News and Views from the Heart of Teller County.

Author: The Teller Times

  • America’s Mountain Festival Brought Big Music and Mixed Reactions to Woodland Park

    America’s Mountain Festival Brought Big Music and Mixed Reactions to Woodland Park

    WOODLAND PARK, CO – July 5, 2025
    The first-ever America’s Mountain Festival hit Woodland Park on Saturday, bringing a full day of country music, food vendors, and live entertainment to town. With a headlining performance from Ned LeDoux, and sets from Curtis Grimes, Michael Martin Murphey, and Jon Wolfe, the festival ran from 1:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and drew fans from across the region.

    For many, it was a summer highlight. But for some nearby residents, the event struck a sour note.

    Not Everyone Was Tapping Their Toes

    While plenty of festivalgoers enjoyed the day, others in surrounding neighborhoods expressed frustration about the volume and how long the music lasted. Complaints started showing up on Facebook not long after the last guitar strum.

    One commenter wrote:

    “Absolutely ridiculous. Twelve hours of bass shaking my home was not okay. Still recovering from the migraine it gave me. Seriously who’s bright idea was that? Never again.”

    Another shared:

    “So happy it’s over. Four hours and some free music during the day is one thing. But twelve hours blasting directly behind my home? … I couldn’t get my kid down. Couldn’t have the door open for fresh air because it was so loud. The loud drumming freaked my dog out.”

    What Happens Next?

    Large events often come with trade-offs. For a community like Woodland Park that values both peace and celebration, those trade-offs can spark strong reactions. While the festival brought energy and economic activity to town, the noise complaints may prompt some rethinking.

    As of now, festival organizers and the City have not made any public statements about future events or changes. Whether America’s Mountain Festival becomes a yearly tradition or a one-time event, it seems clear that local input will be a key part of the conversation moving forward.

  • Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Hosts Annual Arts & Craft Fest

    Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center Hosts Annual Arts & Craft Fest

    Support local makers, meet artists, and enjoy a day of creative fun in Woodland Park

    If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday in Woodland Park, make your way to the outdoor plaza at the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center for their annual Arts & Craft Fest. It all happens on Saturday, July 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 201 S Fairview St, Woodland Park.

    This family-friendly market brings together local makers, artists, and nature lovers for a day filled with shopping, learning, and good mountain air. Whether you’re after handmade soap, fine art, or a refreshing mocktail, you’ll find it here.

    This year’s lineup of exhibitors includes:

    • Fountain Creek Nature Center – Interactive wildlife display with pelts, skulls, and antlers
    • Jantzen Peake – Local artist with bold and creative work
    • Katharina Mace – Illustrator with a colorful, distinctive style
    • Peg Lawson – Fresh Start Handmade Soaps
    • John Patterson – Artist and author sharing stories and artwork
    • Crafted Beardsman – Beard care goods and handcrafted mocktails
    • Peak Art – Fine art, paintings, graphic T-shirts, and handmade jewelry

    The RMDRC Arts & Craft Fest is a great way to spend the day with friends and family, support local creatives, and explore something new. Come for the art, stay for the dinosaurs.

  • Harriette and The Harmony Set to Rock Midland Pavilion In Woodland Park This July

    Harriette and The Harmony Set to Rock Midland Pavilion In Woodland Park This July

    Free community concert in Woodland Park with drinks, food, and classic hits

    Clear your calendar for Wednesday, July 9, because Harriette and The Harmony are bringing the party to The Midland Pavilion at the Ute Pass Cultural Center in Woodland Park. This free community concert is open to the public and promises a night full of music, dancing, and good vibes in the mountain air.

    Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the concert starting at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Come early, grab a drink from Woodies Bar, and get in line at the Firehouse on the Run Food Truck, both up and running when doors open.

    Thanks to the support of Pikes Peak Credit Union, this event is completely free to attend.

    Harriette and The Harmony is a high-energy Colorado rock cover band led by powerhouse vocalist Harriette Saide. Their setlist is packed with danceable hits from legendary artists like Boston, U2, Prince, Heart, The Bangles, and more. Whether you’re into classic rock or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer evening, this is a show that delivers.

    Bring your lawn chair, bring your friends, and come enjoy live music under the evening sky.

  • Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Fun: Celebrating the 4th of July in Cripple Creek

    Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Fun: Celebrating the 4th of July in Cripple Creek

    Two full days of small-town patriotism, fireworks, and fun for the whole family

    Cripple Creek is pulling out all the stops for a star-spangled celebration. On July 4th and 5th, head down Highway 67 for the town’s Independence Weekend Celebration, a family-friendly event packed with food, live music, games, classic cars, and one of the best fireworks shows in all of Colorado.

    This year marks the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and Cripple Creek is inviting everyone to help ring in the occasion. Quite literally. One of the celebration’s key traditions includes “Ring the Bell for Freedom,” a chance for kids and adults alike to give the bell a ring and reflect on what freedom means.

    Thursday, July 4:

    The day kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with food trucks, vendors, and activities across town, including stops at the Heritage Center, City Park, and the American Legion on Bennett Avenue.

    Highlights include:

    • Live music
    • Classic cars and military vehicles
    • Cripple Creek’s famous donkeys
    • Victorian personalities walking the streets
    • Games and prizes for kids
    • O.U.T. West Art Show
    • Root beer floats, food, and a beer tent
    • Vendors open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Stick around after dark for the main event — an epic fireworks display lighting up the skies over Cripple Creek, sponsored by the City and launched by the pros at Zambelli Fireworks. The Heritage Center will stay open until 10 p.m. for the best view in town.

    Friday, July 5:

    The fun rolls into Friday with more music, food, and activities along the 300 and 400 blocks of East Bennett Avenue.

    Don’t miss:

    • Live performances
    • First responder demos
    • More kids’ games and prizes
    • A street dance from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. to close out the weekend

    Whether you come for the cars, the dancing, the food, or the fireworks, Cripple Creek’s Independence Weekend Celebration delivers a classic, high-country Fourth of July experience with a hometown feel.

    So grab your flags, load up the family, and head for the hills. This is what summer in Teller County is all about.

  • Fire Up Your Appetite: Florissant Fire Pancake Breakfast Returns July 26

    Fire Up Your Appetite: Florissant Fire Pancake Breakfast Returns July 26

    Big breakfast, big fundraiser, all for a great cause

    Mark your calendars and bring your appetite. The Florissant Fire Rescue is flipping pancakes for a purpose on Friday, July 26 from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Station #51, located at 2606 US Highway 24 in Florissant.

    This annual event is more than just a great breakfast. It’s the department’s largest fundraiser of the year, and every plate helps support the hardworking volunteers who keep the Florissant community safe.

    This year, proceeds will go toward purchasing a much-needed all-terrain UTV to help crews reach wildland fires more quickly, along with other essential gear. With the region’s rugged terrain and growing fire risk, these upgrades will make a real difference when minutes count.

    Can’t Make It in Person?

    Supporters can also bid in the online silent auction at 32auctions.com, featuring a variety of donated items from local businesses and community members.

    Whether you show up hungry or just want to support the folks who show up when it matters most, this is a great chance to give back and connect with your local fire crew.

  • A Basic Travel Guide to Teller County, Colorado

    A Basic Travel Guide to Teller County, Colorado

    Tucked along the western slope of Pikes Peak, Teller County is a mountain region full of small-town charm, rich history, and beautiful high-country scenery. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or just passing through, this guide will give you a quick look at the towns that make up Teller County and a few of the must-see spots along the way.

    A view of from Florissant, Colorado

    Woodland Park

    Known as “The City Above the Clouds,” Woodland Park is the largest town in Teller County. It’s home to shops, restaurants, breweries, and one of the best views of Pikes Peak anywhere in Colorado. It’s a great basecamp for exploring the region.

    Cripple Creek

    This historic mining town is famous for its preserved gold rush architecture, mountain casinos, and rich Wild West history. You can ride the Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad, tour real mines, or visit during one of the town’s many festivals.

    Victor

    Just down the road from Cripple Creek, Victor offers a quieter, more rustic experience. It’s a living ghost town with incredible views, historic buildings, and easy access to hiking trails and remnants of Colorado’s gold mining past.

    Florissant

    A small, scenic town known for wide-open skies and natural beauty. Florissant is home to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, where visitors can explore prehistoric petrified redwoods and see some of the most diverse and well-preserved insect and plant fossils in the world.

    Divide

    This mountain community sits at the crossroads of Highway 24 and Highway 67. Divide is quiet and peaceful, with beautiful views and quick access to outdoor spots like Mueller State Park and Horsethief Falls.

    Must-See Highlights

    Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
    One of Colorado’s most unique natural landmarks. Walk among massive petrified stumps and explore scenic hiking trails while learning about the area’s prehistoric past.

    An image of Mueller State Park, in Divide Colorado
    A View From Mueller State Park

    Mueller State Park
    This expansive state park just south of Divide offers over 5,000 acres of forests, meadows, and mountain trails. It’s a great place for hiking, wildlife watching, camping, and snowshoeing in the winter.

    A view of Pikes Peak and Cascade
    A view of Pikes Peak and Cascade

    Pikes Peak Highway (Nearby)
    While technically just outside Teller County, the drive up Pikes Peak is a must if you’re in the area. The summit sits at 14,115 feet and offers views you won’t forget.

    Teller County is the kind of place where each small town has a story, and every road leads to a view worth stopping for. Whether you’re after history, hiking, or just some quiet time in the mountains, there’s something here for everyone.

  • HolyMoly Doughnuts Brings Fresh Breakfast and Community Spirit to Florissant

    HolyMoly Doughnuts Brings Fresh Breakfast and Community Spirit to Florissant

    Family-owned shop now open in Evergreen Station, Florissant

    There’s a new reason to get up early in Florissant. HolyMoly Doughnuts, a family-run breakfast spot, is now open at 8722 County Road 1 in Evergreen Station. They are serving up homemade doughnuts, breakfast bowls, and burritos with a warm welcome and a strong sense of community.

    This is not your average doughnut shop. HolyMoly is built on faith, family values, and the belief that good food can bring people together. The menu features yeast-risen doughnuts, buttermilk bars, apple fritters, sugar cookies, and hearty breakfast burritos and bowls to help you start your day right.

    “We’re here to start your day right, with a hearty breakfast and a healthy dose of community spirit,” says their website.

    Open from 4:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, HolyMoly is already becoming a local favorite. The food is homemade, the service is genuine, and the atmosphere is just what you want in a mountain-town breakfast stop.

    Whether you are swinging through Florissant or live nearby, HolyMoly Doughnuts is worth the visit. It is a place that serves more than food. It serves a little joy with every bite.

    https://bakeryholymoly.com/: HolyMoly Doughnuts Brings Fresh Breakfast and Community Spirit to Florissant

  • Woodland Park’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Returns for its 59th Year

    Woodland Park’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Returns for its 59th Year

    Games, parades, pie, and patriotism in Memorial Park

    There’s no better place to spend Independence Day than Memorial Park in Woodland Park, where the 59th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration is set to bring the community together for a full day of family-friendly fun.

    This year’s celebration takes place on Friday, July 4, 2025, and runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (note the earlier start time for this year only). The change is to accommodate two exciting partners — the Arts & Crafts Market and the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, both running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Farmers Market will take this weekend off.

    This hometown favorite offers a mix of small-town charm and big summer energy, with games, vendors, live music, great food, beer, and margaritas all packed into one festive day.

    Games and Activities

    Get ready to compete, cheer, or just laugh along at a full lineup of old-school games and contests, including:

    • Pie Eating Contest
    • Watermelon Eating Contest
    • Tug of War
    • Sack Races
    • 3-on-3 Basketball
    • Karaoke
    • Line Dancing
    • Fishing Derby
    • Dunk Tank
    • New this year: All American Costume Parade
    • Firework Show (Starts just after sunset)

    Whether you’re there to win the pie-eating crown or just want to see someone get dunked, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

    Community-Focused and Fundraising-Driven

    In true Teller County fashion, this celebration is also about giving back. Proceeds from the event support Divide Mountain Explorers, the Lions Club, and the Colorado Phoenix Project. So every funnel cake, raffle ticket, or cold drink helps support a good cause.

    Between the local vendors, homemade crafts, and entrepreneurial kids showing off their business skills, this year’s celebration is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

    Come early, bring sunscreen, and enjoy a classic 4th of July the Woodland Park way.

  • Donkey Derby Days Returns to Cripple Creek for 2025

    Donkey Derby Days Returns to Cripple Creek for 2025

    Three days of racing, music, and mountain-town fun, all for a good cause.

    One of Teller County’s most beloved summer traditions is trotting back into town. Donkey Derby Days returns to Cripple Creek from June 27 through June 29, 2025, bringing three days of street festivals, live music, family activities, and the crowd-favorite donkey races.

    Now in its 94th year, Donkey Derby Days is the main fundraiser for the Two Mile High Club, the nonprofit that has cared for Cripple Creek’s famous free-roaming donkeys since 1931. The event celebrates the town’s gold rush history and honors the hardworking donkeys that helped build it. Today, those animals are as much a part of Cripple Creek as the casinos and historic storefronts.

    The Main Event: Donkey Races

    It may sound easy, but it’s anything but. Each race pairs a donkey with two teammates, one handler and one runner, who try their best to guide the donkey to the finish line on Bennett Avenue. Of course, donkeys have minds of their own, which leads to a lot of laughs, a few surprises, and some truly unforgettable moments.

    Saturday features a full slate of racing action, including two qualifying heats, a media race, a military race, and the trophy race for the top finishers. Sunday keeps the energy going with themed races like the Businessman’s Race and a pair of fun runs.

    Music, Food, and Fun for the Whole Family

    Throughout the weekend, the streets of Cripple Creek will be filled with the sounds of live music on multiple stages, food vendors, and craft booths. The Kid’s Zone will be open every day near 2nd and Bennett, and there will be gold panning, beer gardens, and even a silent auction on Saturday at the Double Eagle Hotel.

    Bands scheduled to perform include The Flying W Wranglers, Austin Ross Band, McDeviants, and many more. Whether you’re into country, rock, bluegrass, or just good tunes, there will be something for everyone.

    Schedule Highlights

    Friday, June 27

    • Event opens at 2:00 p.m.
    • Street Fair, Kids Zone, and Beer Gardens
    • Live music by Maddox Ross and Meghan Clarisse

    Saturday, June 28

    • Pancake Breakfast at the Fire Station from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m.
    • Parade down Bennett Avenue at 11:00 a.m.
    • Donkey Derby Races begin at 12:30 p.m.
    • Live music on three stages until 9:00 p.m.
    • Vendors, food, gold panning, and more

    Sunday, June 29

    • More donkey races starting at 11:00 a.m.
    • Live music, vendors, food, and kids activities until 6:00 p.m.

    Whether you come for the music, the food, or the four-legged chaos of the donkey races, Donkey Derby Days is one of the best weekends of the year in Cripple Creek. It brings together history, fun, and community spirit in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

    See you on Bennett Avenue.

    Learn More: https://www.cripplecreekdonkeys.com

  • Sofia’s Antojitos Bringing Mexican Street Food to Woodland Park

    Sofia’s Antojitos Bringing Mexican Street Food to Woodland Park

    Pizzabirria, papas locas, and more are on the way to Teller County.

    Woodland Park is about to get a fresh dose of flavor. Sofia’s Antojitos, a popular Mexican street food spot with two highly rated locations in Colorado Springs, is expanding to Teller County with a brand-new restaurant set to open at 727 Gold Hill Place South, the former home of Mountainara Cucina.

    While the official opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but a liquor license has been issued, the remodel is progressing, and hiring is underway. Sofia’s is known for its bold, crave-worthy menu and its signature take on Mexican street fare. If you’ve never been, “Antojitos” translates roughly to little cravings, and the menu is full of exactly that.

    Expect a variety of tortas, flautas, elotes, papas locas (a loaded fries dish that lives up to the “crazy” name), and fan favorites like birria tacos and the now-legendary pizzabirria, a cross between a quesadilla, and pizza (with birria, of course).

    Both existing locations in Colorado Springs carry 4.6+ star ratings on Google, and locals swear by the food. This new Woodland Park location marks the restaurant’s first move above 8000 feet, and it’s already generating buzz from locals eager to try something new in town.

    Sofia’s is currently hiring, though no wage info has been shared publicly yet. Whether you’re looking for a job or just a plate of papas locas, it’s a spot worth keeping an eye on.

    We’ll share opening details as soon as they’re available.