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Castle Rock Holiday Events

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Castle Rock Holiday Festivities

castle rock starlighting

Annual Castle Rock Starlighting – Click for info

Celebrate the holidays with the annual Season of the Star event series in Castle Rock

Campfires and S’mores, sleigh rides, and hot chocolate. These are a few of our favorite things, according to the song, during the holiday season. And you will find them all during the Season of the Star, which kicks off the week after the annual Starlighting celebration and runs through Christmas Eve.

Now in its fifth year, the Season of the Star is an iconic community series of events that celebrate the spirit of the season, bring Town residents together Downtown and at Philip S. Miller Park, and offer up some good old-fashioned family fun.

Join friends, family, and neighbors as the Town, the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Alliance help the community get into the holiday vibe.

Season of the Star events

Festival Park Starlight Market

Friday, Dec. 1, 3 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Festival Park

Kick off your holiday shopping with Castle Rock’s premier craft and food market. Shop from more than 40 vendors including unique crafts, art, specialty items, roasted chestnuts, salsa, tamales and more. Get that impossible-to-shop-for person a gift while enjoying the 40-foot holiday tree, hot cocoa, food trucks, and holiday music.

Reindeer Games

Saturday, Dec. 2
1 to 4 p.m.
Philip S. Miller Park

It’s holiday fun for the whole family! Enjoy kid-friendly activities in a winter-themed wonderland including live reindeer, Santa (parents bring your cameras!), s’mores, hot chocolate, sleigh rides, train rides, outdoor games and an obstacle course. Kids will receive a prize at the end of the obstacle course while supplies last.

Storytellers and S’mores

Saturday, Dec. 9
5 to 7 p.m.
Festival Park

Santa and some of his friends are stopping by Festival Park to read holiday favorites from our giant Storytellers Chair. Enjoy roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, hot chocolate and other family-friendly fun at this free community event.

Downtown Trolley rides

Nov. 20 through Dec. 26
Mondays and Tuesdays
5 to 7 p.m.

Note: No rides on Dec. 25, 2023

See the Downtown holiday decorations in style with a free ride on the Town Trolley brought to you by the Castle Rock Downtown Alliance. Pickup/drop-off points are at the parking garage entrance on South St. between Wilcox and Perry Streets and the Douglas County School District parking lot entrance on Sixth St. between Wilcox and Perry Streets. The Trolley will pick up at each location every 10 minutes starting at the parking garage. 

More information is available on the Downtown Castle Rock website.

Parker’s Holiday Events

Fall & Halloween Festivities around Parker

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Trunk or Treat Off Mainstreet looks to be replacing the decades-long tradition of Trick or Treat ON Mainstreet. I’ll be updating the information about that here.

Parker Fall Fest  |  Sept. 23 – 30, 2023

Fall Fest returns to downtown Parker Sept. 23 through 30, and this year’s celebration is bigger and better than ever! 

The Town of Parker invites residents and visitors of all ages to celebrate the start of autumn at O’Brien Park in downtown Parker. This year’s celebration will feature an expanded offering of free family-friendly events and activities.

Highlighting the weeklong celebration will be Fun and Games Day in O’Brien Park on Saturday, Sept. 30, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Kids can participate in the Colorado Avalanche’s Game On Street Hockey Program, lawn games led by Sam the Scarecrow, inflatables and carnival games with prizes. Adult-friendly attractions will include a beer garden (tickets available onsite) hosted by the Downtown Business Alliance, as well as an axe-throwing booth. Several food vendors will be on site for visitors to grab a tasty snack.

Capping off Fun and Games Day will be a drone light show that takes to the sky above O’Brien Park beginning at about 7:15 p.m.

Fall Fest will be more than just Fun and Games Day, as a handful of activities are also planned throughout the weeklong celebration. Kick off the festivities at O’Brien Park with giant table games and an appearance by Sam the Scarecrow and Parker’s Mayor and Town Council on Sept. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. A hay bale maze for young children will also be on display all week. Additionally, scavenger-hunt enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in our “Prowl for Pumpkins” contest. From Sept. 23 through 30, pumpkin signs will be hidden throughout Parker for residents to discover. Those who find a pumpkin and take a selfie can enter to win prizes!

Fall Fest Kick-off Activities (Sept. 23 to 30)

  • Hay Bale Maze (all week)
  • Prowl for Pumpkins Scavenger Hunt (all week)
  • Giant Table Games (Sept. 23; noon to 4 p.m.)
  • Appearance by Sam the Scarecrow

Fun and Games Day Activities (Sept. 30)

  • Inflatable Bounce House 
  • Colorado Avalanche Game On Street Hockey Program
  • Carnival Games with Prizes
  • Activities with Sam the Scarecrow
  • Golden Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
  • Walk-around Characters
  • Giant Table Games / Lawn Games
  • Food Vendors
  • Beer Garden (Hosted by Downtown Business Alliance)
  • Axe Throwing Booth for Adults
  • Evening Drone Light Show (Starts at 7:15 p.m.)
2023 Fall Fest Fun and Games Day Map

Fall Fest will be more than just Fun and Games Day, as a handful of activities are also planned throughout the weeklong celebration. Kick off the festivities at O’Brien Park with giant table games and an appearance by Sam the Scarecrow and Parker’s Mayor and Town Council on Sept. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. A hay bale maze for young children will also be on display all week. Additionally, scavenger-hunt enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in our “Prowl for Pumpkins” contest. From Sept. 23 through 30, pumpkin signs will be hidden throughout Parker for residents to discover. Those who find a pumpkin and take a selfie can enter to win prizes!

Parker Fall Fest – Sept. 23 to Oct. 2

Meet Sam the Scarecrow on Mainstreet and take part in a Prowl for Pumpkins scavenger hunt around Parker.

Halloween Home Decorating Contest  |  Oct. 23 – 31, 2023


Last year, residents showed their Parker hometown spirit and decorated for Halloween! The community was invited to celebrate with the Town of Parker by decorating their front porches, yards, windows, doors, patios or balconies!  By unleashing their creativity, bringing a smile (or a scare) to their friends and neighbors, and WINNING PRIZES!  The Town produced a virtual map of all the registered porches, so the community could plan a walk or drive around Parker to see and share in the celebration. New this year – we added judging categories and a judging committee! We also added a special “Mayor and Council Favorite” category and of course brought back the “People’s Choice Award” where the community chose their favorite over Facebook.    

Additional detailed information will become available as this event grows near.

Zombie Crawl on Mainstreet October 29, 2022 2-6 p.m.

This is the first time for this event in Parker and is being sponsored by the Parker Downtown Business Alliance.

Last year not that many folks dressed up as Zombies so now it’s called the Pub Crawl but you are of course encouraged to go FULL Zombie!

Zombies & Friends are encouraged to dress up and walk up and down Mainstreet using the tunnel that goes underneath Parker Rd. There will be Music on Mainstreet and all the bars on the route will also have drink specials we encourage all Zombies & friends to stop in. The DBA is also having a scavenger hunt as part of the event during the evening. There will be missions to do along the way such as checking into businesses, taking selfies at certain spots, and answering trivia questions all pertained to Mainstreet from one end to the other.

Participants are encouraged to use the tunnel under Parker Road for the safety of Pedestrians and Vehicles.

COSTUME CONTEST
A costume contest for the best individually dressed person & also for the best-dressed group.

The Patch in Elizabeth

Opening on September 17, 2022!

We’ve got pumpkins … and lots more!  Celebrate the Fall Harvest season with a visit to our family farm — The Patch in Elizabeth, Colorado.  Get lost in a 4-acre corn maze. Take an old-fashioned hayride or jump on the Bucking Bronco Train! We have about 20+ activities to keep you entertained, including a giant slide, apple cannons, and more!  Did we mention our Farm Friends? Meet a barnyard full of friendly farm animals. Scroll down and find out more!

Days/Hours
Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm
Thursday – Friday 10am – 3pm

ONLINE Farm Admission $22
Grandparents $20    Military $20 (with ID)
Age 2 and under are free!

Extra Fee Weekend Fun
Apple Cannons: $5 per basket of 10.
Purchase 4 baskets and get one free.

Note: While we welcome your entire family, please leave your pets at home – thank you.

Online ticketing is required for 2022. Admission covers ALL attractions and activities, except Apple Cannons and Euro Bungy Colorado (weekends only). Note that pumpkins are extra! Prices vary depending on size and variety.

Pumpkins are priced per pound with select pumpkins (such as pie pumpkins) sold individually at a flat rate. (Details coming soon!)

Weekday availability is subject to special reservations. Visit the website at www.thepatchinelizabeth.com for more information

Fieldhouse Fright Night

Parker Recreation Celebrates Halloween with some Great Events at the Fieldhouse and the Parker Rec!

This Halloween Parker Recreation offers something for everyone, for the young to the not-so-young!

Calling all ghastly ghouls, spooky spirits and wicked witches for an evening of Halloween family fun at the Fieldhouse Fright Night! All ages are welcome.

Registration button_Blue Opens in new window

Date: Oct. 12, 2024
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Drive
Ages: All ages
Cost: $12 per Parker resident, $13 per non-resident* Parents/guardians are free; register each child attending

* The first 400 pre-registrants will receive a special reusable trick-or-treat bag at check-in. Pre-registration closes Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. Walk-up registration will be available at the event for an additional $5 per child. Children 12 and under must have a parent or guardian in attendance.

Kids will find tricks and treats galore as they make their way around Trick-or-Treat Street, play goblin games, make their way through Mini or Mega Monster Museum and conquer the Rock’n Halloween Climbing Wall! Local sponsors, crafts and games for both big and small will all be a part of this magical Halloween family event. Please note, roller skating is no longer offered at this event.

Costume Contest

Don’t forget to dress up! The top two costumes in each group will be awarded: 2 to 4 years, 5 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years, 11 years and up and the family/group division. The contest will be held on the inline rink at 7 p.m. 

Volunteer opportunities are available. For more information or to sign up, visit the Volunteer Connect Douglas County website and choose Town of Parker as your organization. Email Brenda at bmooney@parkeronline.org with volunteer questions.

Mayor’s Holiday Lighting – Nov. 23

The holiday season begins with the lighting of O’Brien Park and Mainstreet.

Hometown Holiday Experience  |  Nov. 25 to Jan. 1

Last year, after the fun of the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting, the Town continued to usher in the holidays with a kick-off weekend of activities and accents to Downtown Parker. Pre-recorded holiday music played through speakers and accents to our beautiful Downtown Parker was on display. Patrons were able to visit our small businesses at O’Brien Park’s winter market and visit with Santa’s elf, a toy soldier, a real live holiday tree, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.    

Additional detailed information will become available as this event grows near.

Trick or Treat on Mainstreet has been transformed into Truck or Treat. Stay tuned for more info.

4th of July Stars and Stripes Celebration

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Parker Colorado stars and stripes celebration 4th of july fka let freedom sing

WEATHER UPDATE!

July 4 Fireworks Update 12:40 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 — The Town of Parker is proceeding with plans to launch our Independence Day fireworks display this evening, while continuing to monitor the forecast. Please note, while we prepare to begin the show at 9:30 p.m. as originally scheduled, weather conditions could change and impact that timeline. 

Should plans change, any announcements will be shared on the Town’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and on this webpage, as necessary. 

July 4, 2023
Salisbury Park
Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

There are big changes planned for the Town of Parker’s annual Independence Day celebration in 2023. Last year, we introduced a new, innovative drone light show in place of fireworks. An extensive survey of our residents following the event told us that, while people enjoyed the drones, they really did miss the fireworks. Well, we want you to know we heard you! 

This year, Parker’s traditional Independence Day fireworks display will return, baring weather-related concerns. The Town will hold a remote-viewing fireworks show that can be seen throughout the community in place of a traditional, day-long event in Salisbury Park. Survey results showed that a majority of our community prefers to have watch parties at their homes and/or around Town instead of attending the event at Salisbury Park.

Fireworks will launch at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Notification for any necessary weather-related delays and/or cancelations will be shared on the Town’s social media channels (@TownOfParkerCO). Salisbury Park will be open to the public that day. Still, there will be no additional services or activities and only limited parking available (300 paved spaces) on a first-come, first-served basis.  The large grass lots used in prior years will not be available for parking in 2023.

While on-site parking will be limited, there are a number of other different public areas for residents and guests to view the fireworks show. Depending on site view limits (tree line, buildings, houses and/or terrain) the fireworks display may be able to be seen from up to two miles away from the Salisbury Park launch site.

We recommend the Parker United Methodist Church parking lot. They have volunteers ready to welcome you to their space for the festivities.

Per a resident survey, select public parks that may provide good views of the display include Bar CCC Park, McCabe Meadows and Stroh Soccer Field. The Cherry Creek Trail between Mainstreet and Hess Road could also be a great option for those who do not intend to drive.

View our map of suggested viewing locations where residents may obtain good viewpoints of the fireworks display.

Please note, no parking will be allowed along the side of major roadways, such as Parker Road, Hess Road or Mainstreet. If you plan on viewing the fireworks on public roadways, please do not impede traffic, block driveways or stop in an area posted with NO PARKING signs. 

Senior Stroll in Parker Colorado May 31, 2023

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Each year, older adults across the country participate in local fitness activities as part of the annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day®.

senior stroll parker co

National Senior Health & Fitness Day – Senior Stroll

On Wednesday, May 30, an estimated 100,000 older adults will participate in local fitness activities throughout the country as part of the 25th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day®, the nation’s largest health and wellness event for older adults.

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Parker Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Senior Stroll. This free event features a one-mile fun walk on a paved trail around O’Brien Park, delicious refreshments, socializing with friends, exciting prize giveaways and interacting with local business vendors that put an emphasis on senior health and wellness. 

Date: May 31, 2023
Time: TBD
Location:  /256/Salisbury-Equestrian-Park-Sports-Complex Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker 
Cost: FREE; registration is required.

Registration opens on March 1, 2023.

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Parker Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Senior Stroll. This free event features a one-mile fun walk on a paved trail, delicious refreshments, socializing with friends, exciting prize giveaways, and interacting with local business vendors that put an emphasis on senior health and wellness. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities (www.VolunteerParker.org) for this event volunteer opportunity. Email recevents@parkeronline.org with questions about volunteering.

Additional Information

For event questions, please email Heather Ballantyne at hballantyne@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3208. For sponsorship and vendor information, please email Jaime Vollertsen at jvollertsen@parkeronline.org or call at 303.805.3267.

“Older adults at all levels of physical fitness are encouraged to participate in National Senior Health & Fitness Day,” says Patricia Henze, National Senior Health & Fitness Day program manager. “Our goals for Senior Day are to make exercise fun, to increase awareness of the benefits of a regular exercise program for older adults, and to encourage all older adults to take advantage of the many health and fitness programs offered in their communities.”

Senior Resources for Douglas County

2023 Shows at the PACE Center

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The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

Showing weekly January 13 – February 4, 2023

BUY TICKETS

Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville

A musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more… this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for!

Click fore Ticketing information

Cautions: Alcohol and Adult Themes

ABOUT THE PACE CENTER

The PACE Center will be home to a 500-seat theater, a 250-seat amphitheater, and a beautiful event room with a catering kitchen, art gallery, dance studio, media lab and several classrooms. Designed by the nationally-acclaimed architecture firm Semple Brown Design, the facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

View the floor plan, there really are no bad seats at the PACE.

The PACE Center is located on the southeast corner of Mainstreet and Pine Drive in historic downtown Parker. Once open, this state-of-the-art facility will provide a wide variety of family-oriented cultural, arts, scientific and educational programming and serve as a rental venue for community, business and social events.

Other Summer Arts Events include the Concerts in the Park & the Honey Festival

Love em or Leave em Valentines Day 5K or 10K Run/Walk

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valentines day 5 k Love em or leave um Parker Colorado

Parker Parks and Recreation will help you embrace the holiday or run from Cupid, either way, Valentine’s Day 5K is a great community event.

Will you embrace the holiday full of heart or run from Cupid? Either way, the Love ’em or Leave ’em Valentine’s Day 5K/10K is the signature run/walk of the Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series and is a fun and festive workout!

Valentine’s Day 5K 2023

Date: Feb. 11, 2023
Time:  10K: 10 a.m.   5K: 10:05 a.m.
Location: Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker
Standard 10K Cost: $50
Standard 5K Cost: $40

Registration costs increase on Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Register by Jan. 21 to guarantee your event shirt and size; if extra shirts remain, sizes will be available by registration.

Part of the Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series, this event is professionally timed. Registered participants will receive a race shirt, custom bib and a delicious post-race pancake breakfast. The overall male/female finishers, as well as the top two male/female finishers in each of the following divisions of the 10K and 5K will be awarded: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. The FREE Kids’ Dash follows the race for children 8 and under; no registration is necessary  

5K Course Map  |  10K Course Map (MapMyRun.com)

Race Packet Pickup

TBA

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities (www.VolunteerParker.org) for this event volunteer opportunity. Email recevents@parkeronline.org with questions about volunteering.  

Additional Information

Register for the event here (RunningGuru.com). This event is held rain, snow or shine. Refunds will not be issued. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome but must remain on the right side of the trail at all times. Parking is limited, please carpool. For registration questions, please email Sarah Armsbury at sarmsbury@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3273. For sponsorship information, please email Jaime Vollertsen at jvollertsen@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3267.

Enjoy photos from events on the Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

The 2023 Parker Parks and Recreation Run Series includes the Love ‘em or Leave ‘em Valentine’s Day 5K/10K, the Cattle Crossing 5K & Family Fun Trek, the So Long to Summer 5K/10K, the Family Fun Trek, and the Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk on Thanksgiving Day 2023

Douglas County Household Chemical Roundup

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Household Pickup for Hazardous Waste

In place of a one-time annual event, the Douglas County Health Department is partnering with Waste Management to provide Douglas County residents with a low-cost household service for hazardous waste removal year-round. Get details and sign up for your household pick-up at Waste Management’s website. The cost is $30 for Douglas County residents.

Safe Storage
It is important to read the product labels to safely store, use, and dispose of chemicals. When these chemicals are not used up entirely, they become household chemical waste. Find safe handling tips by visiting the EPA’s Household Hazardous Waste webpage.

Toxic household products can be harmful to pets, wildlife, sanitation workers, our health and the environment if poured down the drain, toilet or storm sewer, or placed in the trash. If you’ve recently painted your house, changing your car’s oil or spruced up your lawn, proper disposal of the related hazardous materials will keep your family and our community safe.

Dispose of and recycle toxic household products from your home year-round with the Douglas County Health Department’s new Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program! This low-cost service for hazardous waste removal is a partnership with Waste Management and replaces the former Household Chemical Roundup events previously offered through the Tri-County Health Department.

Douglas County residents are eligible for one household pick-up appointment per calendar year. Please note, a $30 co-payment is a requirement from residents for each appointment.

Schedule a Collection

Call 1-800-449-7587 or click here.

Accepted Items for Hazardous Waste Disposal

  • Automotive fluids
  • Auto batteries
  • Chlorine bleach
  • Cleaners
  • Corrosive chemicals
  • Drain openers
  • Fluorescent bulbs
  • Fluorescent tubes
  • Fertilizers
  • Gasoline
  • Glue adhesives
  • Herbicides
  • Hobby chemicals
  • Household batteries
  • Insecticides
  • Latex paint
  • Mercury and Lead
  • Mercury thermometers
  • Mercury thermostats
  • Motor oils and used filters
  • Murlactic acid
  • Oil-based paints
  • Paint thinner
  • Pesticides
  • Polishes
  • Pool chemicals
  • Rust remover
  • Stains
  • Spray paint
  • Stripper
  • Varnishes
  • Waxes
  • Weed killer
  • Wood preservatives

Numerous materials are not eligible for this service, including ammunition, appliances, bio-waste, commercial chemicals, explosives, medicine, tires and more.

For more information about items that are eligible for collection and how to schedule and prepare for an appointment, visit https://www.douglas.co.us/health-department/household-waste-management/.

Recycling Parker Colorado 2011-2012

Many common products found in the home may be hazardous and should be used and disposed of carefully. These include motor oil, antifreeze, vehicle batteries, solvents, house and garden chemicals, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), fire extinguishers, items containing mercury, propane tanks, paint, and passenger vehicle and pickup truck tires (off the rim). Proper disposal at the Roundup helps prevent the potential of accidental poisonings and fire hazards in the home.

Residents just drive up and volunteers will unload the materials. Douglas County participants should bring proof of residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill and $25 per vehicle to offset the high cost of hazardous waste disposal. Residents are encouraged to register in advance online at www.tchd.org/hcroundup.

Free Electronic Waste for Douglas County Residents

Douglas County residents may recycle their electronics for free and year-round through Dec. 30 at Techno Rescue, 3251 Lewiston Street, Suite 10 in Aurora, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on occasional Saturdays from 10 am. to 2 p.m.

  • Check-in at the Front Office and state the drop-off is for the Douglas County event
  • Proof of Residency will be required (photo id and verification of address such as driver’s license or state id)

For questions or additional information please call Techno Rescue at 303-482-2207.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Parker Colorado & Douglas County

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Parker & Douglas County Christmas Tree Recycling Info

The Town will host its annual Christmas Tree recycling program from Dec. 25 through Jan. 29  2021 for Parker residents.

Parker Christmas Tree Recycling

Drop-off dates: Dec. 25 through Jan. 29
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Contact Information: Town of Parker at 303-840-9546
Mulch: Available on a self-serve basis on-site while supplies last for the first week in January

Salisbury Park (East paved parking lot), 12010 S. Motsenbocker Rd.

The drop-off is available solely for Parker residents to recycle their Christmas trees. Additional yard waste and tree branches are not permitted. No commercial tree lot disposal is allowed as our elves have a hard time removing all of the tags.

Both green and flocked real trees are accepted. Before dropping off any Christmas trees, please remove all plastic tarps, tree stands and nails, ornaments, lights, garlands, and tinsel. No artificial trees, garlands or wreathes with wire backing will be accepted.

Please drop off during park hours only, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off location.

Tree Recycling Information

The trees collected by the program will be chipped into mulch, which is available at the same site at no charge to residents. The remaining mulch will be utilized throughout the Town and not discarded in a landfill.

Residents should not place Christmas trees in garbage containers. Keeping trees out of landfills helps extend the life of landfills and produces a useful resource. The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program is just one of many ways that Parker residents can reduce, reuse and recycle.

Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, nails, etc. before bringing trees to be recycled. Live trees with artificial snow sprayed on the branches cannot be mulched. Please check with your local jurisdiction or newspaper during the holiday season as Christmas trees are typically accepted at the following locations, but are subject to change.

Douglas County

Drop-off dates: Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Hours: Anytime
Contact Information: Douglas County Parks at 720-733-6990
Mulch: Available on-site while supplies last

Bayou Gulch, 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker
Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.

Castle Rock Christmas Tree Recycling

Drop-off dates: Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Hours: Anytime
Castle Rock locations:

  • Founders Park, 4671 Enderud Blvd.
  • Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Drive
  • Paintbrush Park, 3492 Meadows Blvd.

Highlands Ranch

Drop-off dates: Dec. 25 through Jan. 17
Hours: Anytime
Highlands Ranch locations:

  • Dad Clark Park, 3385 Asterbrook Cir.
  • Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Cir.
  • Toepfer Park, 9480 Venneford Ranch Rd.
  • Contact the Highlands Ranch Metro District at 303-791-0430 for information about any of the above locations.

Douglas County location in Highlands Ranch:

  • Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.
  • Contact Douglas County Parks for information regarding this site at 720-733-6990

Mulch is available on-site while supplies last on a self-serve basis.

Parker Uncorked – A Wine Tasting Event

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The Rotary Club of Parker is sponsoring a wine-tasting fundraiser on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Parker’s own Vehicle Vault.

Parker Uncorked Community Wine Benefit is an upscale affair featuring wines from around Colorado and the West. Tickets are now on sale

 Enjoy unlimited wine tastings, meals included by Big Stuff Food Truck, with your ticket, live music, a roving magician, wine sales at the event, and access to an exotic car collection at the Vehicle Vault and a few surprises. The Rotary is attempting to fight inflation so at this time, please enjoy a 30% discount! You must use this code when purchasing tickets on the website. pwwga20.

Parker Uncorked Wine Benefit proceeds will go to support the many community programs that benefit the underserved members of our Parker Community. The Rotary is committed to donating 100% of the funds raised through ticket sales to fund our community service projects here in Parker and around Douglas County.

Parker Uncorked Details

Saturday, October 7, 2023 2-7 p.m.
Vehicle Vault (18301 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy, Parker, CO)


VIP access: Noon-5:30 p.m.; General Admission access: 2:00-5:30 p.m.

VIP ticket holders will attend a fun presentation on the how-to of wine tasting presented by Varaison Winery and Vineyards at 12:30 p.m. and after the tasting presentation take a guided tour of the displays with Vehicle Vault staff. There will be a VIP room available to relax in from 1:30 p.m. In addition, VIPs will have exclusive access to all the wines on offer from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

General admission tickets will have full access to all wines from 2:00 p.m. until close at 5:30 p.m.

Magician Dick Steiner will be strolling around the event making amazing magic happen right in front of you.

All ticket holders will receive a food ticket from The Big Stuff Food Truck, a themed wine-tasting glass, free water, free coffee, and full access to Vehicle Vault automotive displays. 

Magician and Mentalist Dick Steiner will be strolling around the event from 2:00-4:00 p.m. making magic happen before your eyes.

  • This is a 21+ event only; no children will be allowed
  • No smoking, please
  • No pets, please
  • All sales are final

Wine Tasting Event Tickets

They hope to see you at the Vehicle Vault on Saturday, October 7, 2023, for the 2nd Annual Parker Uncorked Community Wine Benefit! Tickets may be purchased at www.parkeruncorked.org and use code pwwga20 for the 30% discount.

Thank you again for your support of Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker for supporting the Parker Brewfest in August at O’Brien Park. If you missed it this summer don’t worry, it will be back again in 2024.

Honey Festival O’Brien Park Parker CO

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honey festival honey bees parker colorado august

Find something sweet at the Annual Honey Festival!

Honey Festival Sunday, August 7, 2022, 9-1

The annual Town of Parker Honey Festival is buzzing its way back for another BEE-utiful event. Bring your family and enjoy this free community event while learning about the benefits of the honeybee.

Bee a Guest

  • See hives and how bees make honey
  • Learn from local beekeepers
  • Learn how bees and other insects help your garden grow
  • Create honeybee crafts
  • Try on a beekeeper’s suit
  • Sample honey
  • Enter a drawing to win bee-friendly plants
  • Enter a drawing to win a beekeeping starter kit
  • Take home oodles of beekeeping materials to build your own hive and harvest honey like a pro!

Bee Events in the Gazebo

  • 9:30 – 9:50 a.m. How to become a beekeeper
  • 10:00 – 10:00 a.m. Storytime
  • 10:30 – 10:50 a.m. Native Bees
  • 11:00 – 11:10 a.m. Storytime
  • 11:30 – 11:50 a.m. Pollinators
  • 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Jeapor”bee”

Bee Friendly Exhibitors

Wander the festival grounds and talk to local beekeepers selling local honey and other products from the hive. Beekeepers are always eager to share their knowledge and passion for their craft. Natural Grocers will be on hand to educate you on the healthy properties of natural honey. Tagawa Gardens will be there with bee-friendly plants to raffle. Taste delicious treats made with honey by the Parker Arts Chef. Pick up a free honey stick and learn about Parker’s Cultural and Scientific Commission. Find health and beauty products made with honey and beeswax. Learn about the vital role of honey bees and other pollinators in the production of our food. Check out the local beekeeping club, the Southeast Beekeepers, and find out how to join this group if you aspire to be a beekeeper. More than 20 exhibitors and vendors are expected to participate in the Honey Festival.

Bee Involved!

Your organization or business can participate in the Honey Festival. We are looking for event vendors to provide information, products, and services. Vendors include but are not limited to beekeeping clubs and organizations, environmental and gardening resources, beekeeping and harvesting products, honey products, beekeeping demonstrations and hands-on activities, and various supporting agencies.

Contact

For questions or additional information please contact Lindsay Bagby, Event Coordinator – Town of Parker Cultural Department, at 303.805.3379 or lbagby@parkeronline.org.

Apply

To participate in the Honey Festival as an exhibitor or vendor, please submit an online Exhibitor & Vendor Application.

A $20 exhibitor & vendor application is required if accepted. Fees are payable via check made to the Town of Parker or by credit card via the online application process.

Parker Loves Bees!
Parker joined the ranks of Colorado municipalities to allow and promote urban beekeeping with the adoption of a new Town ordinance on Oct. 11, 2015. Click here to learn more about the Town of Parker beekeeping ordinance.

This event coincides with the ever-popular Parker Farmers Market which runs from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

Click here to learn more about bee-friendly plants

About the Annual Honey Festival

The Parker Cultural Department and Cultural and Scientific Commission present this annual Honey Festival in celebration of the Honey Bee and all the benefits it brings to the community. The event is designed to heighten awareness and appreciation while providing educational information and resources regarding the Honey Bee, honey products and beekeeping, and the global importance of all pollinating insects. This free event allows guests of all ages to speak with local beekeepers, organizations and vendors to learn the process of beekeeping and harvesting honey; in addition to receiving educational material and honey recipes, purchasing bee-friendly plants, test a bee keeper’s suite, and see live working hives.