"Life is a Highway," is the theme of this year's Colo Crossroads Festival. Many fun-filled events have been planned for the weekend of July 10-12. "Our goal for the festivals is for the community to come together and have a good time," said Mayor Larry Milleson. "We are in hopes that the community can become closer and feel that they can give input on how we can make improvements to our town."
      Although many events have been planned for adults, a full schedule has also been planned for kids and their families to enjoy together. A few of the events include: a Twinkie eating contest, kiddie tractor pull, mini backhoe demo, fishing pond and even a Popsicle walk.
      When visiting with a group of kindergarten through fourth graders at the Colo Library Summer Program, the question was asked, "What is your favorite activity of the Festivals?" Some of the activities included the soccer speed kick, inflatable rides and trying to hit the target on the water tank. Many agreed on a past favorite activity of the slippery, muddy fun of catching a live pig in "Pig Mania."
      Is there a special memory from past festivals? Five-year-old, Sam McKinney replied, "I remember being staged frightened at the talent show. My cousin Emma had to come up and help me while I sang the song, "Zippy Do Da." Kassie Robinson's memory involved her dad Kurt and Uncle Kent winning the "Pig Mania," and breaking the record with 13.2 seconds.
      A few of the kids answered 'yes,' to the question: "Is anyone going to be involved in the parade?" Jack McKinney commented that he would be helping serve biscuits and gravy during the parade, with the money raised going toward their local soccer club. Kortnie Halverson raised her hand and excitedly told of being in the parade with her grandma, Pat Timmerman, and her grandma's daycare kids. Each year, Pat gets her daycare involved in the kiddies' parade. Last year they all dressed up and performed with instruments while carrying the banner, "Future Colo-Nesco Marching Band." This year Pat continues her tradition with the kids dressing up in dew rags, leather vests and riding their bikes while carrying the banner, "Main Street Bikers."
      One of the last questions asked was about what the kids would like to see for future festivals. Many of the kids had suggestions, such as carnival rides, horseback riding, rock climbing, electronic bull rides and hot air balloon rides. With this year's list of events, one of their wishes will be fulfilled. The kids will be able to take that hot air balloon ride on Friday, July 10, between 7 and 9 p.m.
      According to the kids' activities coordinator, Dawn Short, the Colo School is the place to be for this year's events. The kid's events are targeted for 2-year-olds and up, and everyone is welcome to participate and make this a family-fun event.
      "Life is a Highway," with something new around each corner, and the Colo Crossroads Festival has many new things planned that will be fun and exciting. "We hope for great weather and that everyone can come out and enjoy our festival," said Milleson.