Dedicated to carrying on the tradition of greater Littleton — yesterday, today and tomorrow

by Jack Randall

Western Welcome Week is a 78 year old happening. In this case, the term “happening” is best defined by the web’s Wikipedia as:

“a performance, event or situation meant to be considered as art. Happenings lack a narrative, are often multi-disciplinary, and frequently seek to involve the audience in the performance in some way. Elements of them may be planned while retaining room for improvisation. They can take place anywhere.”

Western Welcome Week meets every single aspect of that definition. It is clearly art – performance art. As many as 80,000 art lovers enjoy this happening.

It is multi-disciplinary and I can’t think of a discipline that is not or could not be included. From Rubber Ducky Racing on Sunday the 13th to the wonderful Miniature Horse and Pony Show on Sunday the 20th, all types of animals are included.

There are events all over Littleton. There are so many different locations that you must use a brochure/map to find them.

The audience is vital to each event and can be on stage participants or contestants in many.
The entire 11 days offer something for everybody, including curmudgeons and crabs.

“The entire 11 days offers something for everybody…”

The longest running single event is the 23rd Annual All Colorado Juried Art Exhibit at the Depot Art Center and Gallery. I had to check the meaning of a “Juried Art Exhibit”. It is one where the artists who originally exhibited in the 1st Exhibit, form the jury and a majority of them must approve the inclusion of any new artists.

On at least nine occasions, you can go specifically to eat. The first one is at Littleton City Center at 5:30 on opening day; the last is a Homecoming Luncheon at the Museum on Sunday the 20th. In addition to the specific dining occasions, food is offered by vendors almost all the time at almost every venue.

Twelve times you will have an opportunity to attend a music/dance performance.
Please see our list of events orgaized by category. Enjoy!