A Decade Since the 2013 Flood: Resilience, Remembrance, and Renewal

It feels surreal to think that a full decade has passed since the devastating floods of 2013. Lyons, like many towns, has traveled down a long road of healing and reconstruction. Although recovery and rebuilding is never perfect or a complete restoration, the town's evolution over the past ten years speaks volumes of the resilience and resourcefulness of its residents. Through the adversity, the residents of Lyons demonstrated grit and an unwavering commitment to their neighbors.

From the turbulent waters of the 2013 flood, silver linings emerged in the form of invaluable organizations that persist in elevating Lyons today - namely, Lyons Volunteers, the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund (LEAF), and Lyons Prepared. Beyond merely reconstructing the physical infrastructure such as water systems, roads, and bridges, they fostered a unique infrastructure of social capital. What began as modest volunteer initiatives transformed into cherished organizations, offering unwavering support and safety nets for the community.

As the tenth anniversary of the flood approaches, various communities have organized commemorative events to remember and educate about the flood’s impact. These events serve as an homage to the past and also highlight the art and stories that arose from the devastation. They provide a platform to appreciate the organizations that have been instrumental in not just the initial recovery, but in strengthening our communities continuously.

Lyons Schedule of Events:

Saturday, September 9th: Dive deep into memories of the flood with an open mic session at Moxie Mercantile on High St., themed around stories, poems, and songs from 2013.
Sunday: Starting with the Official Remembrance Ceremony at 11 am at Sandstone Park, followed by the 'Silver Linings' event which provides guided golf cart tours showcasing flood recovery projects from 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Simultaneously, various venues across the town, including Town Hall, the Redstone Museum, and the Lyons Valley Townhomes will host exhibits, art displays, and presentations that narrate the flood's saga. More Information
Community Gathering: At 3 pm, gather with your loved ones at LaVern M Johnson Park for a heartwarming picnic, live musical performances, and a captivating dance show.
Monday: Confluence Circle will light up with a Candlelight Vigil from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, an emotional tribute to those affected by the flood. Full list of presenters and performers.

In addition to Lyons, other communities are also marking the anniversary:

Larimer County: An event celebrating community spirit and recovery at the Glen Haven Town Hall on September 9th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Pinewood Springs: On September 16th, head over to the Fire Station for a community gathering replete with food, games, magic, and more from 1 pm to 4 pm.

For those seeking a deeper dive into the 2013 flood's history and aftermath, The Lyons Recorder is currently featuring a series of articles, photographs, and firsthand accounts. They plan to continue their coverage next week, shedding light on the events following the flood.

To see the full calendar and more information, CLICK HEREto access our monthly events calendar.

In these times of remembrance, let’s not forget the hands that helped rebuild our communities. Donations to local rescue and recovery organizations such as your neighborhood fire department, Habitat for Humanity, or LEAF can go a long way. Beyond monetary contributions, a simple act of kindness to a neighbor or a moment of gratitude for our tight-knit community can make a significant impact. We've weathered the storm together, and together we'll continue to flourish.