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At a time when our world has been turned upside down and our business could have come to a screaching halt... we reinvented and reimagined what our business looks like. From March-July 2020 we have hosted 69 COVID-19 safe, socially distanced events & virtual/online events & fundraisers! Need help? We have experience! Contact My Big Day  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken Did you know NoCo’s farmers’ markets are still open this summer with social distancing measures in place? We’ve compiled a list of locations, times, and other details for you! If you are at increased risk for Covid-19, or live with someone who is, the Loveland Farmers’ Market even offers curbside pickup.  NOCO Virtual Farmers’ Market
 Fort Collins Farmers’ Market
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
 Larimer County Farmers’ Market
Drake Road Farmers’ Market - now operated by Fort Collins Farmers’ Market (see above) Greeley Farmers’ Market
Loveland Farmers’ Market *curbside pickup available
 Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  My Big Day is a small business, and we know first hand how challenging it is right now to be a small business owner. As such, we are interviewing other small businesses so that we can help cross-promote them among our followers and offer support in this uncertain time. Today we are featuring John Buoniconti, the owner of Colorado Candy Company.  How long have you been in business? This is our fifth year in business. What inspired you to get into the candy-making business and how and why did you start The Colorado Candy Company? When I first moved to Fort Collins back in 1996, I applied to an ad in the newspaper that simply said. Do you like candy. Seasonal positions available. So I went to the address in the add and six years into working there I found myself trying to buy the business. The purchase didn’t work out and so I went and moved on. No matter what job I had, anytime someone asked me what my dream job was, the answer was easy, making candy. Then, in 2015 my wife and I bought and sold a business and decided to use the proceeds of the sale to start Colorado Candy Company. We came up with all original formulas for our products and started making candy batches in our home kitchen. I still remember making our first ribbon candy sitting on a kids stool in front of the oven to keep the candy warm. Once I knew the formulas were solid and we acquired some vintage candy making equipment, I knew I was going to need some help to get this business going. So I brought on two business partners, both long time friends of over 20 years. I actually met Brian at the original candy shop and he currently has 17 years of candy making experience. My second business partner Jade not only heads our packaging department but he is also a homegrown artist, born and raised in Fort Collins, Co. He actually made our two marble tables out of slabs from Marble, CO. He also has a piece of carved marble in the Benson Sculpture Park in Loveland, CO.
How has the recent COVID-pandemic impacted your business? Are other social, economic, environmental impacts that affect your business? Like many other companies, our business model has been turned upside down. We were mainly a wholesaler and this time of year most Of our business revolved around tourism and events like weddings and fairs. None of which are happening any longer. Now 80% of our business is from our online store but joining the online space at the same time as some many other businesses has proven very challenging. How do you currently market your business? We market CCC online thru both social media and Google and with small print articles. We also use digital billboard marketing as well as product sponsorships. Where can we - your consumers - find your products? Do you have an online shop, onsite store, or do you partner with other businesses to carry your products? We have both an online store as well as many brick and mortar retail customers alongside the front range and in surrounding states. You can find both on our website www.coloradocandycompany.com. Is there anything else you would like our followers and potential customers to know about The Colorado Candy Company or yourself? For the Love of Candy is not just our tag line but it is why we started this small family business. It is why we make small artisan batches with great ingredients. Colorado Candy Company is one of just a few candy shops left in this country that still makes thin hand spun ribbon candy.  Join us in supporting Colorado Candy Company! https://www.coloradocandycompany.com/ Insider tip.... Did you know you can purchase their candy, and food from other small businesses AND have it delivered through NoCo Virtual Farmer's Market? Check it out! https://nocovirtualfarmersmarket.com/shop-category/food/  Contact My Big Day
Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  We wanted to express our sincere gratitude to each and every person who was part of our 6 week pop-up fundraiser, "The Loveland Drive In". We have received countless compliments from the public and amazing PR around this event. This was a BIG DEAL for Northern Colorado, and we were proud to have served our community. Some rough estimates worth sharing: In 6 weeks, we were able to....
Thank you for supporting the Thompson Education Foundation and the small businesses who put this fundraiser on. And thank you for being part of our strong community!  Contact My Big Day Marketing & Events Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken With COVID-19 numbers increasing in parts of the country, many of us with kids (My Big Day and “Loveland Drive-In” employees included) are wondering what we can do to keep our families entertained outside of the house and how safe those activities really are. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated information about the risk level of various activities. We are pleased that drive-in shows continue to be listed as one of the safest activities for families this summer. See our COVID-19 risk assessment for family activities list below!  High-Risk Activities (from “Covid 19 Risk Calculator,” ABC News, updated June 19, 2020)
 Medium-Risk Activities
 Low-Risk Activities
The Loveland Drive-In abides by the CDC’s advice on their latest “Deciding to Go Out” information page (updated June 15, 2020):
There’s still time to join us for some low-risk family fun this summer! Tickets available HERE!  Dad.... often tough to shop for, says he has everything he needs... and now during a pandemic, it's extra hard to go out and enjoy an activity with him! Well, this year we have a solution for you! How will YOU be spending time with DAD this weekend? Take him to the Loveland Drive in! Tickets: https://www.lovelanddrivein.com/tickets.html Safe, social distancing, kid approved!      The Loveland Drive-In
A Pop-Up Drive-In Safe Social Event in Loveland, CO www.LovelandDriveIn.com Drive-in movies & entertainment in Northern Colorado. A 6 week fundraiser for The Thompson Education Foundation. Located along the I-25 corridor. Family friendly and date-night movies for folks living in: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Longmont, Timnath, Eaton, Severance, Erie, Livermore, Johnstown, Denver, Thornton, Westminster, Cheyenne and beyond.  Summer is here and now, so is the Loveland Drive In Movie Theater! This pop-up, family-friendly entertainment venue was born out of our (My Big Day’s) response to the Coronavirus. We wanted to build a safe entertainment option for families to take advantage of during our safer-at-home orders, while at the same time, support a deserving non-profit and local businesses that were impacted by all of the coronavirus closures. The pop-up Drive In fundraiser achieves both of these goals! We are so excited about this summer opportunity, and we know you are too. We’ve come up with a few ideas to make your family’s trip to our Drive In safe, successful, and fun! First off – planning ahead will ensure that your family has fun. Because we are operating during a time of social distancing, pre-planning and organization MUST include thoughts of safety. Our safety guidelines are spelled out on our website here within our Code of Conduct: https://www.lovelanddrivein.com/code-of-conduct.html Please make sure you read through this before your show.  Tips for more fun at the Drive-In Movies! Here are a few more tips that we have compiled to help ensure that you and your family are comfortable and have as much fun as possible. 1. Arrive early to grab the “perfect” spot. Our team will be helping to direct traffic to their assigned spots. Arriving early will ensure that you won’t be stuck in a long line of cars, and you’ll be placed closer to the big screen. The Loveland Drive In will allow entry 45 minutes before the movie call time. MBD Pro-Tip: Most Drive-Ins are requiring that you purchase your tickets online in advance. This is our policy, and it helps us restrict capacity to provide for safe social distance between cars. 2. Consider bringing your own portable radio and extra batteries. We are encouraging attendees to turn their cars off during the movie – for environmental and safety reasons. While you can broadcast your sound through your car’s radio, you can avoid the possibility of running down your car’s battery by using a portable radio that runs on batteries. This will be an ever better alternative if you should choose to set up chairs in your pick-up bed or in front of your vehicle. 3. Bring body essentials. Don’t forget to pack the bug spray, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Our experience is different because we can show movies during the day. However, due to the nature of this activity – you will be out, exposed in the sun. Don’t forget to lather up with the sunscreen so you don’t leave with a nasty burn! 4. Satisfy your hunger! We encourage you to bring money and have your phone ready so that you can order some tasty treats from our food and beverage vendors on site. Some proceeds from food sales will also be benefiting our non-profit, Thompson Education Foundation. You may also bring food with you. Please make sure that you follow our food/beverage guidelines if you choose to bring your own treats. MBD Pro Tip: Check out our vendor partners listed for each showing. They will have links that you can use to order food online. Review their menus before you arrive so you can plan ahead. 5. Wear appropriate and comfy clothes. There will be limited shade, and you will be sitting in a parking lot for the duration of the movie. Make sure you are wearing comfortable, seasonally appropriate clothing. Also – don’t forget, even summer evenings can get chilly in Colordao! If you are attending the late show, you might want to pack a jacket or some blankets. 6. Comfortable seating options. We know some of you will watch the movies from the comfort of your car, but we also encourage you to pack camping chairs, mats, pillows, and blankets. 7. Have a bathroom plan. There will be bathroom facilities available on site. However, we also know that some may not be comfortable using public restrooms at this time. Planning ahead, and trying to go before you arrive can lessen your chances of having to use the public restroom during the event. We want to assure all participants that the public facilities will be routinely cleaned throughout the day. Packing extra hand sanitizer and wipes aren’t a bad idea either. 8. Relax and have fun! We are so excited to bring this fun event to all Northern Colorado families! This event is designed to encourage fun and bonding for families. Relax, enjoy, and have fun at the movies!  Health & Safety Reminders My Big Day wants this to be a fun and memorable event for you and your family, and therefore, your safety is of utmost importance to us. The Loveland Drive-In was built around all state and local guidelines regarding COVID-19. While we are keeping up to date on all law changes and how they affect events, we kindly ask that you follow all guidelines and event rules, so that everyone can have a healthy, safe, and enjoyable time. If you are unsure of the local health and safety guidelines, please visit: https://www.larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19  Contact My Big Day
"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!" Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner. ~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~ My Big Day llc Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Located in Loveland, CO As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken  Covid-19 has touched and affected everyone. It has upended our daily lives and routines. It has separated us from people we love. It has forced our places of employment to completely change their systems and procedures – some even closing for good. It has minimized some of our favorite hobbies and pastimes, and the places in which we used to seek entertainment will be forever changed. This past month, our team has worked with a variety of clients – from large corporations, to nonprofits, to our wedding couples, and our loyal party people. We have worked hard developing Plan B’s, C’s, and in some cases Plan D’s for their previously scheduled events. From the beginning of this outbreak, My Big Day has made it their mission to support our clients – big and small – in the best ways we know possible. It has been frustrating to see pictures of last year’s Easter Keg Hunt come across our Facebook memories, knowing that there is a possibility that we won’t get to gather for this ultra-fun event this year. We’ve raced to completely change course with two of our large non-profit’s yearly fundraisers, moving everything online. And, we’ve conversed with our summer wedding couples, trying to help them make the heart breaking decision on whether or not to cancel or postpone their planned weddings. It has not been easy or fun.  The event industry in which we work, remains one of the hardest hit by the Coronavirus outbreak. Around mid-March, everything came to a screeching halt, and a lot of uncertainty still remains – about postponed events, and the future of corporate meetings and gatherings. Events are one of the few proven vehicles for spreading the virus. Therefore, we as event planners, have had to weigh the experiences gained from the event, with the health of our clients and coworkers. We’ve seen the articles suggesting suspending all live in person events until the summer of 2021. And while this is a disappointing prediction, we know that the health and safety of our family, friends, coworkers, and clients are of utmost importance. Many event resources have published a graphic similar to this, reflecting this scenario:  So what does this mean for you if you are planning an event, wedding, or have been looking forward to getting back to “normal”? Well, for starters, some meetings and events won’t take place. Some will happen over this summer and into the fall. We will be analyzing each event that we are planning. We will ask these questions: what are the conditions needed for our events to happen? What type of event is it? and What will the final event look like? In order to answer these questions, we will have to look at where we are as a country, and what stage we are in as we fight this virus. Have we flattened the curve enough? Can our event be adapted to include strict social distancing guidelines once shelter in place orders have been lifted? What kind of sanitation and disinfection can we incorporate into our planning to help minimize infection?   Some of our answers will include completely changing the logistics of an event. Corporate and Non-Profit fundraisers might have a larger online presence. Our Easter Keg Hunt – probably just called Keg Hunt, might include more outside stops and challenges. Our brides and grooms may be making changes to their guest lists, and they may be considering holding small ceremonies with plans for a larger celebratory party later down the road. In all our events, we will be taking event insurance negotiations; social distancing – including room layouts, food service (no more buffets), event activities, and travel; sanitation and disinfection into our planning process. We may even start incorporating innovative options such as thermal scanning for the virus, and having processes in place should someone attending start showing symptoms during our event. Bottom line is – the new normal for events after this virus peaks will remain a challenge. There are so many moving parts and standards that will have to be put into place before any of our events can happen. For starters, the size of our events will have to be minimized to know more than 50 attendees. Our venues will have to have policies, guidelines, and processes in place for social distancing and sanitizing rules. We know that all of this is scary – for us and for our clients. We also know that some of our clients will be leery of even planning events for the foreseeable future. We won’t be going into any event blind. You can be sure that our team will do due diligence. We will become the experts so that your mind and heart can be at ease. Someday, hopefully in the near future, we will all get to celebrate the end to this intense anxiousness. When that day comes, you can be sure that the My Big Day team will have a celebration to remember planned.  Contact My Big Day
"Dream Big, Live Big. For Life's Events!" Original Ideas, superior strategies, your own private party planner. ~Event Planning, Coordination & Management~ My Big Day llc Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Located in Loveland, CO As event planners, we serve the entire Front Range; Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken The My Big Day wedding business has been hit hard due to COVID-19. With all of the cancellations and changes, we wanted to highlight a couple who is a shining example of how to make lemonade out of the lemons they were handed. Zach and Samantha not only had their wedding cancel... their venue wouldn't offer a refund, they realistically cannot reschedule until next year, their family couldn't fly to them in Colorado to witness them say their vows to each other... but they had the right perspective. Love is what matters most.
No, their day is not what they had initially pictured, but it was "perfect!" They got married. They are in love. They have a great story to tell. And they can host a big celebration at a later date.
Today we raise our virtual glasses to Zach & Samantha! Congratulations on your marriage! -The My Big Day team
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Making Business Personal. We pride ourselves on giving you something to look forward to. We are a connected collective of creatives - owned an operated by outstanding women. Want More?Never miss an event or opportunity. Sign up for our newsletter!
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My Big Day Company LLC 2006-2022 www.MyBigDayCompany.com
970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 EMAIL US
We serve the entire Front Range; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
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