Mountain Almanac for the Week of July 16

Tuesday, July 16

Shining Mountain Open For Play.  The Shining Mountain (SM) Golf Course in Woodland Park has officially opened for its 2024 season, with tee times and daily play contingent on weather conditions.  In addition, the driving range and chipping area/putting green is open, along with the spacious SM bar and outdoor patio. For more information, call 719-687-7587. A slew of charity tournaments are in the works, along with other links-related activities and special deals throughout the season. Some of the new happenings include Majestic Mondays, with great deals for 18-holes with a cart, and Trivia Tuesdays, with prizes for top teams, pizza, good times and more.  Check regular updates in TMJ and on the Shining Mountain Facebook page.

The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will meet on July 16 at 7 p.m. in the GMF Town Hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Wednesday, July 17

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for July 17 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.

The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on July 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the CC Council Chambers. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Thursday, July 18

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 July 18 at   6:30 p.m. in the council chambers, next to city hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Friday, July 19

Gold Rush Days. The annual Gold Rush Days in Victor, one of southern Teller’s premiere summer festivals, will be held from July 19-21. Join us in celebrating 130 years of mining heritage in the City of Gold Mines. The festivities include a huge lineup of mining games, gold panning, historic tours, live music, kids’ activities, a parade and a variety of food and merchandise vendors.  Take a little trip and step back in time. If you decide to stay over, there are several lodging accommodations available. For more information, visit the city of Victor’s tourism website at victorcolorado.com.  See related information in this week’s TMJ.

 

Deput of “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”  Featured at the Butte Theater from July 19 to August 18. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, h oping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, live un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion. At least the losers get a juice box. This hilarious show, produced by the Chameleon Arts and Entertainment group, runs Wednesday through Sunday.  Visit the Butte Theater website for ticket information.

 

Saturday, July 20

FREE HISTORIC TOURS! “Ambiance on the Red Trolley” is a FREE 30-minute historical tour of Cripple Creek.  Join the Gold Camp Victorian Society on Saturdays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, from 1 to  3 p.m. to hear the fascinating history of the World’s Greatest Gold Camp. Tours begin at the District Museum Train Car. For further information, visit the GCVS website…goldcampvictoriansociety.org FREE

 

Upcoming

History of Tourism in the Pikes Peak region. Early Native Americans were perhaps the earliest users of Colorado hot springs as a place to rest and meditate; they were quickly followed by tourists from all over the US as they flocked to Colorado beginning in the 1870s. Come learn about one of the most visited areas in the US. Meet at the Amphitheater at Mueller State Park on July 25 at 7:30 p.m.  The event is free, but a park pass is required to access the park. $10 day passes can be purchased at the visitor center or self service station, located at the sign on your right, when you first enter the part. For more information, call 719-687-2366.

Bronc Day. The 86th annual festival in Green Mountain Falls is scheduled for Saturday, July 27.  The all-day event is being produced by the Building Ute Pass Community group, with a slew of sponsors from the area. The festivities include a pancake breakfast, a parade, old fashion games, a pie-eating contest, live music, art vendors and much more.  The festival is known for featuring one of the more scenic parade sites. For more information, visit the Bronc Day website at Broncdayfestival.org.

Pearl DeVere Day. Scheduled for Saturday, July 27. Join us at the Old Homestead House on Myers Avenue to celebrate the Madam of the Old Homestead House, Pearl DeVere. You’ll be delighted with food, beverages, frivolity, bed races, tours of the Old Homestead House, children’s activities, a Best Dressed Madame Contest, and much more fun! Dress up, join the excitement, and have a great time! There will be tours of the Old Homestead House Museum throughout the day, but you will need to make reservations (additional fee). The event is free for spectators. Here is the schedule: BED RACE,Entry Fee – $30 per team if you have your own bed. $40 per team if you need to borrow a bed from the Old Homestead House!
Multiple heats, best times advance Register to be a bed race team at oldhomesteadhouse.com or stop by the museum for a hard copy of the registration form! The lineup includes a 10 a.m. Team Check-In, a 11 a.m. contest registration for Best Madame, a noon start time for the races, a 1 p.m. time for when the live music starts and 1:30 slot for the cornhole tournament. For more information, visit the city of Cripple Creek’s tourism website.

Coffee Chats. Come have coffee, donuts, and chat with other people in the area. (This is your excuse to go make more local friends). This event, held in the Colorado room of the Woodland Park Public Library, is held the first Friday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  For more information, visit the city of Woodland Park’s website, or call the Woodland Park Public Library and ask for Nick.