Summer is coming — and the city of Idaho Springs is raring to go.

The city council talked about plans for City Cleanup Day on May 8, the upcoming farmers market on May 28, putting flower baskets in the historic district on Memorial Day weekend, and the Fireman’s Day Parade on June 12.

The council held an informal town hall meeting on May 3 to discuss summer plans and goals for the city. The meeting was scheduled during a council work session and drew a fairly large crowd of local residents.

To kick off the summer season, this Saturday, May 8, the city is planning its City Cleanup Day at Courtney Riley Cooper Park.

City Clerk Tami DuBois said coffee and doughnuts will be provided for volunteers looking to spruce up Idaho Springs.

Farmers market

The Idaho Springs Chamber of Commerce will host a farmers market every Friday at the Idahoe Mall starting May 28 and running through Oct. 8.

According to the chamber’s executive director, Belita Nelson, the chamber has gathered a collection of vendors ranging from locals to others from across the state.

“We’re just working to bring in a big variety of different kinds of things that will pull people off the highway,” Nelson said. “So I’m concentrating on a variety of different food items besides produce.”

Council member Natalie Latysh said she was concerned that the event could start slowly and might discourage some vendors from returning.

“That’s (not) anything to be afraid of — I mean, that’s the way you grow it,” said council member Phyllis Adams. “It has to start out that way.”

Nelson added that there are already several large vendors interested in the farmers market who are offering up ideas on how to support it.

“The thing that all the vendors are really excited about is that fact that you can see us from Interstate 70,” Nelson said. “… They’re really excited about it, (and) with a couple of exceptions people have been really positive.”

Flower baskets for Memorial Day

The city is planning to put up flower baskets along historic Miner Street on Memorial Day weekend. The city is putting up 26 baskets along the street — costing $40 each.

“We’re just asking all businesses that if they ever look dry to go out and put a little water in them,” said City Administrator Cindy Condon. “Of course, we’re going to water them every day like we’ve done before, but the weekends sometimes get a little tough when we’re short on staff — so help us if you can.”

Condon said the plants were grown in a greenhouse in Granby and are high-altitude flowers that should survive the local weather fairly well.

Fireman’s Day Parade

Adams briefed the council and public about the Fireman’s Day Parade and Barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. on June 12.

“There will be the free barbecue again (this year),” Adams said.

Adams said this time around there’s even more local restaurant involvement in the event.

“Businesses are again welcome to participate (in the parade),” Adams said. “I’m not going to push for that again this year like I did last year — the focus is a lot more on emergency services.”

Adams said the city is inviting 15 fire departments and people who own antique firefighting equipment to take part.

“At this point, I have high hopes for a significantly longer parade,” Adams said.

Contact Ian Neligh at couranteditor@evergreenco.com, and check www.clearcreekcourant.com for updates and breaking news.