Castle Rock - Thursday, August 21
Time for the 6th Annual TASTE OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. Over 40 restaurants and other food service establishments will be offering FREE samples of their wonderful food. Tickets are $20 at the door, but only $10 IN ADVANCE (and YES, your ticket purchase includes the food samples). Kids 6-12 years are $10 at the door, but only $5 in advance. Some of the restaurants that are participating this year include.......

Event features the Las Brisas Margarita Cantina, Tommy Bahama Rum Mojito Bar, live entertainment, a display of the new Harley-Davidson line up of motorcycles and drawings for free giveaways.

There is plenty of free parking at the Douglas County Events Center, where the event is held (Exit 181, or Plum Creek, and I-25). This is an indoor air conditioned facility, so don't worry about the weather. Hours of the event are from 5-8 PM.

Tickets are now on sale at Pegaus Restaurant in Castle Rock (303-688-6746), LoDo's Bar & Grill at Quebec and C-470 in Highlands Ranch, Smoke & Bones Barbecue at Exit 184 and I-25 (near the Castle Rock Factory Outlets), and Enchanted Grounds Coffee and Cafe, 8080 South Colorado Boulevard in Highlands Ranch (303-470-1010). Tickets are also available on line this year at www.tasteofdouglascounty.com.

Event sponsors include Colorado Community Newspapers, IREA, First Bank of Douglas County, and KNUS 710AM radio.

Falcon - Saturday, August 23
Our first event ever in Falcon will be at Ciao Bella Pasta and Pizza on McLaughlin Road. Lunch for two for $7.40 ($3.70 single). Dine in and choose from meatballs and spaghetti, stromboli, or fettucine alfredo. You can also get a 14 inch pizza for only $7.40 each (this can be dine in or take out. Hours 10:30AM-1:30PM. I will be there broadcasting. They also have beer and wine available, and wonderful desserts.

Castle Rock - Saturday, August 23
A return visit to Smoke and Bones Barbecue at I-25 and Exit 184 in the old Jarre Creek Brewery location. They will be offering dinner for two for $7.10 ($3.55 single) with a number of different choices, or a four meat combination platter with two sides for only $7.10 each. You decide. Hours of the promotion will be 4-8 PM. This is dine in, or take out.

Castle Rock - Sunday, August 24
Join us for the 5th Castle Rock Fling, Castle Rock's premier 5 mile run, and 5K run/walk. Both events start at the Douglas County Events Center. There will be pre registration available at Running Wild Running Store in Highlands Ranch, Pegasus Restaurant in Castle Rock, on line, and on the day of the events. Festivities begin at 8 AM. Your entry fee will include your registration, beautiful t-shirt, bib, and a buffet breakfast with coffee, soda, and beer included. There will be a special race discount for those who register while at the Taste of Douglas County. We also have a number of age group awards, and there will also be lots of prizes given away by drawing. For all the information, and to register on line, visit www.castlerockfling.com.

Lone Tree/Meridian - Saturday, August 30
I know the date looks weird, but it is an early Labor Day weekend, so time for our annual visit to PanAsia Bistro, 10520 El Diente Court (mailing address Englewood). A Boyle Supper Club will be offered from 4-8 PM. As we do every year, you can enjoy dinner for only $7.10 per person. Regular price of these fabulous entrees runs around $14-17, so a chance to have a wonderful dinner, in a beautiful setting, for quite a savings. They will offer the fiery Mongolian beef (one of my favorites), sesame chicken, the always popular sizzling Asian fajitas, Thai shrimp and chicken, and a vegetarian dish. Reservations may be made, and are being taken, at 303-708-9088. If you would like to just drop by, that is fine also. Don't miss this.