by Valley Gadfly | Dec 16, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
Once recuperated from those New Year’s parties, grab a cup of hot cocoa, slip on your coziest, warmest pair of socks, and conjure up mental pictures of your hopes, fears, and promises for 2023.
January is a great month to squeeze uncertainty out of your life and make sure pressing questions get answered. You can be certain this month will bring the snow to make your feet and fingers glow.
Here are our winter windfall choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to ring in the New Year, give the winter blahs the cold shoulder, and signal the awakening of life for the rest of the season:
3 Kick off the New Year Jan. 5 watching the National Western parade starting from Union Station at noon. Then giddy-up and go to the livestock, rodeo, and horse show taking place at the National Western Complex, Jan. 7-22. Information: 303-297-1166.
3 Make time to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute and humanitarian awards Jan. 10 at DCPA’s Boettcher Hall, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
3 Enjoy viewing the exotic beauty of blooms on rare orchards during Orchid Showcase at the Denver Botanic Gardens Jan. 12-Feb. 20. Information: 720-297-1166.
3 Experience the bluegrass music of Nederland’s Yonder Mountain Sting Band playing at the Mission Ballroom Jan. 13-14, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
3 Hey sandwich lovers: Hungry for a good old sandwich for lunch or dinner? Inga’s Alpine Tavern features 10, including three chicken, two Reubens, and a Philly Cheesesteak. The Grinder has ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and pepperoncini. Information: 720-389-8203.
3 Need doggone good daycare, grooming, and training for your dog? Located on East Colfax between the Park Hill and Hale neighborhoods, Dog House Denver is in a 6,328-sq.-ft. building with two outdoor play yards totaling nearly 1,200-sq.-ft. Information: 303-320-5664.
3 For delightful showbiz diversion, see Fabulous Fanny Brice playing the JAAMM Series at the Elaine Wolf Theatre Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 For vibrating music, do not miss the interpretations of Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes at the Newman Center Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
3 Join the Symphony as it contrasts Mozart’s classical style with today’s composers at Boettcher Jan. 27-29, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Information: 303-523-7876.
3 Every dog must have his day! For a doggone good time, Valley dog lovers should plan to start the year running with their mutt at the 5K for the Dogs at the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock, Jan 9, 9 a.m.; Jan. 10, 2 p.m. After the run, there is a short .5-mile walk, where you and your dog can walk together. There is a raffle with numerous prizes, an auction, and a local food truck for food purchase. The fun, enjoyable Bark at the Buddy Center will give you and your pooch a change of scenery, providing stimulation, reducing anxiety and alleviating boredom. The Center is a full-service shelter offering adoptions, pet admissions, and more. All proceeds go toward caring for animals. Information: 303-751-5772.
Start the first month of the year right: January is the month of recovery and preparation. A time for comfort, for good food and warmth, the touch of a friendly hand, and talks beside a blazing fire.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2022 | Main Articles
Lit Up And Dressed Up, Valley Buzzing With The Sights, Sounds Of The Holiday Season
There’s an air of excitement and celebration in Glendale-Cherry Creek, downtown, and throughout the Valley this December. Neighborhoods are aglow with decorations and abuzz with activities and events. As the song goes, “this is the most wonderful time of the year.”
Get the family into the holiday spirit with these fun activities, celebrations, events, and dining options:
Cherry Creek North
Cherry Creek Holiday Market: Shop for gifts at more than 50 spaces daily Nov. 17-Dec. 24. Event features live music Thursday-Sunday, plus a full bar. Deals, programming, and pop-ups make visits unique.
Cherry Creek Carriage Rides: Free horse-drawn carriage ride through Winter Wanderland every Wednesday, Nov. 23-Dec. 21, 5-8 p.m. Rides are first come, first served at 2nd Ave. and Fillmore St.
Winter Wanderland Light Walk: Neighborhood’s over 600 trees adorned with a million lights. Eight displays in the 16 blocks choreographed to holiday music. Visitors can register to win a $1,000 gift card.
Chanukah Celebration: Chabad of Cherry Creek hosts a menorah lighting on the first night of Chanukah, Dec. 18, 8 p.m. Face painting, fire juggling, and treats at Gart Plaza on 3rd Ave. and Milwaukee St.
A Journey Through Time: Interactive art installation features six giant musical hourglasses on display daily, Nov. 17-Dec. 24. You’ll enjoy spending time watching bursting lights fill the air with dancing colors.
Saturday Night Lights: Festive entertainment will line the streets on Saturday nights, 5-7 p.m. The family-friendly celebration features stilt walkers, acrobats, jugglers, and other performers.
Small Business Weekend: Shop Cherry Creek North’s more than 125 locally-owned shops and 30+ locally owned restaurants, Nov. 25-27. Deals, gifts plus a chance to win a $500 gift card.
Blossoms of Light: Don’t miss the holiday light extravaganza on display at Denver Botanic Gardens through Jan. 7, 4:30-9 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Downtown Denver
Sounds Of The Season: Don’t miss the free Holiday BrassFest concert Dec. 2 in the Denver Center For Performing Arts complex starting at noon, Dec. 1.
Art On Santa Fe: View paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and sculpture in galleries during 35th Holiday Show this month. Open weekdays and on 1st and 3rd Friday evenings. Information: 303-573-5903.
Light The Lights: Catch the eight-minute choreographed light-music show in Civic Center Park, Nov. 23-Jan. 22, 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. Lights on City-County Bldg. before, between, and after nightly shows.
Lights & Sights Tour: Visit the D&F Clock Tower, Larimer Square, The Mile High Tree, and Christkindlmarket, ending at Union Station Nov. 26-Jan. 1, 5:40-7:40 p.m. Information: 720-372-3849.
Holiday BrassFest: Plan to be downtown at the DCPA Complex for free Denver Brass concert Dec. 2, starting at noon. Information: 303-893-4100.
Zoo Lights: Enjoy animated animal sculptures, entertainment, and live animal encounters with the kids at the Denver Zoo through Jan. 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Information: 720-337-1400.
Rudolph Ramble 5K: Take the kids to City Park for free Kids Fun Run Dec. 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Youngsters will be helping Santa find Rudolph. Information: halsports.net.
Cristkindlmarket: Shop authentic German Holiday Market in Civic Center Park, Nov. 18-Dec. 24. Cozy huts sell artisan gifts and tasty treats. Information: gacc-co.org.
Santa’s Flight Academy: Take the kids to see the 22-ft.-tall sleigh and experience the magical snowfall in the Grand Court at Cherry Creek Shopping Center Nov. 11-24. Information: 303-388-3800.
Happiness Is Helping
Holiday Is For Kids: Among ways to help struggling families this month is by supporting the Toys for Tots program run in partnership with the Marine Corps.
Help struggling families this month by providing free toys, food boxes, meals, and gift cards. More: Volunteer to prepare meals so children and elderly adults experience holiday joy.
Toys For Tots: Program is run in partnership with the Marine Corps. New and gently used toys are given to needy children. Information: 720-346-3234.
Senior Services: Gerontological Society provides low-income seniors with free boxes of food for the holidays. Information: 303-333-3482.
Inner City Parish: Parish collects toys and food to assist children. Families are given food baskets, Christmas meals, small toys, and more. Information: 303-629-0636.
Denver Rescue Mission: Based on donations, free toys, gifts, and food are passed out by the charity to the homeless and vulnerable. Information: 303-297-1815.
Garden Of Color: The annual Blossoms of Light has returned to the Denver Botanic Gardens on York St. now through Jan. 7.
Community Ministry: Christmas food boxes provide complete holiday dinners. The Sharing Tree program offers a designated dollar amount to buy presents for children-teenagers. Information: 303-935-3428.
Denver Santa Claus Shop: Helps children, single moms, immigrants, and low-income families. Free toys, gifts, jackets, gift cards, and more. Information: 720-944-3666.
Operation Santa Claus: Provides adopt a family program during the holidays. Free gifts, tree decorations, toys, and holiday food boxes are provided. Information: 720-308-1828.
Volunteers Of America: VOA has a Santa Shop for kids age 0 to 18. Games, books, winter clothes, bicycles, and other toys offered. Information: 303-297-0408.
Holiday Eats
Fire & Food: Dining out makes the holiday season doubly special. You can find nourishment from Noel to New Year’s at the Fire in the ART Hotel and at the Monaco Inn Restaurant serving four specials, including Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp on Christmas, New Year’s Eve.
Not everyone wants or chooses to cook for the holidays. Fortunately, there are ample restaurants offering hours on Christmas Eve, Day, plus New Year’s Eve. Here’s a quick year-end guide to where to find nourishment from Noël to New Year’s:
Blackbird Public House: If turkey or ham dinners with all the trimmings are what you crave, consider this eatery on S. Downing St. in Wash Park. Open Christmas Eve. 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., closed Christmas Day, and open shorter hours on New Year’s Day. Information: 303-733-3923.
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: For a comfortable, casual holiday spend time at this E. 2nd Ave. eatery in Cherry Creek North, a top sea food restaurant. Celebrate the season with steamed mussels, lobster rolls, and fresh fish, plus craft cocktails and wine. Information: 303-333-2462.
Fire: Warm up with the Christmas Eve and Christmas day brunch or dinner at this restaurant in the ART Hotel near the Denver Art Museum. Cuisine choices include Sea Bass, Filet Mignon, and Colorado Lamb. Information: 303-572-8000.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Give yourself the gift of good food, good prices, and good times at this long-time holiday hot spot serving Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 5 to 9 p.m. Specials include a choice of Lamb Shank, Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon served with choice of Avgolemono Soup or Greek Salad. Regular menu also available. Information: 303-320-1104.
Russell’s Smokehouse: Make it a slow and smokey holiday at this Smokehouse on Larimer St. Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Enjoy Prime Rib Roast, Beef Au Jus, and Whipped Potatoes as you bid adieu to the Larimer Square long-time eatery.
’Tis The Season: Shop for gifts at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market, Nov. 17-24. Market has live music Thursday-Sunday, plus a full bar.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2022 | Main Articles
Loss Of Larimer Looms As New Owner Runs Restaurants, Retailers Out Of The Historic Heart, Soul Of Downtown Denver
by Glen Richardson
Bitter End: Exit of a steady stream of restaurants-retailers spells end of Larimer Square, City’s oldest commercial block. Charlotte, NC firm, Asana Partners, paid $91.49 million for the district at end of 2021.
Larimer Square — the Mile High City’s first historic district — first landed on the National Trust for Historic Place’s list of “most endangered historic places” in 2018. As 2022 draws to an end, a steady stream of restaurants and retailers on the city’s oldest commercial block have disclosed they are closing their doors.
Among the restaurants and retailers announcing their departure or closure since the purchase by Asana Partners are award-winning French restaurant Bistro Vendome and renowned local jeweler Gusterman Silversmiths. More: Chef driven restaurant group Bonanno Concepts is closing both Russell’s Smokehouse and Green Russell. Other retailers shuttering Larimer spaces thus far are Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry and Pendleton Wool Shop. The overhaul of buildings along the Square by Asana — including the 1880 Sussex Bldg. where Bistro Vendome is located — foretells the impending, untimely closure of additional businesses.
The empty storefronts will be more than just depressing eyesores; they also threaten the economic viability of the remaining businesses. The 2023 flight of companies from Larimer Square not only threatens the beating heart of Denver, it also likely spells serious consequences for downtown’s struggling comeback.
Loss Of Larimer
Historic New Look: Like new owner Asana Partners’ Harvard Square, Larimer Square is expected to be boarded up as firm awaits juicy leases from lucrative national chains.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Asana Partners paid $91.49 million for the district located on Larimer and Market streets between 14th and 15th streets, plus an adjacent parking garage at the end of 2021. The purchase is comprised of 25 properties including 22 historic buildings, some dating back to the 1880s.
Previous owner Jeff Hermanson — who controlled the city’s most recognizable and popular commercial district for 27 years — brought celebrated restaurants and renowned retailers to the district. Developer Dana Crawford originally owned many of Larimer’s buildings and was the driving force behind its historic designation. She sold the Square to San Diego-based Hahn Co. in 1986. Hermanson bought it from Hahn in 1993. After almost two decades as a Larimer Square staple, award-winning restaurant Bistro Vendome was the first to announce its departure. That was followed by Bonanno Concepts’ announcement that it would be closing both its high-end barbecue space Russell’s Smokehouse and underground speakeasy Green Russell for the same reason, Asana’s up to three-year renovation of the Sussex building that houses the trio.
Forcing Businesses Out
Larimer’s Last Draw: Chalk it up to communal gluttony, community events such as the Chalk Art Festival are being wiped out just like the businesses along Larimer St.
Valley residents had high hopes that the sale of the commercial blocks to Asana wouldn’t cause much of a change. Indeed, that seemed to be the message of newspaper and TV reports when the sale was first announced. However, a check by the Chronicle of historic mixed-use sites the firm owns and operates in the U.S. is troubling: Following purchase, tenants at Asana-owned properties grapple with high rents, resulting in huge turnovers.
Historic Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass., is quite comparable to Larimer. The real estate firm arrived at the plaza in 2017, paying $108 million. Retailers-restaurants at the site were still intact and business was booming at the time of purchase. Less than three years later, numerous local businesses had either moved or were shuttered — and all but one of them replaced by national chains. Papered-over storefronts and “for rent” signs have marred the appearance of Harvard Square and are threatening the heart of Cambridge.
After Asana took over, local businesses relocated or closed as their leases ran out, citing a breakdown in negotiations or unsustainable rent hikes. Bottom Line: The sky-high rents at the square have forced out small businesses, sparking concerns among community leaders and earning Asana mixed reviews from proprietors and patrons alike.
Restaurants Rattled
French Kiss Goodbye: After almost two decades on Larimer Square, Best French Restaurant Bistro Vendôme is relocating to Park Hill.
After almost two decades at Larimer Square, Bistro Vendôme — named Best French Restaurant, Top Brunch, and Best French Fries — is moving to 2267 Kearney St. in Park Hill. Owners have negotiated a lease for the new site — where closed eatery Tables was located — that could last though 2039.
Restaurateurs Jacqueline and Frank Bonanno are closing both Russell’s Smokehouse and their speakeasy-like bar Green Russell beneath Larimer Square after 12 years. New Year’s Eve will be the last day for both.
Jacqueline says they were originally told “it was a permanent infrastructure.” Later Asana said it was temporary, “invited us back in two years when the work is done and we could renegotiate the lease, which we’re not going to do.” She describes their relationship with Asana as distant at best.
The Bonannos are eager to find a new spot and reopen the barbecue eatery. Should they locate a space, it would again be headed by Chef Bryan Rosen, albeit the name could change. The speakeasy, however, won’t be resurrected. Asana indicates it plans to turn the Green Russell space into a boiler-maintenance room.
Retail Roulette
The beloved Gusterman Silversmiths — a nearly six-decade fixture on Larimer —under the ownership of Mary Eckels since 1978, closes. The shop’s patrons included actress Debbie Reynolds, author Clive Cussler, and Senator Gary Hart. She had completed a dozen four- and five-year leases, but the next renewal would have been under Asana. “The proposal they gave me to stay was not something I could commit to,” Eckels declares.
Dana Crawford helped start Victoriana Antique & Fine Jewelry in 1984. She later sold it to David & Veronica Prebble. The couple had planned to sell Victoriana to its current manager, Zach Burk. But Asana told them the store would have to move to a location off Larimer with half of its current 832-sq.-ft. space. “It was a totally unworkable situation,” David Prebble says. “They have the right to make me move, but they’re supposed to provide me with a comparable space. But they said there was no comparable space available.”
When Portland, Ore., based retailer Pendleton Wool Shop’s Larimer Square lease expired, the shop was relocated to the River North Art District. New address for the wool company is 2650 Walnut St.
by Valley Gadfly | Nov 17, 2022 | Valley Gadfly
December’s holiday lights will again stretch from Glendale-Cherry Creek to the nightly lighting of downtown’s City-County Bldg. Oh, how they glow, spreading the season’s magic.
Lights, glimmering in every color, shine brightly enough to lift the mood of even the sourest Scrooge. From Rudolph’s nose to the Blossoms of Light, they are a symbol of hope.
Here are our bright choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to light up the darkness by adding warmth, love, peace, and joy; regardless of your religious persuasion:
3 Shop Cherry Creek’s Holiday Market featuring 50 local makers and designers on Fillmore Plaza. Open daily through Dec. 24, you’ll enjoy live music, local acts, plus a full bar in a decorated, festive atmosphere. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Catch Clocktower Cabaret’s Dec. 4 night of holiday funk-soul music as 10-piece Spillionaires Band gets you into the spirit of season. Information: 303-293-0075.
3 Take the toddlers to a singalong with holiday characters at Tiny Tots Christmas in the Tivoli Turnhalle, Dec. 10, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Information: 303-355-7855.
3 Blast into the season with the Holiday Brass at Boettcher, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Ballads and carols played by Symphony Brass & Percussion. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 Take time to enjoy lunch or dinner at Inga’s Alpine Tavern during the holidays. The Altitude Jazz Christmas Show is Dec. 6, 6 to 8 p.m. Julie Wynn Birr, vocals, and Julie Fredericksen, keyboard, play Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Krall, and Miles Davis. Information:720-389-6203.
3 Give family and friends custom, antique, and vintage jewelry from Morgan Sonsthagen Jewelry this year. Conveniently located near Wash Park and University Hills, they are open Tue.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-733-1710.
3 Celebrate Chanukah with Chabad of Cherry Creek, Dec. 18, 5-11:59 p.m. Enjoy treats, fire juggling, face painting at 299 Milwaukee. Information: 303-394-2904.
3 Make it a Charlie Brown Christmas at Dazzle@Baur’s, Dec. 19-24, as Pianist Annie Booth’s Trio stage the tradition for 9th year. Information: 303-839-5100.
3 Waltz into 2023 as the Colorado Symphony plays polkas, waltzes, and marches at A Night In Vienna in Boettcher, Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-534-1937.
3 For a magical interpretation of The Nutcracker, delight in Ballet Ariel’s return to the Lakewood Cultural Center for eight performances, Dec. 10-23. Full-scale production has four national guest artists plus local dancers. Travel through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets with lovely Clara and her Prince. Grand finale takes place in the Sugar Plum Fairy’s castle as dancers come together to celebrate with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince. Information: 303-945-4388.
December has a wavelength all its own: It’s a sort of sublime yearning that can be both saddening and comforting. A sentimentality fortified by a lifetime’s worth of holiday memories. It is also a joyous month, reflecting the excitement of the holidays and time with loved ones. Bleakness sets in January 2, thus making it through winter is an emotional experience.
Enjoy cups of hot cocoa and let the lights and holiday spirit take you over. Where do Santa’s reindeer stop for coffee? Star-bucks! What’s Santa’s favorite chips? Crisp Pringles!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Oct 21, 2022 | Main Articles
Food For Thought: Consider donating time, food, and funds to help others this Thanksgiving. Denver Rescue Mission is among groups feeding the hungry this year. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
A Leg Up On Restaurants Open For Holiday Dining Nov. 24th; This Year’s United Way Turkey Trot Has Been A Tradition Since 1973
Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is Nov. 24 this year. Shifting each year, dates for the federal holiday can occur from Nov. 22 to Nov. 28.
For many it is a way to express gratitude for family, or to a higher power; for others, it’s simply a holiday to be with family and enjoy delicious food. Despite inflation and a bird flu outbreak, nearly 90% of people plan to celebrate this year, an increase from 2021.
Thanksgiving is synonymous with family and lots of good food, but that doesn’t mean the food has to be made at home. Why cook when you can eat-in or take out at area restaurants?
Where To Dine Out
Citizen Rail: A holiday veteran, restaurant in LoDo’s Kimpton Hotel Born is featuring a three-course Thanksgiving meal — dine-in or take out — with 10% of proceeds made to No Kid Hungry, 1 to 8 p.m. Information: 303-323-0017.
The Corner Office: Downtown Curtis Hotel eatery is serving a Thanksgiving spread starting with butternut squash & cider soup. Feast features achiote-marinated turkey breast, mashed potatoes, trimmings, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Information: 303-825-6500.
Del Frisco’s Grill: Cherry Creek bar-grill on St. Paul St. is offering a three-course turkey dinner with herb-butter roasted turkey breast, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Some menu items offered. Information: 303-320-8529.
Edge Restaurant: Steakhouse in the Four Seasons on 14th St. is serving an adult & kids buffet, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traditional entrees, carving station, raw bar & dessert bar. Pre-fixe dinner menu, 6 to 9 p.m. Information: 303-389-3050.
Humboldt Kitchen: Eatery offers brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. That’s followed by Thanksgiving dinner served at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. or 6 p.m. Choose from turkey breast, prime rib, grilled salmon, or butternut squash risotto. Information: 303-813-1700.
The Kitchen: Restaurant in the Sugar Building on Wazee St. is featuring turkey with leek & mushroom dressing, plus starters-desserts. Dine-in or take out. Information: 303-623-3127.
Feast Returns: Holiday hot spot, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is bringing its Thanksgiving Feast back, noon to 6 p.m. Patrons can ignite the holiday with a flaming Saganaki appetizer.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Opa! This holiday dining institution is bringing its Thanksgiving Feast back, noon to 6 p.m. Tucked in corner of Monaco Square, cozy eatery is serving classic roast turkey with stuffing and all the trimmings. Other choices include Leg of Lamb, Lamb Chops, a Greek Combo, New York Steak, Salmon, or Trout. Ignite the holiday with a flaming Saganaki appetizer. Information: 303-320-1104.
Quality Italian: Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel eatery on Columbine St. is serving roasted bird with rosemary gravy, mushroom stuffing, and kabocha squash. Information: 303-532-8888.
Urban Farmer: LoDo’s Oxford Hotel eatery offers a choice of honey roasted turkey breast, prime rib, a 6 oz. filet, salmon, or cauliflower steak, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information: 303-262-6070.
Ditch The Turkey?
Ace Eat Serve: Want a change from turkey? Try Peking duck at this uptown eatery that’s carved tableside and served with mu shu crepes, 4 to 10 p.m. Information: 303-800-7705.
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ: Cook but kick the turkey at Cherry Creek’s Japanese eatery on 1st & Steele St., noon to 9 p.m. Grill beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables tableside. Information: 720-826-3214.
Thanksgiving Take Out
Edible Beats: Three of group’s restaurants — Root Down, Linger, and El Five — are featuring turkey done two ways, plus sides. Order by Nov. 22, pickup on Nov. 24-25 at Linger, located at 2030 W. 30th Ave. Information: 720-282-3593.
Turkey Day Doings
Hot Turkey Trot: Join Mile High United Way’s Turkey Trot in Wash Park this holiday. Four-mile run-walk has a four-wave start every 30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m.
Beyond getting stuffed and doing annual turkey trots, you can donate time, food, and funds to stay busy this holiday weekend.
This year’s Turkey Trot marks Mile High United Way’s 135th anniversary as the first United Way in the world. It’s also the 49th anniversary of United Way’s local Turkey Trot.
By participating, you are joining in Denver’s top Thanksgiving tradition while also giving back to the community. Registration for the four-mile run-walk at Wash Park opens at 8:15 a.m. The event has a four-wave start every 30 minutes, beginning at 9 a.m. At just under a mile, the 10:40 a.m. Little Gobbler Family Fun-Run is flawless family fun. More than 9,000 are expected. Information: 303-433-8383.
Other Thanksgiving races include the Gobble Wobble Run in Littleton, the Huffin’ for Stuffin’ two-mile fun run in Loveland, plus a Turkey ROCK Trot in Castle Rock. There’s also a Pumpkin Pie 5K-10K at City Park on Nov. 19, 9 a.m.
Gobblin’ For Gifts
Denver Rescue Mission: Non-profit needs 15,000 frozen turkeys. Mission also gives 3,000 Banquet-in-a-Box turkey dinners. Donations of canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, yams, boxed stuffing, and mashed potatoes also needed. Information: 303-297-1815.
Epworth Foundation: Support Foundation and Neighborhood Forward Denver by providing funds for 10,000 Thanksgiving baskets. Tradition is in honor of former Five Points restaurant owner Daddy Bruce Randolph. Information: 303-296-6287.
Food Bank Of The Rockies: Volunteer or give funds to help provide food-necessities for food bank that serves largest coverage area in U.S. Donate, volunteer at Bank’s 10700 E. 45th Ave. distribution center. Information: 303-371-9250.
Creek Celebration: For fine dining in Cherry Creek North this Thanksgiving, Quality Italian in the district’s Halcyon Hotel is serving roasted bird with rosemary gravy.
Jewish Family Service: Donate funds to fill Thanksgiving boxes for Nov. 23 distribution. Give frozen turkeys, canned, cut yams-sweet potatoes, plus instant mashed potatoes and stuffing at 3201 S. Tamarac Dr. Information: 303-597-5000.
Project Angel Heart: Make a donation or order a pie to help provide meals for those with health conditions on Thanksgiving or anytime. More: join a pie fundraiser or order a pie from PieInTheSkyColorado.org. Information: 303-407-9418.
Samaritan House: Donate frozen turkeys at metro area Catholic Charity shelters. Donating funds support the Samaritan House and their women-only shelter, the largest in Denver. Information: 720-799-9297.
The Table: Visit, encourage family and friends to patronize café-taproom owned by non-profit Table Urban Farm. The 2109 S. Platte River Dr. eatery and its farm provide free food on Thanksgiving and throughout year. Information: 303-744-1113.
