News and Views from the Heart of Teller County.

Tag: Events

  • Teller County Fair 2025: All You Need To Know

    Teller County Fair 2025: All You Need To Know

    The 2025 Teller County Fair is back, bigger and better than ever. With this year’s theme, “From the Roots Up, Celebrating Heritage, Hard Work, and Hometown Traditions,” the fair promises ten days of community pride, agricultural excellence, family fun, and hometown spirit.

    From livestock to live entertainment, the Teller County Fair is packed with community fun all week long. Watch 4H and FFA youth show off their hard work in horse, rabbit, poultry, pig, goat, sheep, and beef competitions. Don’t miss the Quilt Show, Talent Show, Senior Day festivities, Fashion Revue, or the community Ice Cream Social. The excitement builds with the Livestock Auction and Buyers Dinner on Friday, and a dance featuring Jax Jordening. The weekend ramps up with the Demolition Derby (Saturday, August 2), Bull Riding and Barrel Racing (Sunday, August 3), and the Tough Truck Challenge (Sunday, July 27). Little ones can enjoy Mutton Bustin’ and Saturday’s Family Day on August 2, with Touch-a-Truck, games, and the adorable Little Rascals Pee Wee Show for ages 2–7.

    See The Schedule Below:

    July 25–August 3 • Teller County Fairgrounds

    Friday, July 25

    • 5:00 PM – Royalty Tryouts (ages 10–20)

    Saturday, July 26

    • 8:00 AM – Motocross registration (racing at 9:00 AM)
    • 2:00 PM – Equipment Rodeo (time tentative)
    • 7:00 PM – County Day Kickoff with live band Jax Jordening
    • 9:15 PM – Fireworks show

    Sunday, July 27

    • 8:30 AM – Cowboy Church
    • 11:00 AM – Tough Truck registration (race at 1:00 PM) *Ticketed Event*

    Monday, July 28

    • Indoor exhibits judging (not open to public)

    Tuesday, July 29

    • 8:00 AM–1:00 PM – Vet check
    • 4:00 PM – Livestock weigh-in

    Wednesday, July 30

    • 7:30 AM – 4-H Horse Show
    • 9:00–11:00 AM – Quilt Show open class check-in
    • 12:00 PM – Senior Day & Talent Show
    • 1:00 PM – Quilt Show judging
    • 5:00 PM – 4-H Family Hot Dog Roast
    • 6:00 PM – Fashion Revue & Ice Cream Social (public welcome)

    Thursday, July 31

    • 9:00 AM – Dog Show
    • 10:00 AM – Rabbit & Poultry Show
    • 6:00 PM – Small Animal Show (pigs, goats, sheep)

    Friday, August 1

    • 10:00 AM – Beef Show
    • 12:00 PM – Round Robin (livestock event)
    • 4:30 PM – Buyers Dinner
    • 6:30 PM – Livestock Auction
    • 8:00 PM – Dance with Jax Jordening

    Saturday, August 2 – Family Day

    • All Day – Touch-a-Truck, games, animals, and activities
    • 9:00 AM – Little Rascals Pee Wee Show (ages 2–7; check-in 8:00–8:45 AM)
    • 2:00 PM – Demolition Derby *Ticketed Event*
    • 7:00 PM – Royalty & Round Robin winners announced
    • 7:30 PM – Evening dance with Jax Jordening

    Sunday, August 3

    • 8:30 AM – Cowboy Church
    • 12:00 PM – Mutton Bustin’ signup (ages up to 65 lb)
    • 2:00 PM – Bull Riding minis & barrel racing *Ticketed Event*

    Ticketed Event Costs: Adult $10, Kids 5-12 $5, Under 5 Free.

    Learn more at: https://tcafas.org/

  • TCRAS Launches Summer Push to “Empty the Shelters”

    TCRAS Launches Summer Push to “Empty the Shelters”

    Reduced adoption fees and plenty of loving pets looking for a second chance

    The kennels are full, the tails are wagging, and the folks at Teller County Regional Animal Shelter (TCRAS) are hoping this summer is the start of a whole lot of new beginnings.

    Starting this week and running through July 19, TCRAS is participating in the #EmptyTheShelters adoption event in partnership with the BISSELL Pet Foundation. That means drastically reduced adoption fees for all animals one year and older, giving families the chance to welcome home a new best friend at a fraction of the usual cost.

    TCRAS, located in Divide, serves the Pikes Peak region as a limited-admission, no-kill shelter, helping over 900 animals a year who are lost, abandoned, or in need of a second chance. Every dog and cat that enters the shelter receives the time, medical care, and training needed to find a forever home. And until that home comes along, the team at TCRAS is committed to caring for each animal like one of their own.

    Right now, the shelter is full of wonderful dogs and cats waiting to start their next chapter. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged family member, now is the time.

    You can browse adoptable pets at www.tcrascolorado.org and schedule a visit by calling 719-686-7707.

    Every adoption makes room for another animal in need. Help TCRAS spread a little more hope—and maybe bring home your new best friend while you’re at it.

  • 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.

  • 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