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.