Tuesday, Jan. 2
The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will meet on Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. in the GMF Town Hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.
Wednesday, Jan. 3
Wellness Walk. Scheduled for Nov. Jan. 3 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the upper level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission
Ice Castles Is Open! This iconic, fantasy-like, attraction, capped by LED embedded ice walls, tunnels and slides, is now open for visitors in Cripple Creek. Ice Castles will be open daily through the winter months. Great deals are available for locals on special days. See related story and Ice Castles updates at www.mountainjackpot.com. or on our Facebook Page. The Cripple Creek Ice Castles location is one of only a handful in the nation. For ticket information, visit, icecastles.com/Colorado, or visit the city of Cripple Creek’s tourism website, which also has details on Ice Castles parking and transportation.
The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the CC Council Chambers. During the Jan. 3 session, Annie Durham, the newly-elected mayor, will be sworn into office along with a few other elected leaders.
Thursday, Jan. 4
TOPS. Takes Off Pounds Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in the basement of Church in the Wildwood (10585 Ute Pass Ave.) Green Mountain Falls, CO 80819. Affordable, effective weight-loss.
The Woodland Park City Council will meet on Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, next to city hall. In addition, the council will have a public workshop at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the next steps with a voter-approved ballot issue, baring non-occupied short-term rental (STR) properties in residential neighborhoods
Saturday, January 6
Post-Christmas Shopping in the High Country. Still in the holiday spirit. Check out local retail stores in Woodland Park, Cripple Creek, Divide and Florissant for post-Christmas sales and deals. Support small businesses in our community, and discover that rare gift you can’t obtain down the Pass. Plus, this is a great way to avoid the crowds.
Sunday, January 7
Broncos Grand Finale. Enjoy the final Denver Broncos game of the year, unless a bizarre event occurs, and they somehow land in the playoffs due to the ineptitude of their competitors. The Broncos will play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in an away contest. Game time (as of press time hadn’t been determined Check related stories in this week’s TMJ.) The wildcard games will begin on Jan. 13. Great opportunities to check out the action at one of Teller’s comfortable sports bars, such as McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub.
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New Years Hikes. What better way to start the 2024 New Year than with some fresh air and movement to kick off 2024. There will be multiple hikes of all levels led throughout the morning and early afternoon along with an activity table and swag at the Visitor Center of Mueller State Park, located off Hwy. 67, just south of Divide. Come to the Visitor Center early to get information on the hikes throughout the day that begin at 9am. An annual pass, Keep Colorado Wild pass, or $10 day pass is required to enter the park. You can easily purchase a day pass at the visitor’s center or at the self-serve station located at the first information sign on your right when you enter the park. For more information, call 719-687-2366, ext. 107
Monday, January 8
Upcoming
Chamber Business After Hours. The first (Woodland Park) Chamber Business After Hours for 2024 is scheduled for Jan. 16, and it will be hosted by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. The event, scheduled from 5;30 to 7 p.m.) will occur at 701 Gold Hill Place (inside the Community Partnership facility). This will become the new location for Business After Hours gatherings. Chamber Business After Hours is Teller County’s largest networking event. All Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to attend. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and catch up with your friends, clients and customers plus meet new members in an informal setting. Business After Hours is a great way to share information about your business and learn about other members. Fun, food, drinks and door prizes. Don’t forget your business cards. To register for this event, visit the chamber’s website, or call 719-687-9885.
Pirate Island Bingo. Ahoy matey! Let’s trouble the water! Don’t miss Pirate Island Bingo, sponsored by the Ute Pass Kiwanis Club. This is the first event of 2024, held on Jan. 18 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, starting at 6:30 p.m. For $20 you get a 10 game bingo packet. Food and drink are available for purchase. Raffle tickets for 2023 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV will be for sale. Proceeds go to youth programs and scholarships. For more information, call Pat Hyslop at 719-642-8679.
Cripple Creek Ice Fest. The organizers of the Cripple Creek Ice Festival are excited to announce that planning is underway for the 2024 Cripple Creek Ice Festival, which will be held February 17-25. The head-to-head carving challenges will also be returning to the event on Saturdays at 12:00, 1:30 and 3:00. Carvers will compete in a stadium setting for a $1,000 cash prize each weekend. Carving teams will also be doing their best to win the People’s Choice Award for a huge cash prize. Plan your visit and cast your vote for the most impressive carving. We are excited to have some of the top carving teams in the country participating in this event including SNICE Carving, Cool Hand Ice, The Bear Spot, The Ice Farm, and Ice Castles. Come and see their imaginations come alive in ice. As always, this event is free and open to the general public. Carvers will be working throughout the event on their sculptures. Activities, vendors, and head-to-head carving competitions will only take place on the weekends (Feb 17-19 and Feb 24&25) including President’s Day. Interested in sponsoring or participating more in the event? Reach out to jmosher@cripple-creek.co.us for more information!
