Falcon, Colo. is an unincorporated community representing an array of people and individual lifestyles. The old timers are fiercely independent. Residents who moved to the community in the 1990s longed for that same independence when they traded city life for the wide-open spaces. Today, newcomers, who are arriving at an 11-percent growth rate per year, are challenging the ideals of what made Falcon, Colo., a perfect hide-out for those who had no desire for urban density, neighborhood covenants and government rule.Despite growing pains and varying opinions about development, old timers, pre-21st century residents and newcomers were brought together on Sat., May 8 for a first-time event, sponsored by Purina and hosted by old timers Ammie and Shannon Vincent, owners of Farmer Jim’s, the area’s long-standing Falcon feed and general store.Falcon High School was the site of the pet extravaganza/business exposition featuring animal-related programs and local Falcon entrepreneurs. The talk among visitors and vendors milling around the business booths was a mixed bag, from tips on caring for goats to issues related to new development to local politics, as another old timer, Lisa Day, sought signatures from registered Republicans to secure husband Jim Day’s spot on the November ballot for county commissioner.Two baby goats and infant kittens shared the spotlight with a beautifully coifed rabbit who sat quietly while his owner spun his fur on a spinning wheel while educating the audience to the origins of bunny fur-lined hats and sweaters. Meanwhile, Falcon business owners like chiropractors Rob and Francine Palmer and Glenn McIntosh, owner of Springs Promotionals, intercepted almost 300 people during the noon to 6 p.m. expo. The youngest entrepreneur was 11-year-old Brittany Asbjornsen, who creates and sells beaded bracelets and necklaces for animals and humans!Outside, Front Range Equine Rescue volunteers grilled hamburgers while dog agility and obedience demonstrations took place. Miniature horses and Arabian breeds awed spectators as they pranced around the school’s parking lot and football field.Back inside, local veterinarians Dr. Jim Friedly and Dr. Anita Baker spoke about animal acupuncture and choosing a new puppy. Megan Bryant, an animal nutritionist with Purina, presented information on equine nutrition. Nonprofit animal organizations, including the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, promoted causes, from spay and neuter to donkey, horse and dog and cat rescue to puppy training.Holly Reuter, owner of Holly Arabians, said, “This was an excellent opportunity to make people aware that we train and breed Arabian horses.” Mark Wittrup, a Realtor with Rawhide Realty, thought everything went well for a first-time event. “There were a lot of people, and I think everyone had a good time.” Lisa Day said, “I thought it was a great turnout and there were a lot of fun activities and informational programs.” And host Ammie Vincent said, “I think it was successful for a first-time event, and it will be bigger and better next year.”And, as Falcon’s growth continues, it is more than likely the event will be bigger next year. No matter the lifestyle, from cowboy independent to urban-dweller independent, or the opinions, from water issues to commercial growth, the Falcon one-day event brought everyone together in a true pioneer spirit of camaraderie and community.
