Mountain Almanac for the Week of April 14

Tuesday, April 14

Yoga. Community yoga classes are scheduled at the Church in the Wildwood on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m., and another class is slated for Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m.  For more information, call 719-213-0848.

The Green Mountain Falls Planning Commission will meet on April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the GMF Town Hall.

Wednesday, April 15

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for April 15 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 are available 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 April 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the CC Council Chambers. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Thursday, April 16

TOPS. Takes Off Pound Sensibly. Meets every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. in the 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 April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the WP Council Chambers, located next to city hall. The meeting is available in-person and on Zoom.

Upcoming

Take a Hike.  The New Year is a prime opportunity to participate in a kick-off of scheduled New Year hikes at Mueller State Park. Typically, improving your health is one of the most coveted New Year resolutions. Nothing can allow folks to reach this goal in the Teller high country then hitting nearby trails. Mueller State Park offers regular weekend treks, which also offer a little information on the park’s wildlife attributes. Visit the park’s website or call them at 719-687-2366 for more details.

Business After Hours.  Join us for the next Business After Hours, the premier networking event in Teller County, on April 21 at the Woodland Professional Building (400 W. Midland Avenue). Whether you are a longtime member or new to the Chamber, this is your chance to reconnect with friends, clients, and fellow business owners — and meet new contacts in a relaxed, informal setting. Expect good food, drinks, door prizes, and plenty of opportunity to share what you’re working on and learn what others have going on. Bring your business cards, your conversation, and your spirit of community — you never know where the next connection might lead. See you there! For more information, call 719-687-9885, or visit the chamber’s website.

Best of 2026, Part 2.  Make sure to check out the next edition of TMJ News, slated for April 21, for the conclusion of the ever-competitive Best Of 2026 competition, featuring the winners and finalists of many individual categories and businesses in the Teller and Ute Pass high country. This is the most competitive and longest-running Best Of competition in the region, a contest that started over 35 years ago. Tens of thousands voters cast tallies on nearly 100 categories, including top casinos, restaurants, entertainment, recreation options, burger and steak dishes, seafood delights, margaritas, premiere personalities, politicians, public servants, and much more.  This contest serves as the real Bragging Rights showdown in the area. Visit www.facebook.com/mountainjackpotnews for brief overviews of the finalists for various categories, or check out our next Best Of edition at local store outlets, where our publication is distributed, throughout the area.

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STR Meetings.  The Teller County Commissioners are holding a variety of open meetings on the area’s short-term rental (STR) situation, and what type of rules and permits should be permitted. Check with the county’s government website for details.

Chamonix Casino & Resort Concerts. Upcoming music concerts at Chamonix Casino & Resort in Cripple Creek continue for early 2026. The lineup includes major tribute acts and dinner shows. A key forthcoming event on the schedule will feature the “Wannabe” (Spice Girls Tribute band) for May 23).  These events feature dinner and show packages. For more information, visit the Chamonix website.

DDA Micro-Grant Program. The Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority is pleased to relaunch its Micro-Grant program for 2026. Grants are open to businesses and homeowners within the DDA boundaries of Woodland Park. The Micro-Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance for eligible projects that meet the Program’s eligibility requirements.  The DDA’s Micro-Grant Program intends to enable or assist qualifying business-owner applicants with customer-facing Projects that, for example, but without limitation, enhance building design, aesthetics, and public experience with higher quality materials, lighting, signage, and façade elements; improve public safety around buildings; add new public realm enhancements, such as landscaping or seating; include other pedestrian enhancements; meet building code compliance; and further the objectives and purposes of the DDA within the District, such as stimulating economic vitality.

For comprehensive information about the Downtown Development Authority’s 2026 Micro-Grant Program, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the city’s website.

Community Concerts at Ute Pass Cultural Center.  FREE thanks to our sponsor, Park State Bank & Trust. Bar and Food Truck open at 5:30 pm and show starts at 6 pm on the second Wednesday of every month. Come enjoy local artists with your community members. Visit the city of Woodland Park’s website for details.

Star Wars Concert. The Woodland Park Wind Symphony will feature a special free Star Wars Concert on Sunday, May 3 at the Church of the Nazarene, 900 Evergreen Heights Drive in Woodland Park. The doors open at 6 p.m. for costume contest registration, booth for Star Wars toys by Bazinga Vintage Toys, concert seating and photo opportunities. The concert will occur at 7 p.m. The concert is free, but donations are welcome.

Pearl DeVere Day Races. It is time to start planning if you want to participate in the 7th annual Pearl DeVere Day Bed Races, regarded as one of Cripple Creek’s most unique events.

Believe us, you don’t really want to miss out on the fun.  The event will be held on Myers Avenue (the heart of the Old Red Light District) on June 6 and will include some exciting changes.  Racers can pick a category to compete in: General Public, Casinos, News Media or 1st Responders/Military.  Join us in the fun and win bragging rights with your peers. The event is sponsored by the Old Homestead House Museum Board and continues to draw big crowds. Besides the races, the event is packed with many fun-filled festivities. See related story in this week’s TMJ News.