October is customarily characterized by comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice, jack-o-lanterns and trick-or-treating. The pandemic, however, has created masked confusion. Some think everyone is dressed as masked schnooks. This year, however, wearing masks gives us 2020 vision. Thus as Halloween approaches humbly ask, “Whoo ghost there?”
Paint on a brave face, we’ll be worse for wear. It’s hard to think of anything that has so radically and rapidly become so integral to our daily lives at home and at work.
Strap on your mask, here are our unisex and reusable ghoulish choices for shopping, dining and entertainment even when wearing a colorful face covering:
3 View exhibit highlighting Masks as an art form plus a universal symbol as a public health issue at DU’s Vicki Myhren Gallery now through Dec. 1. Exhibits feature the work of 30 artists. Information: 303-871-3716.
3 See all of your favorite Dragon Boat Festival performers and vendors during virtual fundraising campaign Oct. 3. Information: 303-953-7277.
3 Watch spooky movies Oct. 8 and 22nd at RiNo’s Ironton Distillery with cocktails and nibbles. Doors open at 8 p.m. Information: 720-532-0937.
3 See displays of jack-o’-lanterns and glowing pumpkins at Denver Botanic Garden’s Glow At The Gardens Oct. 19-23. Information: 720-865-3500.
3 Experience relaxing, warm and friendly fall dining at Toro Latin Kitchen inside Cherry Creek’s JW Marriott. Select from tasty small plates and family-style entrees plus cocktail and wine. Information: 303-253-3000.
3 Extraordinary health care is now open in the heart of Cherry Creek on the corner of 1st Ave. and Cook St. UCHealth building has outpatient surgery center with free valet and self-parking. Information: 720-848-0000.
3 Take the family to Union Station for annual BOOnion Trick-Or-Treat costume parade in the Great Hall Oct. 29. Information: 303-592-6712.
3 Learn about Denver’s African-American experience at Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481.
3 Fall into some old-fashion family fun during annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park Oct. 2-4, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. Autumn fun includes live music, food trucks, photo booth, pioneer games plus pick pumpkins from park’s patch. Attendees can also enjoy cool fall inspired beverages plus a full bar. Advanced purchase of timed tickets required for safe 90-minute experience. Information: 720-865-0800.
Albeit we’ve already had an early cover-up of snow, most years the season’s first snow habitually arrives near Halloween. It’s the third season of the year coinciding with the dropping of leaves from trees, which is why it’s also called fall. It’s a time when we start to unwind and simmer down, to hang loose, laze and begin to feel cozy at home.
In March as we set clocks to “spring forward” the pandemic forced us to knock off. Now we’re locked in masked confusion as the clock creeps toward “fall back” time.
We don’t formally “fall back” until Nov. 1. Nonetheless, the pandemic’s monster mayhem endures as a devilish fall fad. Large gatherings are a ghostly thing of the past. Before the sun rises earlier on our clocks, we’re stuck in a soul-searching hullabaloo. Even after we gain an hour the ghostly glow will give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
