Let the leaves fall where they may, October is about to come screaming back! A riot to the senses, the month is climaxed by Halloween and our need to be scared and terrified. Nevertheless, summer’s oppressive 90-degree heat will soon be a distant memory and golden leaves promise a Valley full of beautiful fall adventures.
Boo: “Halloween, ooh, Halloween ghostly things are gonna happen.” Darkness comes much earlier this month and you’ll soon be hearing spooky, silly noises outside.
Here are our supernatural choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as the wind nestles in the trees outside and spirits prowl the sidewalks like unseen cats:
3 Don’t miss the opening of JAAMM Fest, a one of a kind arts extravaganza on the JCC campus Oct. 4-Nov. 18. The high caliber of this year’s lineup includes music acts from all over the world. Information: 303-316-6360.
3 Be sure you have the “Write Stuff” including vintage pens at the Colorado Pen Show in the DoubleTree North, Oct. 5-7. Information: 303-322-6666.
3 Dance over to Colorado Ballet’s season opener featuring Sleeping Beauty at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Oct. 5-14. Information: 303-837-8888.
3 Catch Emmy winner John Tesh as he sings, tells stories at the Grand Piano in Lowry’s Soiled Dove Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-830-9214.
3 Let Total Wine & More — newly opened on East Evans Ave. — take part in all of your Halloween parties. Your spirits will soar with the unbelievable selection of wines and unique spirits. Information: 720-535-0027.
3 For a taste of October you’re certain to enjoy attending Joy Wine & Spirit’s 8th Chili Cook Off on 6th Ave. Oct. 21, 12-4 p.m. Amateurs and pros vie for critics’ and peoples’ choice awards. Information: 303-744-6219.
3 Join the Kidney Foundation’s non-competitive 5k walk-run at Sloan’s Lake Park on Oct. 14, 8 a.m. Information: 720-748-9991.
3 Escort the kids along Glow in the Gardens’ spooky Halloween pathways Oct. 17-18 and 23-25. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 You yearn for the crispest, clearest sounds to enhance your audio experience but with today’s advancements in technology you’re not sure where to turn. Start at this year’s 15th Rocky Mountain Audio Fest at the Marriott Tech Center, Oct. 5-7. At the world’s largest Audio Show, attendees will enjoy equipment show specials, prize drawings and live entertainment all weekend. Information: 303-779-1100.
The air begins to chill, slowly, first at night, and then during the day. The leaves start their colorful dance ushering in the final stage of their existence. Nature begins the preparation for a long winter’s nap. Everything alive seems to go to sleep or migrate south. Only we humans seem to stick around for the colder months ahead.
October in the Valley, with its warm days, cool nights, and colorful displays of foliage, is always a favorite month for most everyone — most of the living that is!
For the dead, the month signifies an unwanted awareness by the living that the dead may be lurking among us. As you enjoy Halloween costume parties this month remember that this freakish, bizarre season is a reminder to be adventurous, bold and daring or you’ll just be another “hoblin’ goblin.” Eat, drink and be scary. Bone appetit!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.