Trying to decide how to properly kick off a long-awaited summer can be a tricky proposition.

After all, there’s rafting, camping and water-skiing to consider —the list of summer activities can be endless. Of course, if you wait too long, you’ll find yourself wading through knee-deep snow again.

So it’s best to be safe and just go to the top of the list — and that means enjoying a small-town parade and eating barbecue.

The Idaho Springs Fireman’s Day Parade and Barbecue will be held on Miner Street in historic downtown Idaho Springs from noon to 3 p.m. on June 12.

After the parade, the city will hand out free lunch to parade spectators. That right, free barbecue — for everyone.

Last year, Miner Street was bustling with crowds as they watched the long, colorful and loud procession come rambling through town. The city then fed more than 800 people.

City council member and event organizer Phyllis Adams said this year Idaho Springs is inviting 15 fire departments to take part in the parade.

Adams added that many of the local businesses on Miner Street are going to have a “fire sale” for customers.

She said the event is also perfect for people living east of town looking to kick off their summer, because it’s all happening just minutes west on Interstate 70.

“It’s a day of fun for the whole family,” Adams said. “(There will be) parades, free lunch, music in the park, activities for the kids — and it kind of kicks off our summer season.”

Oh My Gawd Rodeo on tap

The only thing more exciting than being carelessly flung from the back of a bad-tempered bronco is watching it happen to someone else.

This summer, cowboys and cowgirls will be performing in that ultimate of high-drama Western theater known as the rodeo.

Dust off your boots and dig out your best hat. After a one-year hiatus, the Oh My Gawd Rodeo is back in the saddle again.

The event was canceled last year, and the future of the rodeo seemed uncertain.

But after reaching an agreement with Clear Creek County on use of the fairgrounds near Dumont on the south side of Interstate 70, the event is ready to continue in its traditional grand style.

Bulls, broncs, ropers, racers and mutton bustin’ will grace the dirt and dust of the Kiefer Arena as competitors once again battle it out for the rodeo’s top honors.

“We’re really excited, and so hopefully we’ll get the crowds we used to get,” said Clear Creek Fairgrounds Association secretary Laura Allen. “… It is like good-old-fashioned family fun … (and) there’s a little bit of something for everybody.”

The Oh My Gawd Rodeo will be held on June 11, 18 and 25 and July 2 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kiefer Arena (take I-70 to Idaho Springs, then take the frontage road west to the Kiefer Arena). Adult admission is $10; kids ages 10 to 17, $5; children under 10 are admitted free. For information, call 303-622-9745.