Cripple Creek is gearing up for one of its most heartwarming traditions. The Gold Camp Country Christmas Parade will make its way through historic downtown on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM. This annual celebration brings together families, local organizations, and visitors for a festive afternoon filled with small town charm and holiday cheer.
Parade line-up begins at 11:30 AM on E Carr Avenue near the Train Depot. From there, the procession will travel up Bennett Avenue from 5th Street and end at the Aspen Mine Center, where Santa will step off his float to greet children and families.
This year’s theme, Gold Camp Country Christmas, pays tribute to the heritage and spirit of Cripple Creek while celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Businesses, community groups, and residents are invited to participate by entering a float, decorated vehicle, marching group, or any display that captures the joy and nostalgia of Christmastime in the mountains.
Participation is free, although space is limited. Entry forms must be submitted by December 5, 2025. Those interested in joining the parade can contact Kerri Spillane at 719-270-1999 or kspillane@cripple-creek.co.us Forms may also be submitted in person at Cripple Creek City Hall.
The parade is a long-standing favorite for Teller County residents, offering a lively mix of holiday music, cheerful floats, and creative displays that light up the historic downtown. Whether you plan to participate or simply bundle up and enjoy the show, the Gold Camp Country Christmas Parade is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and neighbors.
Cripple Creek looks forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon of joy, laughter, and festive spirit.
The Woodland Park Farmers Market is inviting the community to celebrate the season at its annual Holiday Market, held at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 East Midland Ave, on Saturday, November 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This beloved local tradition offers something for everyone, featuring live music, food trucks, and a wide array of local vendors. Shoppers can browse Colorado-grown winter produce, including mushrooms, greens, eggs, and meats, alongside specialty foods like jams, jellies, spices, teas, and chocolates. Baked goods, pickled products, granola, and freshly brewed coffee will also be on hand to fill the air with delicious aromas.
Beyond the food, visitors can explore handmade crafts such as etched glass, ornaments, pottery, wood and paper crafts, crochet items, jewelry, soaps, candles, and printed fabrics. Holiday shoppers will also find Colorado-themed shirts, antique kitchenware, fresh wreaths, greenery, dog treats, and health and wellness products.
With its mix of local artistry, festive spirit, and homegrown goods, the Woodland Park Farmers Market Holiday Market is a perfect place to find unique gifts and support local makers while soaking in the charm of the holiday season.
A new locally owned business, Peak Ship & Print, has opened its doors at 800 US-24, Suite B, across from Eagle Fire Lodge and next to H&R Block. The shop offers residents and small businesses in Woodland Park a convenient place for shipping, printing, and other business needs.
The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FedEx pickups take place daily at 5 p.m. on weekdays.
While shipping is a major focus, Peak Ship & Print also provides printing services that range from small-scale projects like flyers and stickers to larger jobs such as banners and vinyl signage. The shop produces custom t-shirts, tote bags, and other printed garments, giving customers a local option for personalized items.
Other available services include faxing, shredding, copying, and virtual mailboxes. According to the owners, the goal is to offer a place where residents and businesses can handle a variety of printing and mailing tasks in one stop.
Woodland Park has a new spot for style seekers and vintage lovers alike. Timeless Niche, located at 110 W. Midland Ave, Suite 3, has officially opened its doors, offering a curated selection of pre-loved and secondhand vintage clothing for both men and women.
The boutique specializes in handpicked pieces that blend classic charm and modern wearability, with racks filled with denim, tops, jackets, accessories, and statement finds from across the decades. For those looking to refresh their own closets, Timeless Niche also accepts trades, making it a sustainable option for fashion-forward shoppers.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the shop sits conveniently between 110 Reserve and Mountain Home Decor in downtown Woodland Park.
Whether you’re trading in your own treasures or hunting for your next vintage favorite, this new boutique adds a fresh spark of creativity and character to Woodland Park’s growing downtown community.
Residents across Teller County are voicing growing frustration with TDS Telecom, citing ongoing outages, inconsistent service, and difficulty reaching customer support.
Over the past several months, many have reported frequent connectivity issues and slow speeds, with some experiencing repeated interruptions throughout the week. Others note that rising monthly costs have made the situation even more aggravating.
Reaching customer service has also proven challenging for many users, with reports of long hold times, unhelpful conversations, and limited communication about outages or repairs. In some cases, customers say they receive little to no notice when service disruptions occur.
TDS provides internet service parts of Teller County, including areas where reliable connections can already be difficult to maintain due to the region’s geography. While some understand that mountain communities face unique infrastructure challenges, many residents feel that the level of service has declined in recent years.
Some are now exploring alternatives, though options remain limited. A few households have turned to satellite internet providers such as Starlink, while others are considering smaller, fixed wireless companies. However, for many in Teller County, TDS remains the only available broadband option.
TDS has stated publicly that it continues to invest in network improvements and expanded coverage throughout Colorado. Still, ongoing issues have left many residents questioning when the service will improve , or whether better solutions are on the horizon.
October 10th and 11th, the Ute Pass Historical Society invites you to enjoy a weekend filled with community, comfort food, and a taste of old-fashioned fun. Join us in Divide for two special events that celebrate Teller County’s history and hometown spirit!
🍲 Potato Soup Supper & Volunteer Appreciation Night 📅 Friday, October 10 📍 Pikes Peak Community Center, 11122 US Hwy 24, Divide 🕔 Doors open 5:15 PM | Dinner 5:30 PM | Program 6:30 PM 💵 $5 suggested donation
Settle in for a cozy evening of homemade potato soup, salad, rolls, and dessert as the community celebrates our wonderful volunteers and local history enthusiasts. At 6:30 PM, guest speaker Roger P. Hadix, a Colorado Springs native, baseball historian, and author of “Baseball in Colorado Springs.” will take the stage to share his love of baseball.
Roger’s lifelong passion for local history and America’s favorite pastime has made him a community favorite. He also plays with the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association (CVBBA), keeping 19th-century “base ball” alive and well across Colorado.
Enjoy a delicious meal, great company, and a fascinating look at the history of baseball in our region, all in one memorable evening.
⚾ Old Fashioned Base Ball Game 📅 Saturday, October 11 | 1:00 PM 📍 Hayden Park, Divide
The fun continues the next afternoon as the Divide Fire Department faces off against the Colorado Vintage Base Ball Association in an authentic 1800s-style “base ball” game! This isn’t your typical baseball match, expect vintage uniforms, historic rules, and lively crowd participation.
Bring your lawn chairs, friends, and family for a good old-fashioned afternoon of entertainment, community pride, and maybe even a few peanuts and crackerjacks.
Cañon Creative Company Helping Pikes Peak Businesses Build Stronger Brands
Located in Woodland Park, Cañon Creative Company is a local graphic design studio dedicated to helping businesses grow through thoughtful, strategic design. From logo creation and brand development to website design, product packaging, and marketing materials, the studio works with companies to create cohesive visual identities that stand out in competitive markets.
A Local Graphic Design Studio with Regional Impact
While based in Woodland Park, Cañon Creative Company serves clients throughout the greater Pikes Peak area, including Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. Their focus is on helping local businesses elevate their branding so they can compete confidently, whether on Main Street or online.
Professional graphic design is more than just a logo. It includes consistent typography, color systems, messaging clarity, website usability, packaging design, and visual storytelling. Cañon Creative Company approaches each project with a strategic mindset, ensuring that every visual element supports long-term brand recognition and business growth.
Services Offered by Cañon Creative Company
Businesses turn to Cañon Creative Company for:
Logo design and brand identity systems
Website design and development
Product and packaging design
Marketing materials and print collateral
Visual refreshes and rebranding projects
By combining creative direction with practical business insight, the studio helps brands look polished, professional, and memorable.
Why Visual Identity Matters in the Pikes Peak Region
As Woodland Park and the surrounding Pikes Peak communities continue to grow, competition among local businesses increases. A clear, professional visual identity builds trust and makes a strong first impression, both online and in person.
Cañon Creative Company positions itself as an authority in graphic design by focusing not only on aesthetics but also on strategy. Their work reflects an understanding of how branding impacts customer perception, digital performance, and long-term growth.
For businesses looking to strengthen their brand presence in Woodland Park, Colorado Springs, or anywhere in the greater Pikes Peak area, Cañon Creative Company offers local expertise with regional reach.
To learn more about Cañon Creative Company, visit canoncreative.co
The historic Thunderbird Inn, a beloved Florissant landmark off Highway 24 near Teller County Road 1, is beginning the long process of cleanup and rebuilding after a late-night fire broke out on Wednesday, October 1.
Fire crews from multiple agencies, including Florissant Fire Rescue, responded to the call around 11:30 p.m. Volunteer firefighters arrived quickly and began working to contain the blaze, which was concentrated in the front bar area near the fireplace, with flames extending into the wood floor, walls, and attic. Thanks to their swift response, the fire was fully extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
In a statement shared online, Florissant Fire Rescue detailed the challenging response due to the age and construction of the building, noting that crews had to force entry through multiple doors before initiating a full fire attack.
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the Thunderbird Inn has confirmed that it plans to rebuild. In a message to the community, the owners wrote, “Yes, the Thunderbird had a fire. It was completely extinguished. Damage unsure. Please message here or stop by with help or questions. We will keep you updated with information as it becomes available. Thank you for your help and patience as we evaluate and rebuild.”
As word spread, the community quickly came together to support the cleanup efforts. Volunteers joined in clearing debris, while local businesses stepped up to help. HolyMoly Doughnuts of Florissant provided pastries for the volunteers, and Joe Corrigan generously contributed food for those working at the site.
The Thunderbird Inn has long been a gathering place for locals and travelers alike, known for its friendly atmosphere, live music, and rustic mountain charm. While the damage is a setback, the spirit of the Florissant community, and their commitment to restoring this historic local treasure remains strong.
As the Thunderbird begins its road to recovery, one thing is clear: this isn’t goodbye. It’s a “see you soon.”
WOODLAND PARK, Colo. (October 4, 2025) — After a decade of operation, Snap Fitness in Woodland Park has suddenly and permanently closed its doors. The closure took effect on September 30, catching many members by surprise, as no official notice appears to have been sent prior to the shutdown.
As of this week, the gym’s entrance at 1131 E US Highway 24 is locked, and only two signs taped to the door confirm the news. One simply reads, “SORRY WE ARE CLOSED.” The other, a formal notice titled “Snap Fitness Woodland Park – Club Closing Announcement,” provides the full details of the closure.
“After 10 wonderful years of serving your health and fitness needs, we regret to inform you that Snap Fitness in Woodland Park will be closing its doors. Our final day of operation will be September 30, 2025. We are deeply grateful to you – our members – for allowing us to be part of your fitness journey. You have truly been the best part of our time in the gym industry.”
The notice continues by addressing membership logistics:
“For month-to-month and contract members, all memberships will automatically end on 9/30/2025. For prepaid and personal training agreements, prorated refunds will be issued for the remaining portion of your membership dues.”
Members with questions are encouraged to reach out by phone at (719) 686-6494 or via email at woodlandpark@snapfitness.com
Every fall, the mountains of Teller County, just west of Colorado Springs, transform into a patchwork of golden aspens framed by rugged peaks and deep evergreen forests. From September 25 through October 7, the colors are expected to reach their peak, painting the hillsides in brilliant shades of yellow and gold. For those looking to soak in the sights, Teller County offers one of the most scenic drives close to Colorado Springs, with plenty of small-town charm, hearty food, and hidden gems along the way.
Starting in Colorado Springs, here’s a full-day itinerary that pairs breathtaking foliage with memorable stops, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned leaf peepers alike.
Woodland Park – A Mountain Town Welcome After winding your way up Ute Pass on Highway 24, your first stop is Woodland Park, known as “The City Above the Clouds.” The air is a little crisper here, and the mountain views begin to open up. Before continuing deeper into the forest, stop at Café Leo, a cozy local favorite. A warm latte or chai makes the perfect start, and their baked goods — especially the house-made pastry that tastes like an elevated version of a childhood “pop tart” — are worth the indulgence. It’s also a good spot to stretch your legs, stock up on road snacks, and settle into mountain time.
Divide & Mueller State Park – Aspen Gold at Its Best From Woodland Park, head west to Divide, where Highway 67 splits south toward Cripple Creek. This stretch of road is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Golden aspen groves blanket the rolling hillsides, and the higher elevation means the colors often come early and stay vibrant.
Just a few miles down the road lies Mueller State Park, one of Teller County’s crown jewels. With more than 5,000 acres and 55 miles of trails, the park offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the colors. Even if you don’t have time for a long hike, the park has scenic pull-offs where you can capture sweeping photos of gold against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. For a quick, rewarding stroll, try the Outlook Ridge Trail, which leads to panoramic views perfect for fall photos.
Mueller State Park
Cripple Creek – History and a Hearty Meal Continue south to Cripple Creek, a historic mining town where Victorian architecture meets the buzz of modern casinos. The drive itself is spectacular, with bursts of aspen lining the hillsides and occasional wildlife sightings.
Once you arrive, fuel up with lunch at The District Kitchen & Saloon, a modern spot with a hearty menu. Their “Best in the West Hot Chicken Sandwich” has earned a loyal following for good reason — it’s crispy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying after a mountain drive. After lunch, stroll the downtown streets where old brick buildings and historic markers tell the story of Colorado’s gold rush era. If you’re feeling adventurous, step into one of the casinos and test your luck before heading back out to the open road.
“Best In The West Hot Chicken” Sandwich, The District Saloon
Victor – A Step Back in Time Just a short drive from Cripple Creek lies Victor, a quieter, less touristy mining town that feels frozen in time. Along the way, you’ll pass Rita the Troll, a quirky roadside sculpture that’s become a local landmark — the perfect photo-op for your road trip scrapbook.
In town, pop into Gold Camp Bakery Café & Deli, where the scent of fresh bread and pastries fills the air. For those seeking something stronger, the 1899 Mining Claim and Saloon serves craft beers and cocktails in a setting that channels the rugged spirit of the mining era. If you’re lucky enough to find the Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works open, don’t miss it. This old-fashioned shop sells hand-pressed postcards, hand-made brooms, and unique keepsakes that make for truly memorable souvenirs.
Victor Trading Co & Manufacturing Works
The Perfect Ending in Green Mountain Falls (We Know, It’s Not In Teller County) As the day winds down, make your way back toward Colorado Springs. Before you descend fully into the Front Range, stop in Green Mountain Falls, a small mountain village that feels tucked away from the world. Here, Cantina Verde serves some of the best Mexican fare in the region. Their queso and house margaritas are the ideal way to toast a successful day of leaf peeping before heading back to the city.
The Teller Times 