Mountain Almanac for the Week of July 23, 2024

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.

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.

The Woodland Park Planning Commission will meet on July 25 at   6:30 p.m. in the council chambers, next to city hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Friday, July 26

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.

Calling all Pink Floyd and progressive rock music fans. The Stargazers Theatre in Colorado Springs will host Colorado Floyd, regarded as one of the best area tribute bands, the evening of July 26. Colorado Floyd is a Colorado-based Pink Floyd jam-band, performing the whole spectrum of Pink Floyd music live, accompanied by great special effects and lighting. Highly recommended by TMJ Rick.  The show begins at 7 p.m.  For more information, visit the Stargazers website.

Saturday, July 27

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. See related article in this week’s TMJ. 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.

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

The Monday Music Series continues in Green Mountain Falls with a full slate of performers throughout the summer and early fall. For the evening of July 29, the featured act is Countrywide. The shows will be held on Gazebo Island or at the Farm Stand.  Bring a lawn chair, refreshments, your favorite beverages and enjoy the great live music. Picnics are welcome, but please, no glass containers. The concerts are sponsored by the Ute Pass Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.discoverutepass.com.

Vino & Notes.  Join us for the 16th annual Vino & Notes wine and music festival, in the beautiful city of Woodland Park at Memorial Park on August 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  This is one of the region’s most popular summer festivals. The event, which offers a variety of ticket options, including VIP, general admission and military, features some of Colorado’s finest wineries, local musicians, great food and vendors.  For  more information, and to purchase tickets, visit vinoandnotes.com.