by Mark Smiley | Oct 19, 2026 | Travel
Two million pounds of ice will transform the Aurora resort into a frozen wonderland beginning November 20.
by Mark Smiley
Christmas At Gaylord Rockies: The annual holiday celebration returns to Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora from November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. This year’s festivities feature the debut of ICE! inspired by Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, along with a variety of seasonal attractions and family-friendly entertainment.
The magic of the holidays is taking shape at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, where 40 master ice artisans from Harbin, China, have arrived to create a spectacular frozen attraction inspired by Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The elaborate display, known as ICE!, will feature more than 2 million pounds of ice carved into larger-than-life sculptures depicting memorable characters and scenes from the popular film. The attraction opens November 20, 2026, and continues through January 3, 2027, as part of the resort’s annual Christmas celebration.
Creating the 17,000-square-foot frozen wonderland is no small undertaking. Over five weeks, the artisans will spend more than 12,000 hours transforming approximately 6,000 massive blocks of ice into intricate sculptures, some towering more than 30 feet high.
Armed with chainsaws, grinders, handsaws, chippers, and other specialized tools, the artists will bring the film’s distinctive characters and settings to life with remarkable detail.
“This is one of the most exciting moments of the year at Gaylord Rockies, as the arrival of our ice artisans marks the beginning of the transformation into our Christmas experience,” said Matt Marshall, general manager of the resort. “This year is especially exciting because guests will experience Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in ice! for the very first time.”
The artisans traveled more than 5,700 miles from Harbin, a city internationally recognized for its spectacular ice and snow sculptures. Often called China’s “Ice City,” Harbin is home to the renowned Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, one of the world’s largest winter celebrations.
Frozen Holiday Magic: Jack Skellington takes center stage in ICE! featuring Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora. The spectacular attraction features more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice and opens November 20, 2026, running through January 3, 2027.
Gaylord Hotels has partnered with artisans from Harbin since 2001, bringing their specialized skills to holiday attractions across the United States.
Each member of the team has a particular role in the creative process. Some use chainsaws to shape enormous blocks of ice, while others carefully carve delicate details by hand. Working from an extensive 300-page design book, the artisans create everything from tiny decorative elements to massive, towering displays.
Visitors to this year’s attraction will enter beneath the mischievous grin of Jack Skellington before making their way through the hauntingly whimsical world of Halloween Town. Familiar characters, including Sally, Zero, Dr. Finkelstein, The Mayor, and the mischievous trio Lock, Shock, and Barrel, will appear throughout the frozen experience. The Halloween Town Band will also be represented in ice.
The attraction is maintained at a chilly 9 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the sculptures throughout the holiday season. Guests will also have an opportunity to watch ice-carving techniques at the Artisan Demonstration Showcase, offering a closer look at the craftsmanship behind the elaborate display.
ICE! is the centerpiece of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, which features additional seasonal entertainment and holiday activities for families and visitors of all ages. The attraction opens November 20 and runs through January 3, 2027, at Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora.
Tickets, hotel packages and additional information are available at ChristmasatGay lordRockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 23, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Leadership: Emagine Entertainment’s leadership team celebrates the opening of Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado theater and first location west of the Mississippi River. Pictured (left to right) are Chris Becker, Chief of Staff and Finance; Lauren Goldstein, Owner/Bookings; Jon Goldstein, Partner/Owner; and Melissa Boudreau, Chief Experience Officer. Photo courtesy of Emagine Entertainment
Emagine: Emagine Parker, located at 18625 Stage Run in Parker, is Emagine Entertainment’s first Colorado theater. The fully renovated, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination features 10 auditoriums, including two premium large-format EMX theaters, luxury heated recliner seating, a full-service bar, expanded dining options, and state-of-the-art 4K projection with Dolby Atmos sound.
After more than 40 years of vacationing in Colorado, Jon Goldstein has finally brought a piece of his family’s business here.
The CEO of Northwoods Theater Group, an affiliate of Emagine Entertainment, recently opened Emagine Parker, the company’s first Colorado location and its first theater west of the Mississippi River. The former AMC theater at 18625 Stage Run has been transformed into a completely reimagined, 32,000-square-foot entertainment destination featuring luxury heated recliners, premium large-format EMX auditoriums, Dolby Atmos sound, 4K laser projection, a full-service bar, expanded food offerings and the company’s first self-ordering concession kiosks.
For Goldstein, opening in Colorado is more than a business decision. “I’ve been coming to Colorado since I was 16 years old,” said Goldstein. “My parents decided they were skiers, and they came out here one time. They came home and said, ‘We’re never going to Vermont again.’”
His family eventually bought a mountain getaway, his brother now lives in Edwards, and his daughter recently graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder. “We love the mountains,” Goldstein said.
The Parker theater had also been on his radar for years. Goldstein first considered purchasing the building in 2012 while AMC still operated the location. At the time, he wasn’t convinced his growing company had the infrastructure to operate another theater if necessary. After expanding through the acquisition of eight Minneapolis-area theaters in 2016, Emagine had the leadership team and operational experience to take on larger projects.
When the Parker property became available again about 18 months ago, Goldstein didn’t hesitate. “They asked me if I would do it, and I said yes, and that’s how I got here,” he said. Rather than simply reopening the theater, Emagine invested heavily in creating an experience that Goldstein believes today’s audiences are looking for.
“I don’t really compete with Netflix and HBO Max,” he said. “They’re in the home entertainment business. I compete with the Rockies or the Avalanche or going to Red Rocks or even just going to a restaurant.”
Luxury Seating: Every auditorium at Emagine Parker features luxury heated recliner seating, including spacious front-row recliners, along with immersive Dolby Atmos sound and state-of-the-art 4K projection. The theater’s redesigned interiors are intended to create a premium moviegoing experience that rivals any home theater.
Goldstein believes movie theaters must offer something people cannot get in their living rooms. “You have to upgrade the experience for people to make it great,” he said. “If you don’t make it great, they have other options, and they’re going to vote with their wallet.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout Emagine Parker. Every auditorium features heated luxury recliners, while guests can enjoy craft cocktails, beer, and wine from a full-service bar, an expanded food menu, and enhanced gathering spaces before and after the movie. The theater also serves as the launch site for Emagine’s first self-ordering kiosk system, designed to reduce concession wait times and improve the guest experience.
Although Emagine has grown into a regional chain, Goldstein said the company still thinks like a family-owned business. “We like to think of ourselves as a mom-and-pop company,” he said. “I still read every customer email for every single one of our theaters.”
His attention to detail extends even to popcorn containers. While many theaters use paper bags, Emagine serves popcorn in sturdy tubs to prevent butter from soaking through. “It’s just part of the experience,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein believes customers are willing to pay for quality if they receive value in return. “People nowadays are going to pay for whatever, as long as you deliver to them something that’s worth the price,” he said. “It’s about value more than anything.”
Despite years of predictions that streaming services would replace movie theaters, Goldstein never believed the industry was dying. “I’ve been in this business 25 years, and I’ve been told I’m going out of business for 25 years,” he said.
He believes the communal experience of watching a film together remains something streaming cannot replicate. “I always say the best effect of a movie is an audience,” Goldstein said. “You can share a laugh or a horror scene or a drama and cry. People like to do that with other people.”
Emagine officially opened to the public on July 1, after hosting a private preview benefiting HopeKids Colorado, raising support for families with children facing life-threatening medical conditions. Looking ahead, the company plans a second phase of development that will add a dedicated venue for local live music and performances, further expanding the theater’s role as a year-round entertainment destination.
Goldstein hopes movie lovers from across the Denver metro area will make the drive to Parker. “I hope they’ll come and check us out,” he said. “I think that we provide the best experience. We differentiate ourselves from the other theaters in town, and we just hope people appreciate that and will support us so that we can keep supporting the community.”
For more information, visit www.emagine-entertainment.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 9, 2026 | Travel
By Mark Smiley
Mike Menter, Driver of Tiger Shark
Mike Menter was growing up in Virginia, he spotted a line of monster trucks parked outside the Hampton Coliseum. On a whim, he pulled off the highway, bought tickets to all three shows that weekend and discovered a passion that would shape the rest of his life. “I was absolutely hooked,” Menter said.
Today, Menter is living that childhood dream as the driver of Tiger Shark, one of the fan favorites in Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire, returning to Denver’s Ball Arena for three performances on July 11 and 12.
The award-winning family show, named 2025 Pollstar Family Show of the Year, returns with an all-new attraction for 2026: Rhinomite, a rhinoceros-themed monster truck charging onto the tour for the first time. Fans will also witness never-before-seen stunts, including a spectacular no-handed front flip by the freestyle motocross team.
For Menter, however, the biggest thrill isn’t behind the wheel. It’s watching children experience the show for the first time.
“When you see the doors open and the kids walk through the door for the first time and they’re actually holding a Tiger Shark toy or a Rhinomite toy in their hands, you can see the wheels spinning in their heads,” he said. “Their parents are telling them, ‘Look, this is the truck you’ve seen on TV.’ To see their reaction when that real-life monster comes to life in front of them, it’s kind of hard to describe.”
Unlike many professional monster truck drivers who spend years working as mechanics or crew members before earning a chance to compete, Menter took a different route. Determined to control his own future, he purchased a competition chassis, assembled his own truck using specialized monster truck components and began performing at county fairs across the country.
“I wanted to do it on my schedule, on my time,” he said. “I wanted to be in full control.”
Tiger Shark
years ago, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live came calling, and today Menter spends roughly 34 weekends each year entertaining families across North America.
“This is what I do. This is what I love,” he said. “Going to different cities like Denver and getting to entertain people for two hours and seeing the smiles on the families’ faces and the kids—for me, that’s what it’s all about.”
Every Hot Wheels Monster Truck has its loyal fans, but Menter says Tiger Shark has developed something of a cult following.
“We call it Tiger Shark Nation,” he said with a laugh.
Some children love sharks. Others love tigers. Tiger Shark combines both into one monster truck that has become one of the tour’s most recognizable vehicles.
While spectators see gravity-defying jumps and crushed cars, Menter says most of the work happens long before the engines start.
“It’s a 10,000-pound monster truck,” he said. “You’re flying these things. You’re beating them up.”
Although he only spends about 20 to 25 minutes actually driving during an entire weekend of performances, his team spends countless hours inspecting tires, engines, suspension components and every bolt on the truck.
“The preparation is key,” Menter said.
Even with meticulous maintenance, mechanical failures are simply part of the sport.
“You can do all the preparation, and something can still break,” he said. “It’s just the nature of the beast.”
Competition on the arena floor also gives way to teamwork behind the scenes. Each truck has its own crew, but when another team runs into trouble, everyone pitches in.
“When we put the helmets on, we’re competitive,” Menter said. “But if my truck’s good and another truck is down, everyone’s going over there to help. At the end of the day, the goal for everybody is to see a smile on a kid’s face.”
That family atmosphere extends to Menter’s own family. His 16-year-old son, Mason, travels with him as his crew member, helping prepare Tiger Shark before every show.
“He’s been with me since day one,” Menter said. “I can step away to do an interview, and when I come back he’ll tell me, ‘The tires are on. I did this and this.'”
Mason has already driven a mini monster truck and hopes to eventually follow his father into the sport.
“I can’t wait for him,” Menter said. “It’s going to be something magical.”
This year’s Glow-N-Fire production promises more than just monster trucks. Fans will see seven trucks compete in wheelies, donuts, long jump and freestyle competitions while freestyle motocross riders perform gravity-defying aerial tricks, including the debut of a no-handed front flip.
“Seeing this guy do a front flip is something magical that you have to see in person,” Menter said.
The production also features a fire-breathing, car-crushing robotic dinosaur during intermission, adding another layer of excitement to the family-friendly show.
Fans looking for an even closer experience can purchase tickets to the popular Pre-Show Party, held before every performance. The event allows guests onto the arena floor to see the trucks up close, collect autographs, meet the drivers and snap photos before the competition begins.
“If you have a special question you’ve always wanted to ask, come out to the pre-show,” Menter said. “Bring your toy truck with you and get it autographed.”
New VIP packages for 2026 offer additional behind-the-scenes experiences, including exclusive merchandise, backstage tours and opportunities to meet drivers and freestyle motocross performers.
For Menter, however, the trucks, trophies and packed arenas all take a back seat to one thing. “For me, interacting with the kids and interacting with the fans is something magical,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to describe unless you’re in the moment. That’s what it’s all about.”
If You Go
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire
Where: Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver
When:
- Saturday, July 11, 11:30 a.m. (Pre-Show Party: 9–10:15 a.m.)
- Saturday, July 11, 6:30 p.m. (Pre-Show Party: 4–5:15 p.m.)
- Sunday, July 12, 1:30 p.m. (Pre-Show Party: 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)
The show features Tiger Shark, Mega Wrex, Rhinomite, Bigfoot, Bone Shaker, HW 5-Alarm and Skelesaurus, along with freestyle motocross riders, spectacular stunts and a fire-breathing robotic dinosaur. Special children’s ticket pricing and VIP packages are available. Tickets and additional information are available at HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive.com.
by Mark Smiley | May 19, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Classic chrome, roaring engines, and community spirit will take center stage when Shotgun Willie’s hosts its upcoming Summer Car Show on Sunday, June 21, 2026, bringing car enthusiasts from across the Denver metro area to one of Glendale’s most recognizable landmarks.
The event is expected to feature dozens of classic cars, custom trucks, hot rods, muscle cars, and motorcycles, offering visitors an afternoon of automotive craftsmanship, live entertainment, and local community fun.
Organizers say the annual gathering continues to grow in popularity each year, attracting both longtime collectors and families looking for a unique summer event.
“This show is about celebrating car culture and bringing people together,” organizers said in a statement. “Whether you’re a serious collector or someone who simply enjoys seeing beautiful vehicles, there will be something for everyone.”
Attendees can expect to see everything from vintage Chevrolets and Ford Mustangs to modern performance cars and custom builds. Vehicle owners will compete for awards in several categories, including Best Classic, Best Custom, Best Paint, and People’s Choice.
In addition to the vehicles on display, the event will feature music, food vendors, local businesses, and opportunities for community engagement throughout the day.
The car show also provides a boost for Glendale businesses as visitors from around the region gather in the city for the event. Restaurants, shops, and nearby hotels often see increased traffic during large community gatherings like the annual show.
City officials have praised events such as the Shotgun Willie’s Car Show for helping strengthen Glendale’s identity as a destination for entertainment and local culture.
The event is scheduled to begin Sunday morning and continue into the afternoon. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as organizers expect large crowds and limited parking near the venue.
Admission information and registration details for vehicle entries are expected to be available through Shotgun Willie’s event channels and participating sponsors in the coming weeks.
For many participants, however, the event is about more than trophies and horse-
power.
“Car shows are about stories and friendships,” said one returning participant preparing for the June event. “Every vehicle has a history, and every owner has a passion behind it.”
With summer underway and excitement building, Glendale residents and visitors alike are preparing for another high-energy celebration of cars, community, and Colorado culture at Shotgun Willie’s on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more, visit www.givebutter.com/car-show-npuinr.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 23, 2026 | Travel
Opening This Month, Site Will Be Cherry Creek’s First Live Music Space
By Glen Rochardson
Groovy Group: Funk-rock band Opie Gone Bad will entertain at the newly opened Soiled Dove on May 14.
Soiled Dove, the venue long-time residents remember as the Soiled Dove Underground beneath the Tavern in Lowry, is reopening. The new location is above ground at Choppers Sports Grill on South Madison Street in Cherry Creek North. While there are live music venues such as Dazzle downtown, Soiled Dove is the first in Cherry Creek.
The space has been redesigned to offer the production value of a large-scale venue coupled with the vibe of an intimate and up-close setting. Above all, the venue will offer an unparalleled close-by experience for nearby Glendale-Chery Creek music fans.
The room is different, and it will sound different. An acoustic designer has soundproofed the building. Moreover, a city sound engineer was brought in early to make sure residents won’t have any reason to complain.
Soiled Dove Site: Choppers Sports Grill on South Madison Street in Cherry Creek North is reopening as the Soiled Dove.
Railbinders Gig
The Railbenders with special guest Chris Stake will christen the new Soiled Dove stage at Chopper’s Sports Grill on May 9. Group is an American country band formed in Denver in 2000 by Jim Dalton and Tyson Murray. Westword Music Showcase named The Railbenders Denver’s Top Country-Roots act in 2002 and 2003. Stake is a roots-rock, country-soul singer.
Funk-rock band Opie Gone Bad will follow on May 14. The band is known for shows at Herman’s Hideaway and other area venues. Band features Jake Schroeder doing vocals, with Randy Chavez on guitars, Tarell Martin on drums, and Windall Armour on bass.
Upcoming performances are likely to include local acts such as Hazel Miller, The Samples, and Stone Beat Invasion. A chance to hear throwback bands, and cover bands is expected to add a “fun factor” in a neighborhood that has never had live entertainment.
Start As Rick’ Cafe
Choppers got its start as Rick’s Cafe back in the late ’70s, when it was one of the city’s first fern bars. The space showed off its solar-powered dishwasher to then-President Jimmy Carter. It then turned into Chopper’s Sports Grill, named after beloved Nuggets trainer Bob “Chopper” Travaglini. THG took over management early in 2015, then bought the property outright in May 2015 for just over $4 million.
To make sure “the sports piece” is still in the space, there will be no opening acts so that people can still drink and dine before the music start. Guests can then clear out before the music starts. When there are bi
Opening Performance: The Railbenders will christen the new Soiled Dove stage at Chopper’s Sports Grill on May 9. Photo: Mark Tepsic
g games, the schedule will be juggled.
“I want to make it clear that this is a sports bar first, and then live music,” says owner Frank Schultz. He predicts there might be four to six ticketed shows a month. “So, when the Nuggets have playoff games we won’t have shows, it’s as simple as that. And we’ll only be booking shows when we’ve got the right show to book.”
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
University of Denver players celebrate on the ice after securing their 11th NCAA National Championship, capping a resilient postseason run with a dramatic third-period comeback. Photo courtesy of the NCAA.
The University of Denver has once again cemented its place among college hockey’s elite, capturing the NCAA National Championship in a thrilling finish to a remarkable season. For fans across the Denver metro area, including the Cherry Creek valley, the victory is both a point of pride and a celebration of one of Colorado’s most storied athletic programs.
For much of the championship game, the odds appeared stacked against the Pioneers. Still feeling the effects of a double-overtime semifinal win over Michigan, Denver struggled to generate offense early. Wisconsin carried a 1-0 lead into the third period and dominated possession, outshooting Denver 26-6 on goal and 58-22 overall. Goalie Johnny Hicks once again faced relentless pressure, turning away wave after wave of scoring chances.
The turning point came midway through the third period.
Senior forward Rieger Lorenz battled in front of the net and capitalized on a rebound off a shot from Garrett Brown. After his initial attempt was stopped, Lorenz stayed with the play and slipped the puck through to tie the game with 12:29 remaining.
The goal shifted momentum instantly.
Just minutes later, Kyle Chyzowski tipped in a slapshot from Boston Buckberger with 5:52 left, giving Denver a 2-1 lead it would not surrender. The late surge secured the program’s 11th national championship.
“It’s a one-shot game after two periods,” head coach David Carle said after the game. “We finally got one to the net, and Lorenz was able to hang around that area. It gave our guys belief.”
Hicks, who anchored the team throughout the tournament, was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player. The freshman recorded 29 saves in the championship game, including several key stops in the final period, and finished the season unbeaten since taking over the starting role in January.
Denver reached the title game with a hard-fought 4-3 win over Michigan, where Hicks made a career-high 49 saves. Senior captain Kent Anderson delivered the game-winner, supported by goals from Clarke Caswell, Cale Ashcroft, and Chyzowski.
“We weathered it well,” Carle said. “They threw a lot at us, but we stayed composed. When we had our chances, we made them count.”
The championship marks Denver’s third under Carle, adding to titles in 2022 and 2024, and further extends the program’s lead as the winningest in NCAA men’s hockey history.
Beyond the ice, the victory resonates across the Denver community. Hockey has deep roots in Colorado, and the Pioneers’ success continues to energize youth programs, local rinks, and fans throughout the region. In neighborhoods like Glendale and Cherry Creek, the championship serves as a reminder of the area’s strong connection to top-tier athletics.
As celebrations continue, the Pioneers’ latest title stands as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and a championship mindset, qualities that have long defined Denver hockey.
