December 31, 2008 
 
 
Looking for more fireworks and other free celebrations to bring in the new year 2009?  Here are a few more choices in addition to the big shows in downtown Denver:

Beaver Creek - Fireworks display & Torchlight Ski-down
Parents and children are invited to participate in a special glow-worm ski down from the top of the Buckaroo Express gondola. Registration begins at 6 PM and uploading begins at 6:30 PM. Open to all ages, level 5 ability or higher.

Copper Mountain – New Year’s Disco evening
Burning Stones Plaza will be transformed into the old 54 featuring the band Disco Mountain.  Big Screen with true Studio 54 clips and a spectacular torchlight parade put on by the Copper Ski & Ride School.  Disco dance/best costume contest, and 2 firework shows @ 7:45 PM (West Lake) and 10 PM (over the Mountain).

Keystone Resort – Torchlight Parade and Fireworks
Visit River Run for the torchlight parade at 8:45 PM followed by fireworks at 9 PM.

Monarch Mountain – Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Show
Starts at 5:30 PM

Ouray – fireworks visible from main street at midnight

Pikes Peak – AdAmAn Club fireworks from the summit
A unique tradition since 1922:  The Pikes Peak AdAmAn Club is a group of mountaineers who climb Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak.  At midnight on New Year’s Eve, they set off a fireworks display on the summit, often visible for hundreds of miles.

Sol Vista Basin -  Torchlight Parade & Fireworks
A kid’s parade tradition will begin at 6 PM with a synchronized ski down and fireworks display. Glow sticks will be available to children 12 and under.

Vail – Celebrate with fireworks and a street party in Vail Village as well as a torchlit ski down at Golden Peak.

December 31, 2008
9:00 PM show and Midnight show
16th Street Mall

Good news for welcoming the New Year for both early birds and late owls!   You can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display downtown at 9:00 PM or wait until Midnight to enjoy another.  Or, if you’re really into fireworks, and have plenty of warm cloths, why not hang out for both shows!

The fireworks will be launched simultaneously from 2 locations along the 16th Street Mall, so you’re sure to have a good view no matter where you choose to watch from.

We wish everyone in Colorado and everyone who likes to read about Colorado a very healthy and happy new year.

Through December 21, 2008 

Hey, ho, nobody home,
Meat nor drink nor money have I none.
Yet shall we be merry!

Go a’wassailing (caroling), and enjoy a hot cup of Wassail at various Frisco shops along Main Street and Summit Blvd.  Since there are many recipes for Wassail (although apple cidar is often a key ingredient), you’ll even have the opportunity to vote for your favorite version.

Jingle the bells as you ride on the horse-drawn sleigh, savor breakfast with Santa, and smile for the camera as you get your picture taken.

Featured Events:

Through Dec. 21 – Sip Wassail at area shops and vote for the best!
Dec. 20th – Pictures with Santa: Frisco Historic Park, 11:30 – 2:00 pm
                   – Christmas Carolers on Main Street

For more details, read about Wassail Days here.

Think about it:  we go buy pretty wrapping paper for gifts, and most of it gets thrown away after being ripped off the package. 

Think about saving some trees this holiday season!   If you really must wrap up a gift, consider using wrapping material that is being recycled.

Free recycled maps are available from USGS for holiday wrapping now through Christmas.   The maps are rolled in bundles of 10, with a limit of two rolls per person, and are only available at The Map Store.  To pick up the free wrapping paper, visit The Map Store @ USGS in Building 810 at the Denver Federal Center. 

Are you getting ready to throw out your 2008 calendar with the pretty photos you’ve been enjoying all year?  How about wrapping up some gifts with those pretty photos instead?

Of course, the Sunday Funny Pages can make a festive statement on recycling.  Plus, if the recipient doesn’t like the present you gave them, they can at least be entertained by reading the comics.

Do you have a few large paper bags from the stores (for those times you didn’t bring enough recyclable bags for your entire order, of course)?  Have your kids, grandkids, or neighborhood kids decorate them for you to create totally unique and ever-so-cute wrapping paper.  Or bring out your own inner artist and do it yourself.

Finally, consider saving even more packaging from the landfill by giving a donation to your favorite charitable organization in the name of a friend or family member instead of buying them a gift they don’t really need.