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Knights to showcase state during Supreme Convention
By John Gleason
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Plans for the 129th Supreme Convention for the Knights of Columbus this summer are in their final stages and judging from the list of events, convention attendees will have a full schedule after they unpack. The convention, slated Aug. 2-4 in Denver, usually attracts 2,500 Knights, including priests, bishops and cardinals from around the world. This is the first time in more than two decades that Colorado has played host to the event.
Activities include liturgies, socializing, discussion of business and election of board members. Many delegates will arrive several days before the convention opens to tour the state, said Price Hatcher, steering committee co-chair and past state deputy.
“A lot of planning has gone into making this weekend work,” he told the Denver Catholic Register. “We’re really excited about it. Our objective is to showcase the city, the state and the people who live here.”
In addition to the social events on the schedule, which include a barbecue, youth pizza party and ladies luncheon hosted by the Ladies of the Colorado State Council, visitors will be able to take a variety of tours, each spotlighting a different aspect of the state. They include a mountain bus trip with stops at Mother Cabrini Shine, Red Rocks Park, a silver mine tour and a ride on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Also planned are a trip to Colorado Springs for a tour of Garden of the Gods, the Air Force Academy and a ride up the Pikes Peak Cog Railroad. A day trip to Boulder and a scenic trip to the San Luis Valley to visit the outdoor Stations of the Cross featuring magnificent sculptures by artist Huberto Maestas are other excursion options as are a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field and a “Saints and Sinners Tour.”
“This (final idea) comes from the last time Colorado hosted the Supreme Convention in 1984,” Hatcher said. “The ‘Saints and Sinners Tour’ intersperses a visit to a church and a brew pub. After visiting one of the beautiful churches such as the Cathedral Basilica or Holy Ghost, (participants) stop in for dinner at one of the downtown eateries. It was very popular last time and we’re hoping visitors will enjoy themselves this time, too.”
Hatcher said the Knights have worked to create an itinerary of interesting trips for visitors but need volunteers to make them happen.
“Something of this magnitude wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the volunteers who give of their time,” he said.
Roger Muller, new Knights state deputy and chairman for the convention committee, agreed.
“Bringing this convention together isn’t something that one person or one committee could pull off alone,” he said. “It’ll be successful because of the men and women who stepped forward and said, ‘What do you need?’”
The application to host the 2011 convention was made six years ago and when it was awarded to Colorado, Muller said a small group got together to lay out plans. The group received a lot of input from Knights from across the state.
“Because of their help, we’re ready,” Muller said. “We’re chomping at the bit.”
Even so, Muller said more volunteers are welcome to help transport delegates, act as tour guides or work hospitality tables.
“You can’t have too many volunteers,” he said. “And we’re always glad for the extra hands.”
Anyone interested in volunteering may do so by contacting the Knights online at www.2011coloradokofc.org.
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