing in the Northwest Region Tournament in Southern California.

The 11+12-year-olds earned national exposure on ESPN+ while learning key lessons in teamwork and resilience.

Comedy Night with Vicki Barbolak

7-8:30 p.m. — Loonees Comedy Corner — See ticket information for pricing — Enjoy laughs with Trailer Nasty comedian Vicki Barbolak from America's Got Talent.

Makers Market at Red Leg Brewing

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Explore local artistry, baked goods, and farm fresh produce at this vibrant market.

Toddler Time

10-11 a.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Play, laugh, and connect with new friends during a fun-filled play date for toddlers.

The Ex-Faces Reunion Concert

6:00 – 8:30 PM — Sunshine Studios Live — All Ages — Experience the nostalgic reunion of Ex-members from Mushroomhead playing classic hits and rare tracks.

STEM Quest

4:30 – 6:00 PM — Peterson Library — Free entry — Engage in hands-on STEM activities with family-friendly experiments and challenges.

Bike to First Friday — PikeRide

5-9 p.m. — Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs — $15 for unlimited 30-minute eBike trips — Explore local art and music while pedaling through vibrant downtown Colorado Springs.