Governor Polis Celebrates 150 Years of the Centennial State Alongside Coloradans

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis was in Denver, Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock to celebrate Colorado's 150th anniversary. Our sesquicentennial is a milestone marking a century and a half of statehood, perseverance and shared progress. From the steps of the Capitol to communities across the Front Range, Governor Polis celebrated all the Coloradans who have shaped the state's history since 1876, while looking ahead to the next bright chapter of Colorado's story.

"Happy Birthday Colorado! I am excited to be joining so many Coloradans today to celebrate our great state's 150th birthday. Today honors the history that makes us who we are as a state, and the bright future we are working towards everyday. In our Colorado For All we deliver more housing Coloradans can afford, help Colorado children get a strong start while saving families money, protect our iconic mountains and open spaces, and build a more prosperous and welcoming Colorado for the next 150 years. I am proud to be a Coloradan and I am excited to get out into the community and take part in celebrating this BIG birthday," said Governor Polis.

Governor Polis started celebrating Colorado at History Colorado for the Colorado Day Community Fest joining in on a John Denver sing along and highlighting Colorado's progress and bright future ahead. The Colorado Day Community Fest invited all Coloradans to explore History Colorado and special art markets, pancake breakfasts and Colorado Proud Markets.

Governor Polis joined member of the Colorado Hispanic and Latino Heritage Foundation (COHLHF) for a Colorado Day celebration highlighting the important contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities in Colorado. This museum will be located in the heart of the Auraria campus and will feature an interactive education lab and dynamic exhibits.

Governor Polis also celebrated Colorado Day at the Colorado State Capitol presenting and cutting into a special Colorado 150th Birthday cake, and joining dedicated state employees acknowledging the legacy of public service in Colorado.

Governor Polis met with Colorado artists at the Colorado Day Art Market, hosted by the Denver Art Museum. Featuring 50 local artists, and offering free admission for all visitors during museum hours (10 AM MT - 5 PM MT).

Governor Polis also went to Highlands Ranch for the Latin Sol celebration which brings a high-energy celebration of funk, ranchera, and cumbia music to a stage, delivering vibrant rhythms and powerful melodies that get audiences on their feet. Rooted in traditions that span generations, the celebration is a reflection of Hispanic and Latino culture that have shaped Colorado.

Governor Polis also joined the Colorado Day Festival in Castle Rock at Phillip S. Miller Park which brought families and the Castle Rock community together for a fun-filled day of food, music, a cornhole competition and the centennial beard competition.

Later today, Governor Polis will attend the grand opening of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum to celebrate Colorado Day and view the new "Freedom to Thrive" exhibit. The "Freedom to Thrive" is an important contribution to the 250/150 commemoration. Reflecting on both the Semi-quincentennial of America and the Sesquicentennial of Colorado's statehood, this exhibit centers people and stories to examine opportunities and obstacles to freedom in our community.

Governor Polis will also join the party at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site celebrating with live music, art exhibits, local cuisine and more. The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site at Garden of the Gods is a diverse outdoor museum that operates to engage, inspire, and educate guests with the cultural and agricultural stories of those who inhabited the Pikes Peak region from 1775-1909.

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