
Denver’s First Friday in August? ¡Sabor, por supuesto! Whether it’s described as a sensory experience of the Americas or a gastronomic and multicultural festival, most people just say Sabor is pure fun. Every August, more than 2,500 guests take the opportunity to savor bountiful delicious delights, accented by a cast of colorful costumed characters and lively music. Gorgeous Denver Botanic Gardens is always the perfect location. With members of host Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce there to offer a warm welcome at the door, it’s no wonder that Sabor continues to be a must-attend event.

Telemundo reps, front and center
On Friday, Aug. 5, the 16th annual celebration coincided with a beautiful (and rainless!) summer evening. Guests entered through the atrium for a champagne reception and brief ribbon-cutting, then they were free to access 33 local food and beverage stations located throughout the Gardens. Spotted in the crowd: U.S. Senator Michael Bennet; U.S. Rep. Jason Crow; Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser; and Consul General of Mexico (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana) Pavel Melendez Cruz.

Amy Harmon, Denver Zoo CEO Bert Vescolani, former board chair Marcela de la Mar, Consul General of Mexico (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana) Pavel Melendez Cruz
From the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website: “The Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (COHCC) is a membership-driven organization that supports the growth of Hispanic businesses. With over 2,500 members, we are the state’s largest minority Chamber and among the top four chambers in Colorado. Our initiatives encourage economic development and provide access to information, business leaders, procurement opportunities and education training. Established in 1978, we have been a leader in minority business development, advocating for legislation and winning recognition for our achievements.” For more information, go to: https://www.hispanicchamberdenver.com/.

Beautiful couple, wonderful event
Money raised benefits the Hispanic Chamber Foundation. “The mission of the Hispanic Chamber Foundation is to promote educational achievement, economic advancement and leadership development in the Hispanic community. This is achieved providing business education, economic advancement resources and leadership development programs for the Hispanic business community. Today, the Hispanic Chamber Foundation has begun to fulfill its role as a community organization, while continuing to complement the mission and vision of the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.” To learn more, visit: https://www.hispanicchamberdenver.com/foundation.
- A group of costumed actors prepare for the event.
- Xcel reps (l to r): President Robert Kenney, Crestina Martinez, Daniel Venegas
- (l to r): Amanda and Tyler Blaurock, Gloria Price
- People began lining up before the event start time.
- Kara Powell, state press secretary for U.S Rep. Jason Crow, and Malik Robinson
- Costumed ladies help promote Sabor and the Colorado Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
- Board chair Paulette Tate and chair-elect Jake Salazar
- Guests see old friends at the door.
- Carol Carter (in red) and friends at the reception
- Posing with costumed actors
- (l to r): Tim Aragon, Shannon Aragon, Darci Cruickshank, Mike Aragon, Tamara and Damani Leech
- Getting a bird’s-eye view of the reception
- Amy Harmon, Denver Zoo CEO Bert Vescolani, former board chair Marcela de la Mar, Consul General of Mexico (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana) Pavel Melendez Cruz
- (l to r): Zee Ferrufino, Andra Zeppelin, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Emilio Romero
- (l to r): Jake Salazar, COHCC President and CEO Mike Ferrufino, Paulette Tate, Brandon Lloyd, Colorado Attorney General Paul Weiser
- (l to r): Paul and Dolores Soto, Penfield Tate
- Board chair Paulette Tate and Will Jones
- Beautiful couple, wonderful event
- (l to r): Esme Yun, Shawn and Natalia Walker
- This couple begins the delicious trek around the gardens.
- Greeters welcomed every guest
- Tayler and Michael Brannen
- Costumed characters in the gardens
- Monica Santos and Ashton Santos
- The Otero family
- The Jurado family
- At the Pepsi Pavilion
- Kevin Hutson and Rita Boparai
- Amber McReynolds and Bill Myers
- (l to r): Michelle Quattlebaum, Auon’tai Anderson, Mieke Thorson, Scott Esserman
- (l to r): Renee and Tony Ferrufino, board member Patsy Landaveri, Kristopher Haanes
- (l to r): COHCC President and CEO Mike Ferrufino, Tony and Renee Ferrufino, board member Patsy Landaveri, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet
- (l to r): Zyled Rodriguez, Nanci Munoz, Cynthia Munoz
- Great food al fresco
- Serving up smiles and great food
- Jake Jabs and Rene Green
- Entertaining in the atrium
- Telemundo reps, front and center
- Smiles were plentiful at Sabor.