Colorado Day is traditionally a celebration of the date Colorado became a state, a day filled with history facts and fun. The official statehood date was Aug. 1, 1876, and the signature on the statehood proclamation: “President Ulysses S. Grant.”

This year there’s a new page in Colorado history to observe, the Waldo Canyon wildfire, the most destructive wildfire in the state’s history.

The free family activities run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum.

“The museum is delighted to host this Colorado Day event to help the community celebrate the anniversary of statehood with lots of free, fun activities for all ages,” said museum director Matt Mayberry.

In addition, “the museum will be partnering with the Pikes Peak Library District to collect and preserve memories and stories from the recent Waldo Canyon Fire for an upcoming exhibition,” Mayberry said. It’s anticipated this will be part of an historic one-year observation of the Waldo Canyon fire next June.

During the Colorado Day celebration guests will have an opportunity to relate their personal wildfire experiences and memories on camera. Guests can also write personal thank-you cards to be delivered by the museum staff to firefighters.

On Saturday, guidelines on how to donate memorabilia in the months to come (a permanent exhibit is planned) will be outlined. The Mountain Shadows Community Association has plans for a memorial, possibly incorporating bricks, stones and other architectural features from the 346 houses that were burned or damaged.

The museum will offer tours every half hour and have and opportunity for touchable artifacts.

Colorado Day highlights:

• Decorate ornaments for the Colorado Christmas tree in Washington, D.C.

• Help artist Corbin Hillam create a chalk mural on museum grounds to thank Waldo Canyon firefighters.

• Gymnastics fun bus, where children can tumble and flip.

• Broadmoor Academy of Music students perform in the gazebo on the grounds

• Food trucks from Springs Cupcake, Josh & Johns, HerStory Cafe

• Create a Colorado flag to take home

• Free lemonade and water