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2023 Voter Information for Parker & Douglas County

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Election Dates to Know

  • October 16 – Ballots mailed to eligible voters beginning on this date / 24-hour Ballot Drop Box locations open
  • October 30 – Voter Service and Polling Centers open through Election Day
  • October 30 – Last day a voter may request a ballot be sent by mail
  • November 7 – Coordinated Election Day from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. / Polls close at 7 p.m. including all Ballot Drop Box Locations and Voter Service and Polling Centers
  • November 15 – Deadline to receive military and overseas ballots / Deadline to cure ballot signature or ID required issues through 11:59 p.m.
  • November 18 – Public Risk Limiting Audit, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Douglas County Elections Office, 125 Stephanie Place, Castle Rock
  • November 27 – Public Canvass Board, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Douglas County Elections Office, 125 Stephanie Place, Castle Rock
  • November 29 – Deadline for the County to complete canvass and submit the official abstract of votes to the Secretary of State.

Ballot Drop Box Hours for November 7, 2023 Coordinated Election

DATES: October 16, 2023 – Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2023
HOURS: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during dates of operation
DEADLINE: ALL BALLOT DROP BOXES CLOSE AT 7 PM ON ELECTION DAY

Castle Rock

  • Douglas County Kirk Hall, 500 Fairgrounds Road, 80104
  • 125 Stephanie Place Castle Rock, CO 80109
  • 100 Third Street Castle Rock, CO 80104
  • The Grange 3692 Meadows Boulevard Castle Rock, CO 80109
  • Douglas County off Leash Area – 1100 Plum Creek Parkway Castle Rock, CO 80104
  • The Ridge House – 4501 Enderud Boulevard Castle Rock, CO 80104
  • Crystal Valley Ranch – 2160 Fox Haven Drive Castle Rock, CO 80104  

Highlands Ranch

  • Sheriff Staton 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
  • Motor Vehicle 2223 Wildcat Reserve Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
  • Douglas County Parks & Trails 9651 S. Quebec Street, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130 
  • 3280 Redstone Park Circle, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 
    (The ballot drop box is located at the northeast corner of the Service Center building)

Lone Tree

  • Lone Tree Motor Vehicle, Park Meadows Center, 9350 Heritage Hills Circle, 80124
  • Lone Tree Municipal Building 9220 Kimmer Drive Lone Tree, CO 80124

Parker

  • Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet, 80138
  • Parker Police Department 18600 Lincoln Meadows Parkway Parker, CO 80134
  • Douglas County Facilities Building (Walk-up location) 9040 Tammy Lane Parker, CO 80134
  • EchoPark Stadium 11901 Newlin Gulch Boulevard Parker, CO 80134

Castle Pines – Castle Pines Library 360 Village Square Lane Castle Pines, CO 80108

Local Douglas County Voting results will be posted here starting at 7 p.m. election day.

If you have not received your ballot by October 23, contact our office to have a replacement ballot sent to you. After October 26, all ballots must be obtained in person at one of the Voter Service and Polling Centers. Certain circumstances will require identification, so bring identification with you to expedite the voting process.

Avoid lines, and delays, and get election results faster by returning your ballot before the election deadline.

Returning your ballot by mail will require one First-Class postage stamp, or one Forever Stamp from the US Post Office.

Ballots may be dropped off at one of the ballot Drop-off Locations located throughout the county.

Ballots must be received by the Douglas County Elections Office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 2, in order to be counted. Postmarks do not count, so mail them back early.

AM I REGISTERED TO VOTE? Click here to find out

  • To request a ballot by mail, click on this GoVoteColorado.com link.
  • To register to vote, click on this GoVoteColorado.com link. You can also elect to receive a ballot by mail.

Voter registration applications and ballot by mail are also available online at our Request a Mail Ballot page or at the Clerk and Recorder’s Election Headquarters at 125 Stephanie Place in Castle Rock and at the Motor Vehicle offices at Park Meadows Center, 9350 Heritage Hills Circle and Highlands Ranch, 2223 W. Wildcat Reserve Pkwy.

Election Information

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Colorado Fall Festivals Calendar of Events

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Fall Festivals in Colorado

Labor Day Weekend Events in Colorado

Colorado State Fair – Pueblo, CO

(Labor Day Weekend)

September Festivals in Colorado

A TASTE OF COLORADO

WHEN: Labor Day Weekend
WHERE: Civic Center Park
The weekend-long food lover’s delight known as A Taste of Colorado returns to downtown Denver.

The Downtown Denver Partnership is proud to announce the return of Taste of Colorado for its 40th year, this year in a new format that will be a downtown-wide celebration of local food, music, and art. Set to take place over Labor Day Weekend, this year’s Taste of Colorado will take place all over Downtown Denver, with attractions throughout the center city.

“Taste of Colorado is a well-loved tradition that spans generations,” said Sharon Alton, Vice President of Downtown Experience at the Downtown Denver Partnership, “We’re proud to bring Taste back as we emerge from the pandemic, this year in a new format that will be a true celebration of our city’s culture and everything that our city’s artists, musicians, and restauranteurs have to offer. Never has it been more important to highlight all things local, and we can’t wait to do just alongside our community over Labor Day Weekend.”

DENVER FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

WHERE: Downtown Denver
The Denver Food + Wine Festival is a multi-day extravaganza of food, wine, and spirits education, promotion, and tastings. The festival aims to highlight industry impact through a series of events, promote workforce development, and celebrate Denver as a culinary destination.

OKTOBERFEST

WHERE: Ballpark Neighborhood (between 20th and 22nd Sts. on Larimer St.)
Oktoberfest lives on in The Mile High City! Modeled after Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, this family-friendly fest commemorates this world-famous and time-honored tradition of German heritage. Enjoy German attractions including music from national touring groups, performances by international dancers, children’s activities, and heritage booths selling German goods, decor, an accordion concert, and authentic drinks and cuisine.

October Festivals in Colorado

GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL® AND DENVER BEER FEST

WHERE: Colorado Convention Center and various locations throughout the city
For beer aficionados, there’s no bigger event all year. More than 60,000 beer enthusiasts from around the world come to attend the legendary Great American Beer Festival (GABF)®. The GABF® is a gargantuan event, covering 188,000 square feet of the Colorado Convention Center. GABF® is all about sampling. Visitors enjoy one-ounce beer samples from the festival’s 750 breweries, which come from all over the country, giving beer lovers a walking tour of the nation’s beer-blessed landscape. The brewers themselves staff many of the booths. If you love beer, don’t miss this event. Dozens of beer fests happen throughout the year. Events include things like beer bike nights, midnight beer breakfasts, beer-paired dinners, brewery tours, brewer competitions, meet-the-brewer nights, tap takeovers, beer quizzes, and even a beer street party with bands, brews, and food trucks.

FRIGHT FEST

WHEN: Weekends Throughout October
WHERE: Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
Things get spooky around this time of year — especially during Fright Fest at Denver’s famed downtown theme park, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. This enormous fun zone transforms from a theme park to a “scream” park all month long during Fright Fest. Daytime is a trick-and-treat trail for little ones, and nighttime is all about haunted houses and ghoulish surprises.

PUMPKIN FEST

WHERE: Denver Botanic Garden at Chatfield
At Pumpkin Fest, search for the perfect jack o’ lantern or pumpkin pie gourd for all your Halloween and fall festivities! Thousands of pumpkins will be ripe for the picking from the Denver Botanic Garden at Chatfield‘s pumpkin patch. The gardens will be filled with exciting children’s activities and vendors selling handcrafted gifts. Explore a menagerie of animals at the working farm, tour the historic ranch and enjoy the carnival rides.

BOO AT THE ZOO

WHEN: Weekends in October
WHERE: Denver Zoo
Discover “spooktacular” Halloween fun at the Denver Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. Enjoy trick-or-treating stations and family-friendly entertainment while supporting Denver Zoo’s mission to provide exceptional care to our resident animals. Space is limited so buy tickets early!

November Festivals in Colorado

  • Turkey Rock Trot – Castle Rock, CO
    Thanksgiving Day at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.
    Start your Thanksgiving Day off on the right or left foot by giving back to those less fortunate in our community at the 17th Annual Turkey ROCK Trot. Whether you are a serious runner, weekend warrior, or a leisurely walker bring the whole family and join the fun. All proceeds benefit the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. Come join our family tradition.
  • Turkey Day 5K – Parker Colorado

Fall Foliage & Day Trips Near Denver

The shimmering leaves of the aspen, the quintessential Colorado tree, turn to a positively glowing shade of gold, sending locals and visitors rushing to the mountains to find the most beautiful fall foliage.

Denver has one of the longest periods of fall colors of any city in the country. That’s because there are five different climate zones within a two-hour drive of downtown Denver. Pick your elevation and you can find yourself at the height of fall colors from mid-September to mid-November. Starting in mid-September, expect to see aspens turning gold at elevations from 8,000 to 10,000 above sea level. Later in the season from October to mid-November, you can see spectacular color down in the foothills and along the plains in Denver.

Here’s a guide of where and when to go:

MID-SEPTEMBER TO EARLY OCTOBER ABOVE 9,500 FEET

Guanella Pass, located just one hour from Denver, climbs to 11,670 feet and has many high aspen groves on both sides of the pass. There are aspen groves at all elevations along the trail, offering a good chance of seeing color somewhere on the mountainsides.

LATE SEPTEMBER TO MID-OCTOBER, FROM 7,000 TO 9,000 FEET

Georgetown and Silver Plume, located approximately one hour from Denver (40 miles) are surrounded by aspen groves. An interesting way to see the fall colors is by riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad, where a vintage steam locomotive pulls passengers up the steep grade between the two towns.

The area around Lake Dillon, Frisco, and Silverthorne is filled with aspen groves and is just a 75-minute drive from Denver. An 18-mile paved bike path circles the pretty lake, offering mountain and fall views in every direction.

MOST OF OCTOBER, FROM 6,000 TO 8,000 FEET

Several old cemeteries near Central City have groves of aspen, and many other trees can be seen on the dirt “Oh My God Road” that runs between Central City and another old mining town, Idaho Springs.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park, located 20 miles west of Denver in the foothills (a 45-minute drive), has many aspen groves at lower elevations, as well as one of the best panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

Despite its name, several spots around Evergreen, Colorado, put on a show in autumn. Try hiking near Maxwell Falls or in Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, or drive the Lariat Loop Scenic Byway from Evergreen on Hwy. 74 to Bergen Park and back down through Golden.

EARLY OCTOBER TO MID-NOVEMBER, 5,280 FEET ABOVE SEA LEVEL

Selected by USA Today as one of the top five bike paths in the country, the Cherry Creek Bike Trail is a paved off-road path that follows the tree-lined creek for more than 40 miles from downtown Denver to Cherry Creek State Park.

Another 40-mile-plus bike path, the South Platte River Bike Trail, follows the South Platte River from downtown Denver to Chatfield State Park and Waterton Canyon, where it meets up with the Colorado Trail and continues 400 miles to Durango. The Colorado Trail is considered a hiking and technical mountain bike trail.

The Highline Canal meanders through Denver for more than 70 miles, and almost all of it is lined with old Cottonwood trees that turn brilliant yellow in the fall.

There are more than 200 parks in Denver city limits, many of them connected by a necklace of bike trails — and all of them will boast beautiful fall colors:

WASHINGTON PARK: Denver’s grand traditional park has two lakes, two flower gardens, and a tree-lined, two-mile gravel running path.

SLOAN’S LAKE: Denver’s largest lake offers city and mountain views and an expansive tree-covered park.

CITY PARK: Denver’s largest park is home to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, the Denver Zoo, several lakes, and the Mile High Trail — a running trail that follows the 5,280-foot contour so that much of the path is exactly one mile high.

Rocky Mountain National Park, about one hour and thirty minutes from Denver has many groves of high aspens around Bear Lake. There are also many high aspen groves on the way to the park on the scenic Peak to Peak Byway (Colorado Hwy. 72 and 7) from Black Hawk to Estes Park.

The MOST photographed attraction in Colorado is Maroon Bells in Aspen Colorado. If you have never been it’s a must-see Colorado Bucket List trip.

Snowmass Colorado Maroon Bells quaking Aspens fall Color Vail

Royal Gorge Dinner Train – Colorado’s most breathtaking rolling restaurant

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Colorado’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad is open

The train leads you through the winding 1,000-foot deep canyon by a newer, turbo-charged GP40-2 diesel-electric locomotive, which offers greater fuel economy and efficiencies, and gives you amazing views of the famed Royal Gorge including the view from below the world’s highest suspension bridge.

Ride up front with the Train Engineer

For passengers, the biggest boon will be the new locomotive’s ability to accommodate up to two passengers for private cab rides seated right beside the engineer, where they’ll experience a unique view of the Royal Gorge as the train travels to Parkdale. The view of the Royal Gorge Bridge from thousands of feet below it is a site you won’t soon forget.

“Cab rides are one of the most coveted and memorable experiences for train lovers of all ages,” said Kaverman. “This also offers an incredible experience to those who appreciate the scenic beauty of the Royal Gorge – there is no other vantage point in the train quite like the cab.” 

Kaverman

This year, the privately owned Royal Gorge Route also will enhance its first-class lunch and dinner menus and its wine offerings. Visit the website for pricing.

“The Royal Gorge Route offers the best dining by rail experience in North America,” said Kaverman. “There are few trains on this side of the Atlantic that do dining to the level we do.”

This year’s new first-class lunch and dinner menus bring quinoa to the plate, Colorado-raised chicken and more local, national and international wine offerings and pairings.

We got to experience the dinner train in late November and were completely surprised by how wonderful the food was. Large portions, tasty recipes and nice pours on the wine. It’s on the “must do” list for the Colorado Springs area.

We recommend combining the dinner train with a tour of the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey. The staff in the tasting room is wonderful and you’ll be able to sample their wines and shop for some unique wine-centered gifts as well.  The Colorado Cab Franc is our favorite! For a more family-friendly day trip you should definitely add a trip to the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Brunch in the Observation Dome

(Minimum age of 3 years old and must be well-behaved.)

Santa Express Train

Click here to see the full schedule of Santa Express Train departure dates, times, and rates. Children ages 1 – 12. *Children under 1 ride free on an adult’s lap.

Call 888-724-5748 or 719-276-4000 to learn more and make your reservations today! Please arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to pick up your tickets.  All seating is assigned/reserved.  Trains depart promptly

Santa Express is a 1.5-hour round-trip ride.

Ride with Santa! St. Nick visits the Royal Gorge each year on the Santa Express. Professionally decorated trains carry children of all ages to meet Santa at the North Pole while they sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies, and listen to holiday stories and festive tunes. Thousands of lights bedeck the festive North Pole Village in the Gorge itself where Santa Claus boards the train to hear children’s Christmas wishes and to gift each child with a special holiday bell.

Entrees are available in First Class and the Vista Dome from the Grill Menu along with a full-service bar. All passengers have access to bar and concession food items.

Click here to see a sample menu.

Please Note: Santa Express is extremely popular and dates sell out months in advance. We strongly recommend making your reservation early. When selecting a date, if you do not see the ticket quantity selection, that particular class of service is sold out. You must then choose another class and/or date.

For more information, visit RoyalGorgeRoute.com or call 888.724.5748.

Murder Mystery Train

$119 / Person
(Minimum age of 8 years old.)

Groups and individual guests discover “Who Dunnit” during one of several themed murder mystery dinner performances on select evenings throughout the year. Large group engagements may also be scheduled upon request. Their award-winning dinner fare is included with seasonal entrees prepared fresh by our chef. Murder mystery trains are 3 hours in duration.

For more information, visit RoyalGorgeRoute.com or call 888.724.5748.

Kids Clothing Stores in Parker

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Retail Kids Clothing Stores in Parker

Petit Parker Children’s Boutique

This adorable store is located in the historic downtown area of Parker and has the perfect gifts & clothing for babies & kids.

As a mom-owned, locally operated business, we know that keeping your baby safe, happy, and healthy is your first priority -so providing the best products at the lowest prices is our first priority.

19555 Mainstreet A
Parker, CO 80138
720.296.6191

Kids Sports
Kids Arts
Things for Kids to do in Parker
Shop Southlands

Halloween Tips for your Dogs and Cats

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Keep Your Pets Safe on Halloween

Halloween is a fun holiday for humans, but there are some things you should do to make sure it doesn’t get scary for pets. Here are some tips that will help keep pets safe.

  1. Protect your pets on Halloween by keeping them indoors. A pet that’s out at night with trick-or-treaters might get spooked by noises and costumes, which could cause him to run away.
  2. Cats should be kept indoors at all times, and if you have a solid black or solid white cat, you should be especially careful about keeping it indoors on Halloween. Some people are superstitious about cats and may try to scare or harm them.
  3. Keep pets confined and away from the door while you’re greeting trick-or-treaters to prevent them from darting outdoors.
  4. Your dog may feel that his territory is being invaded by the constant onslaught of visitors. Keep your dog in a secluded area of the house to help him stay calm and prevent him from growling or possibly biting your visiting ghouls and goblins.
  5. Keep Halloween candy out of your pet’s reach because it can make your pet sick. In fact, chocolate and raisins can be fatal to dogs. Cellophane candy wrappers can also be a choking hazard. Instead, celebrate Halloween with goodies made especially for pets, like dog biscuits or cat treats.
  6. Be careful of pets around a lit pumpkin: pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned.
  7. Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits. Keep a firm grip on the leash; many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.
  8. Make sure all your pets have up-to-date ID Tags on them

Even though you are careful to keep Halloween treats away from your dogs, accidents do happen, Check this list of symptoms if you think your dog may have gotten into the chocolate:

If you notice these symptoms of chocolate poisoning, go to your vet or an emergency vet right away because your pet’s life may be in danger:

  • Excessive drooling
  • Excessive urination
  • Pupil dilation
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Hyperactivity
  • Muscle tremors and seizures
  • Coma

If Your Dog Eats Chocolate…

Call your veterinarian or a 24-hour emergency hotline such as:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) 1-888-426-4435 or 1-888-4-ANI-HELP
National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPPC) 1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423

In addition, who doesn’t love dressing up their four-legged friend for the holiday? Please read these  Halloween costume safety tips to prevent a frightfully dangerous night.

Animal Costume Tips

All Colorado dogs are Bronco Fans so if you need a costume, check out some great options here or these Fun dog costumes below. Who doesn’t love dressing up their four-legged friend for the holiday? Here are some Halloween costume safety tips to prevent a frightfully dangerous night:

  • Don’t restrict your pet’s ability to walk and sit down comfortably. If your dog or cat looks miserable, they probably are.
  • Don’t make your pet wear a mask that covers their eyes, ears or nose.
  • Don’t put your pet in a costume that makes it difficult to breathe. This is especially important for flat-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers and Pekinese.
  • Always supervise your dog while in costume so they don’t chew or eat any costume parts.

These tips were provided by the Denver Dumb Friends League

‘Top Dog” Eileen Proctor, Denver’s newest pet lifestyle expert offered some statistics and do’s and don’ts of dressing pets in Halloween costumes.

  • According to the National Retail Federation, 15% of Americans plan to deck out their dogs this Halloween
  • Americans will spend nearly $300 million on costumes for pets this year

To make sure dogs are safe and comfortable in their costumes:

  • Avoid masks that cover the face and ears
  • Mobility/freedom of motion is essential
  • Costumed pets should be supervised at all times
  • Help pets ease into the act of dressing up in the few days leading up to Halloween
  •  If your pet looks miserable, they probably are. Opt for a festive bandana instead.

If you want everyone in town to see your fabulous pooch decked out in his Superman costume be sure to come down to Mainstreet for the event of the Halloween season… “Trick or Treat off Mainstreet”.

For more information on the Dumb Friends League, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772

If you have lost or found a pet in Parker or anywhere in Colorado please visit the Colorado Lost & Found Pets page on Facebook.

Dog Halloween Costumes

Elvis Pet Cape

How cool will you be with your Dog Mom Elvis Costume to match your favorite pooch.

Elvis Woman’s Secret Wishes Sexy Jumpsuit Costume

The King Dog Shirt 

Dog Dad Elvis Aloha Costume

Nothin’ But A Hound Dog Pet Costume Size Small Medium & Large

This Elvis costume for dogs features the trademark black-haired wig, gold shiny glasses, highly recognizable white, wide, collared cape with printed gold stars and multi-colored eagle, and concludes with a red scarf!

This is a new rock star Elvis Dog Costume

Elvis’ rhinestone coat dog costume is pure gold! Check out the bell-bottom pants that fit over your dog’s legs. Be sure they aren’t too long so your dog won’t trip and hurt themselves.

Want to match your best friend this Halloween? Check out these mens, ladies, and kids Elvis costumes too.

DC Comics Wonder Woman Dog Costume

Dressing up for Halloween is fun! According to us, at least. Pets rarely enjoy being dressed up, but some will tolerate it if they know that it makes us happy, or if they really like attention and will do anything to get it, including looking ridiculous. That shows us how far pets will go to be loved. As owners, our responsibility is to at least make sure that their costumes is comfortable and safe for our dogs.

This Hairy Potter dog costume is the cutest thing ever. You’ll have to be quick to get that pic with the glasses on!

Dog costume guidelines

Costumes should be easy to put on, and to take off. If you have to fight your dog or squeeze him into it then just don’t do it.

Make sure your dog can see! Halloween is a very stressful holiday for pets, as they are not used to seeing monsters and such walking around in their neighborhood. When a dog cannot see well, he cannot assess a situation well, which makes the situation even more stressful for him. A stressed dog can be a dangerous dog.

Beetlejuice Dog Costume

Costumes should not have parts that can be destroyed or eaten for obvious reasons.

Watch your dog while it’s wearing it’s costume after all that’s why you bought it in the first place to see how adorable they look. Take LOTS of pictures to share later.

Pirates of the Caribbean Dog & Cat Costumes

Click to Order this cute Pirates costume for your cat or dog from Amazon US, UK or Canada 

Check out this Star Wars Ewok costume. Too adorable!

This Cowboy Costume for your Cat will be a big hit on Instagram.

Cowboy Rider Dog Costume

These costumes always look so cute when their movements make the cowboy look like they are riding a bucking bronco. Click here to order Amazon US, UK or Canada

Lion Mane Costume

This adorable Lion Mane stays in everyone’s heart now after seeing the commercial where the baby didn’t like the dog until it looked like a stuffed animal.

Your dog will be the hit of the Halloween party in one of these cute Animal Planet Bat Dog Costumes.

Bat Dog Costumes click to order US, UK & Canada

If you have a dog that isn’t crazy about wearing costumes but he needs to dress up a bit, this bowtie is just perfect.

Are you addicted to Amazon? Then you might really “need” the UPS Man Dog costume.

Dogs in costumes are just SO darn cute! How can we resist? Particularly if you are an empty nester. Your need for cuteness during the holidays doubles.

I think it’s fun to pick your dog’s Halloween costume based on a theme or to match your own.

We have a Harry Potter obsession in our house so that’s always fun.

Is your dog a Gryffindor or a Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw? These cute scarves will let everyone know. Maybe your dog just wants to represent all of Hogwarts! Then this bandana is perfect.

There are tons of Adult Harry Potter costumes as well as for the kids & grandkids you love too.

Are you a biker? I think your dog would look pretty cool in this outfit then. A leather jacket with shades to match. This jacket could also be used all winter so your pup can look studly all season.

I have always thought peacocks were such magical creatures! I happened upon this Halloween dog costume and really thought it was special. You will have to have a dog that doesn’t mind having something on its head and covering its ears. My guy wouldn’t go for that at all so you know your pooch best.

Star Wars Halloween Dog Costumes

Star Wars is another nerdy obsession in our house. I think a lot of dogs already look just like Ewoks so that’s an easy match up.

Dinosaur Dog Costumes

This first dinosaur costume for your dog is just a headpiece that turns your bulldog into a triceratops. Animal Planet – Triceratops Dog Costume
Animal Planet Stegosaurus Dog Costume
The reviews on Amazon.com for all these costumes were all great except that the sizes aren’t very descriptive. One of the reviewers provided this size chart.

DOG COSTUME SIZE CHART

LARGE fits up to: 20″ length, 24-28″ chest, 16-20″ neck. Breed Examples: Small Boxer, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Weimaraner, Whippet
MEDIUM fits up to: 16″ length, 20-24″ chest, 14-16″ neck. Breed Examples: Beagle, Dachshund, Jack Russel Terrier, Lhasa-Apso, Miniature Scottie, Pug, Schnauzer
SMALL fits up to: 12″ length, 16-20″ chest, 12-14″ neck. Breed Examples: Dachshund-Miniature, Norfolk Terrier, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle
X-SMALL fits up to: 8″ length, 12-16″ chest, 10-12″ neck. Breed Examples: Bichon Frise, Brussels Griffon, Maltese, Miniature Pincher, Papillion

How about a Pupasaurus Rex Dog Costume

Your dog would have to be one that was comfortable with things on their head but this is pretty adorable/fierce looking!

Plush Dinosaur Costume with Hood 

After the day is over, consider trading costumes with one of your dog-loving friends so you both have something new for next year’s pictures. Check Free in Parker on Facebook for deals like this.

Colorado Ski Country USA Resorts Debut New Terrain, New Lifts, and New Experiences for the 2023-24 Ski Season

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Riding the “snow-mentum” from a new statewide skier visit record of 14.8 million during the 2022-23 ski season, the member resorts of Colorado Ski Country USA are gearing up for another fantastic season complete with brand-new terrain, new lifts, new restaurants, and new investments in housing and childcare for ski industry workers.

COLORADO ski resorts announce new fun for 2023-24 ski season in the Rockies

“Resorts throughout Colorado Ski Country USA are making significant investments in new terrain, new lifts that move people around the mountains faster, and new restaurants and other amenities that make for an enjoyable family day on the slopes,” said CSCUSA President and CEO Melanie Mills. “It’s time for skiers and snowboarders old and new to plan ahead and prepare to make the most of the 2023-24 season.”

Major Ski Resort Investments

Steamboat Ski Resort

Steamboat Ski Resort will celebrate the completion of the most extensive project in the resort’s history. The final phase of the $220 million Full Steam Ahead redevelopment project includes the second segment of the Wild Blue Gondola to the summit of Sunshine Peak. The new segment will make Wild Blue the longest and fastest 10-person gondola in North America at 3.16 miles. The new gondola will increase the out-of-base capacity from 6,000 people per hour to 10,000 people per hour, getting skiers from bottom to top in 13 minutes. Full Steam Ahead also includes 655 new acres of expert-level terrain throughout Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon. This north-facing area will be double-black diamond extreme terrain with steep and treed slopes, rocks, and cliffs. ​

Steamboat wrapped the second phase of Full Steam Ahead last season, including a dedicated Terrain Based Learning beginner area called Greenhorn Ranch, a new food and drink hall called The Range, a new ice rink, and new gathering spaces at the base.

Aspen Snowmass

Aspen Snowmass is kicking off the season with its biggest terrain expansion in almost 40 years. The new Hero’s terrain on Aspen Mountain features 1,220 vertical feet and more than 150 acres of new chutes, glades, and trails catering to intermediate and advanced skiers. Hero’s honors all of the people who brought the project to life, most impactfully the late Jim Crown, whose vision and leadership helped bring the ambitious expansion to reality. The expansion stays true to historical trail names like Powerline and Harris’s Wall and honors many of Aspen’s heroes with significant ties to the new terrain. There are runs dedicated to the first female ski instructor Elli Iselin, to 10th Mountain Division soldier Percy Rideout, and to pivotal ski patrol members like Eric Kinsman and Cory Brettmann. Tim Howe, who originally coined the name Pandora’s Box, will be recognized with an eponymous glade. In addition, Jim Crown’s family has chosen other trail names that honor his life, loves, and amusements.

Copper Mountain

Copper Mountain will celebrate the season with a brand-new, 25,000 sq. ft. mid-mountain lodge called the Aerie. The new lodge includes Forage and Feast, a full-service restaurant featuring Colorado cuisine at its finest. Guests will enjoy an elevated dining experience during both the summer and winter months at the on-mountain restaurant, with a bar and lounge, a private dining area for events, and a cafeteria featuring 270-degree views of the Gore and Ten Mile Ranges. Copper Mountain visitors can also expect to reap the benefits of ski trail upgrades, updated snowmaking, and the introduction of new snowcats.

New Lifts

A total of 5 new lifts will open this season at Colorado Ski County USA resorts:

  • Aspen Snowmass: Hero’s high-speed quad
  • Steamboat Ski Resort: Mahogany Ridge Express and Wild Blue Gondola upper segment
  • Winter Park: Wild Spur Express
  • Granby Ranch: Sunkid Covered Carpet

Granby Ranch’s new 400-ft covered conveyor, a SunKid Covered Carpet, will open new beginner terrain between the Milestone and Conquest lifts.

Winter Park’s Wild Spur Express, a new 6-passenger, high-speed detachable Leitner-Poma lift that can move 2,800 people up the mountain per hour, will give guests a new way to experience Vasquez Ridge terrain when it opens in late November or early December. The lift will include a new mid-point loading zone, allowing guests to make quicker laps on upper intermediate and advanced trails. The Wild Spur Express is the only lift that serves nearly 285 acres of mostly blue intermediate trails and steeper, more advanced bump runs.

Spinning for their first full seasons are Arapahoe Basin’s Lenawee high-speed 6-chairlift, a fixed-grip triple at Loveland that replaced Lift 6 last season, and Telluride’s Lift 9, a detachable quad that opened in February.

Ski Country Community and Workforce Investment

Winter Park Resort is investing $60 million in a brand-new, 330+ bed employee housing complex named Conifer Commons that will open mid-fall. The project is one of the largest workforce housing projects to be completed in Colorado this year. The complex is so close to the resort that residents will be able to walk to work and other amenities, including public transportation.

Copper Mountain’s work with community partners pays off with a new childcare facility for employees and community members opening this season. The center will serve a critical need in the community, providing more than 45 childcare spots for those who live and work within Copper Mountain Resort with designated areas for infants, toddlers, and pre-school-aged children.

Steamboat Ski Resort is also celebrating the first full season of The Steamboat Child Care Center which prioritizes resort team members but also offers spots to community members if space is available.

Eldora is working on a new, 12,000 sq. ft. ski and ride school building at the base of the mountain which will also house a state-of-the-art adaptive sports center. The new building will have more space, an accessible roof deck, and its location closer to the slope will make it easier for more people in adaptive sports to get on the snow.

This Season’s Can’t-Miss Extras

  • Arapahoe Basin’s Black Mountain Lodge is offering Moonlight Dinners, a cuisine series from mountain regions of the world that includes a ride under the stars on the Black Mountain Express Lift, a multi-course, buffet-style dining experience, live entertainment, and specially chosen drinks.
  • Aspen Snowmass will welcome the best international alpine racers as they battle in slalom and giant slalom at the Stifel Aspen World Cup, taking place March 1-3, 2024.
  • Ski Cooper is offering a great weekday deal to ski their all-natural snow in the heart of the Rockies: $30 Thursdays from January 11-February 29.
  • Echo Mountain, the closest ski area to Denver, welcomes skiers, snowboarders, and inner tubers looking to catch a few laps before or after work.
  • Hesperus, near Durango, offers free beginner lessons with the purchase of a lift ticket and rental.
  • Howelsen Hill Ski Area in downtown Steamboat is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America and offers ski-free Sundays throughout the season.
  • Loveland Ski Area has launched guided snowcat skiing, a full day on 580 acres of open bowl and treed terrain led by experienced guides that know where to find the goods; for intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders.
  • Monarch Mountain will open tree skiing earlier in the season thanks to a summer spent on tree trimming and maintenance projects.
  • Powderhorn Mountain Resort is debuting a remodel of its main lodge, including the Sunset Grill and the Umbrella Bar, where you can enjoy local craft food and cocktails with a view.
  • Purgatory Resort is featuring upgrades at Dante’s Lodge and Powderhouse, the addition of a second winch cat to the grooming fleet, completion of free parking lot expansions, and new equipment additions to the Rental Shop including Burton snowboards and adult and kids ski boots. Purgatory Resort also joins the CSCUSA Gems ski areas this season!
  • Silverton is offering the 8th annual Women’s Big Mountain Camp for experienced skiers and snowboarders, a package that includes two guided days and one heli drop in Silverton’s pristine backcountry.
  • Sunlight Mountain Resort’s new chef spent the summer developing an updated menu featuring exciting new bites and keeping fan favorites to fuel a fantastic family day on the slopes.
  • Telluride Ski Resort is celebrating the 2023 CSCUSA Ski Instructor of the Year Deb Willits.
  • Winter Park is giving guests four new pop-up mountain dining spots to meet guests where they are when hunger strikes; they’ll serve up grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteaks, walking tacos, and quesadillas. ​
  • 2024 is a leap year, so February 29 offers all skiers and riders an extra day to hit the slopes this winter!

Colorado Ski Country USA Passes Help Families Hit the Slopes Together

CSCUSA is offering an expanded suite of passes designed to give skiing and snowboarding families more mountains for their money. Plus, this season, Purgatory Resort joins the CSCUSA Gems, giving Gems passes and cardholders 11 Colorado ski areas to explore.

CSCUSA’s digital passes are designed with down-to-earth prices, lots of adventure, and no hassles so families can create mountains of memories skiing and riding together throughout Colorado.

This season’s CSCUSA passes are:

  • Kids’ Ski Passport for grades 3-6: 4 days at each of 20 CSCUSA member ski areas for $65. Thanks to presenting sponsor Christy Sports, you’ll also get two free junior rental packages with each Ski Passport.
  • NEW for 2023-24 Gems Teen Pass: 2 uses at each of 11 Gems ski areas for $199. For ages 12-17.
  • NEW for 2023-24 Gems Parent Pass: 2 uses at each of 11 CSCUSA Gems ski areas for $299. Available to parents who purchase a Gems Teen Pass or Ski Passport this season. Limit 1 per household.
  • Gems Discount Card: choose your discount; 2 uses each at each of 11 Gems ski areas for $48.
  • CSCUSA Gold Pass: unlimited and fully transferrable at 20 CSCUSA ski areas. The Gold Pass gives members the freedom to go wherever, whenever, with no blackout dates. The Gold Pass membership is fully transferrable and is perfect for sharing with clients, colleagues, and employees. Membership is by approval and is $4500 this season.

Winter Park Resort and Amtrak plan to resume Winter Park Express service in 2023.

10-26-11 Winter Park Snow
Winter Park photo credit Tana Hoffman

THE WINTER PARK RIDE

The Winter Park Express ski train ties together the area’s rich skiing and railroad history as it carries passengers through some of Colorado’s most beautiful landscapes. The ride begins at Denver Union Station, a newly renovated 1914 Beaux-Arts train station in the heart of the city. The station is the city’s transportation hub with direct rail access to Denver International Airport, making it possible to touch down from anywhere in the world and ride the rails all the way to the pristine slopes at Winter Park Resort.

The double-decker Amtrak Superliner train leaves Union Station and heads north and west as it climbs toward the Rocky Mountains, offering views of the famous Flatirons above Boulder and the surrounding plains. It snakes its way up gentle grades as it glides through the remains of the area’s pioneering past. One of the more striking aspects of the journey is the number of tunnels, many of which were built by hand in remote areas. Of the 31 tunnels, the Moffat Tunnel is the longest at 6.2 miles as it cuts through the Continental Divide some 50 miles from Denver. From there, it’s a short ride to Winter Park.

Passengers depart the train on a new heated platform and walk 100 feet to the nearest ski lift.

WINTER PARK SKI TRAIN SCHEDULE 2023 TBA

SKI TRAIN HISTORY

The original Ski Train ran continuously from 1940-2009 and was brought back temporarily for a weekend in 2015 to celebrate Winter Park’s 75th anniversary. Tickets sold out quickly, which renewed interest in resurrecting the concept under a new partnership arrangement through Amtrak, Union Pacific and the resort.