When we talk about outdoor moments, it's never just about tents, gear, or equipment. It's about the memories you create under them. At Crown Shades®, we feel honored every time a customer shares how our canopies played a role in their special moments. Today, we're excited to share a real customer story — a simple weekend that turned into an unforgettable family tradition.
A Family Tradition Starts with a Simple Idea
Emily and her husband Mark live in Colorado with their two kids. Between school, work, and busy routines, family time was becoming harder to find. One Friday afternoon, Emily suggested something spontaneous:
''Let's do a weekend picnic trip. Somewhere close. Somewhere simple.''
The idea was perfect — except they had tried outdoor days before and always struggled with the hot sun, messy setup, or unpredictable weather. This time, Emily wanted something easier. She searched for a canopy that was quick to set up, durable in outdoor conditions, and easy to bring along. That's when she discovered Crown Shades®.
“We set it up in less than a minute — no stress, no tools, no arguments.”
The family chose the Crown Shades® 10×10 Pop-Up Canopy, known for its one-person center-push design.
When they arrived at the lakeside picnic area, Mark expected the usual struggle — parts everywhere, poles that don't click, instructions that never help. But instead, something different happened:
''I pressed the center lock and… that was it. We were done. No fighting, no guessing. The kids were actually cheering.''
Within 60 seconds, they had a full shade area. Within 5 minutes, they had chairs, snacks, toys, and a cozy family space set up. For Emily, this made all the difference:
''It felt like the first picnic where we actually had time to relax.''
A Day Filled With Shade, Comfort, and Connection
Throughout the afternoon, the canopy provided reliable shade as the sun shifted. The kids played by the water, built sandcastles, and took breaks in the cool shade. Mark grilled lunch nearby while Emily read her favorite book — something she rarely gets to do.
A few families around them even asked, “Where did you get that tent? It looks so easy!” The lightweight frame, stable structure, and UPF 50+ sun protection helped the family enjoy their day without worrying about heat or sunburn. By sunset, Mark said what everyone was already thinking:
''We should do this more often.''
A Simple Weekend → A Family Ritual
Since that day, the family now does a “Crown Shades Weekend” at least once a month.
- Sometimes at the park.
- Sometimes by the lake.
- Sometimes right in their backyard.
The canopy has become part of their lifestyle — a tool for slowing down, being present, and creating outdoor memories that last. As Emily describes it:
“It wasn't just shade. It gave us back our time together.”
Why Customer Stories Inspire Us
At Crown Shades®, our mission is simple:
Create outdoor gear that makes life easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.
Hearing stories like Emily's means the world to us. Because every canopy we design isn't just equipment — it's a small part of someone's happy moment, family memory, or new tradition.
If you have a Crown Shades® story, we'd love to hear it. Share your experience with us and help inspire more families to enjoy the outdoors with confidence and ease.
Make Your Own Outdoor Story
Whether you're planning a family picnic, sports day, camping weekend, or backyard gathering, Crown Shades® is here to help you create a comfortable, worry-free outdoor space — anytime, anywhere.
Excerpt: A Colorado family finds more time together thanks to a fast, reliable Crown Shades canopy. Read how a spontaneous lakeside picnic turned into a monthly tradition.
