Mountain Almanac
Tuesday, Dec. 29
Fifth Tuesday of the Month Happy Hour! Join the fun, network in a local venue, and tell people about the great work you do. Scheduled for Dec. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fiesta Mexicana, 420 West Midland, Woodland Park. Call 719-233-9902 for more information.
Wednesday, Dec. 30
Sleigh Rides. Magical Christmas lights, hot beverages, smore’s, treats, and surprises await your family as you enjoy a private sleigh ride in the mountains at the historic M Lazy C Ranch. Dates available from now through Jan. 17 by reservation for 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Remember! We will only have four reservations each day so call us to make your reservation now! 719 748-3398 Due to COVID, we will only be offering rides to a single family/small group. We clean the sleigh in between each family/group using the current COVID standards and recommendations. We have spaced 30 minutes between each ride for proper cleaning, and to provide space between parties arriving and departing so no one will have to be in contact anyone else outside their group other than staff members. That includes the Smores and campfire. Please note that if there isn’t snow, we will use wheels instead of the sleigh blades.
Thursday, December 31
New Year’s Eve. Even with the coronavirus restrictions, a number of local eateries/restaurants and casinos are offering special dinners and low-key celebrations with COVID restrictions. This could be a good time to say Good Riddance to 2020.
Final Days For Holiday Headframe Lighting. Held throughout the CC/V mining district. Held weekend evenings from Nov. 27 through Jan. 1. Also, conducted nightly from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. Self-guided tour. Sponsored by a variety of organizations in southern Teller, including Newmont, the Southern Teller County Focus group, Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation, Black Hills Energy, Cripple Creek District Museum, city of Victor and more. For more information, visit STCFG.com.
Friday, January 1
Happy New Year from The Mountain Jackpot staff and stay safe
All government offices will be closed.
First Day Hike at Mueller State Park.This is part of a regular tradition on New Year’s Day. Whether you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the holidays or you’ve been stuck at home too long – Escape to Nature with us on a guided hike at Mueller State Park. A variety of guided hikes are offered for all ages, mostly during the weekends. Enjoy the beauty and quiet of the winter woods. Hear the call of a chickadee and the wind in the pines. See the crisp, white snow on Pikes Peak against a backdrop of Colorado blue sky. Breathe in the clean, mountain air. New Year’s Day is a time of hope and welcome for a new year called 2021! Make a fresh start by joining a First Day Hike at Mueller. The park is open every day for hiking and camping. Due to COVID restrictions, all hikes and programs are limited to 10 people. Participants should sign up at the Visitor Center. For information on specific hikes, call 719-687-2366.
First Friday Art Walk. Scheduled in Manitou Springs and Old Colorado City on Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 719-685-5089 for more information.
Shop Manitou, Ski Monarch. Redeem $75 in Manitou Springs receipts at 354 Manitou Ave. and receive a 40% off weekday voucher to Ski Monarch. Save Manitou Springs shopping, dining, lodging, gas or service receipts dated Nov. 15, 2020 to Mar. 1, 2021 and bring to 354 Manitou Ave to receive your voucher. Blackout dates: All Weekends, Dec. 19, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021, Jan. 18, 2021 and Feb. 15, 2021
Saturday, Jan. 2
Fossil Beds Activities. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant is open year-round. The Monument is now open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS. Many of their programs and facilities have been impacted by the Coronavirus epidemic, and may be temporarily closed. The Visitor Center lobby and the gift shop are still open, along with the trails.
Upcoming
Annexation Bid. The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will meet on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. for a virtual meeting, featured on Zoom. The board is scheduled to hold a public hearing regarding the annexation of 30-plus acres, involving the Red Devil Mountain area and the former Joyland Church parcel. This proposal will allow plans to move forward for a new attraction, capped by a James Turrell Skyspace artistic installation. Plans also call for nature trails, a grazing area, viewing overlook and restrooms. To participate in the meeting, visit the town’s website.
The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on Jan. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the CC Council Chambers. The meeting will occur on Zoom, and no in-person attendance is permitted.
Chamber Lunch and Learn: Suicide Prevention Amid COVID-19 Crisis Learn about the suicide dangers facing local teens and especially the warning signs and available resources. This is scheduled for Jan. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via Zoom. It is presented by Marysia Pawlik, LCSW and Norma DeJesus, Youth Outreach Director AspenPointe in partnership with Colorado Phoenix Project. For more information, call 719-687-9885 or visit the chamber website.
The Woodland Park City Council will host their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. the meeting will be featured on Zoom. Visit the city’s website to participate.
