Before you read one word further, pull out your calendar and save this date: May 7, 2023.

That’s the day JEWISHcolorado will celebrate Israel’s 75 years of statehood with the annual Celebrate Israel Walk and Festival.

“This event offers some incredible opportunities to simply have fun—especially family fun,” says JEWISHcolorado Director of Events Sarah Springer. “It is for everyone—young and old.”

“Especially now, Israel needs to see support from the American Jewish community,” adds Edina Segal, Event Lead and Director of Israel and Overseas Center. “This is a pure “Let’s come together” event where we support Israel in a non-political, high vibe way.”

Co-chair Dana Friedman is celebrating her eighth year at the helm of the committee that plans the Celebrate Israel walk and calls this historic 75th anniversary “an especially momentous event!”

“The unity and pride felt at this event is truly inspiring,” she says. “When it comes to celebrating Israel, the Colorado community stands united in support of this modern miracle.”

“This event is not just for Jews,” adds Committee Co-chair Josh Yeddis. “It’s for everyone who loves Israel. It’s a day we put everything aside and come together to celebrate everything Israel has done for the world.”

With entertainment from an Israeli band to a walk through the streets of Denver—from a pep rally to booths representing more than 20 Colorado Jewish organizations—this will be a chance to celebrate Israel, reconnect with old friends, and meet new people.

Here’s what you need to know as you plan ahead.

Where will the event take place?

This year’s Celebrate Israel Walk and Festival will be at Great Lawn Park in Denver. You can find parking information here.

What time does it start?

People will gather by 9:00 a.m. and the event runs until 1:00 p.m.

At 9:00 a.m., there will be announcements and a pep rally. At 9:30, the walk through the surrounding area begins. People will return to the park starting at 10:00 a.m. and that’s when the Festival starts!

At 11:00 a.m., Shaanan Streett of Hadag Nahash will play a 45-minute concert that will give you a chance to show off your dance moves.

How many people will be there?

More than 1,200 people attended the 2022 Celebrate Israel Walk and Festival. This year is a milestone year, so you won’t want to miss this chance to celebrate Israel’s 75th anniversary.

Tell me more about the Israeli band!

Shaanan Streett, a Jerusalem-based musician, script-writer and social activist, has been making music for the last 25 years during which he has established his status as one of the most important and pioneering forces in Israeli hip-hop. He and members of his band will travel to Denver to sing songs from three acclaimed solo albums.

What can we expect at the festival?

There will be booths around the park for both children and adults. Children can enjoy face painting and balloon art. There will also be experiential education areas with science and art experiences and Israeli music.

More than 20 Colorado Jewish organizations will also have booths with more fun activities.

Will there be food?

Of course, there will be food available for purchase at food trucks, including Kosher and vegetarian options.

We’re coming! How can I register?

You can register the day of the event when you arrive, but why wait? Pre-register here and plan to pick up your wristbands on May 4 or 5 at JEWISHcolorado. When you pre-register, you can buy your event T-shirt and pick it up in advance on May 4 or 5.

Whew, this sounds like it takes a lot of planning!

The Celebrate Israel committee started planning in the fall of 2022. In addition to Co-chairs Dana Friedmann and Josh Yeddis, the committee includes Tali Brauman, Goldie Cohen, Sheryl Feiler, Lena Fishman, Cindy Noam, Rabbi Susan Rheins, Amy Schinagel, Goldie Fishleder, Ronit Williamson, and John Chanin. If you have a chance, thank them for their hard work planning this community event and remember these words from Dana Friedman:

“For the past 75 years, the Jewish people have lived in our ancestral homeland with sovereignty and self-determination. There is so much to celebrate and be proud of. I look forward to our best event ever on May 7.”