S E A R C H
CASTLEROCK
CASTLE ROCK’S PREMIER MONTHLY COMMUNITY MAGAZINE SINCE 2004
In This Month’s Issue l 25 Years of Craftiness l The Castle of Terror l Local Haunts of Colorado l Live Big 5k & Adventure Run l Dia De Los Muertos Fundraiser
Plus much more! 12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202 Parker, CO 80134 303-805-9455
POSTAL PATRON ECRWSS Denver, CO
PAID Permit 5377 Prsrt Std U.S. Postage
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
25 Years of Craftiness! The Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire The Castle of Terror So much fun it’s scary! Local Haunts in Colorado Day trip to some scary fun places Live Big Run 5k & family adventure run Dia De Los Muertos Inspire Creative Theater’s fundraiser Local Author Spotlight A great local author
OCTOBER 2017 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 10 PUBLISHER MIKE WAID
mike.waid@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 700
SALES DIRECTOR KAYCE ARTHUR
kayce@waidpublishing.com 303-805-9455 xt 706
EDITORIAL TIFFANY GRIZZLE
tiffany@waidpublishing.com
DON’T MISS THIS EVENT
Dia de los Muertos Fundraiser for Inspire Creative’s educational programs. See Page 11 for details
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Search Castle Rock Magazine is published 12 times per year by Waid Publishing (www. WaidPublishing.com), a division of Mike Waid & Associates, Inc. (www.MikeWaid.com), 12760 Stroh Ranch Way, Suite 202, Parker, CO 80134, 303-805-9455. Search Castle Rock Magazine is available online at www.CastleRockMagazine. com. Search Castle Rock Magazines is a trademark of Waid Publishing. All rights reserved. The views, opinions and/or statements made or expressed by individuals and/or entities, are not necessarily reflective of the views and opinions of Waid Publishing. No part of this publication may be reproduced without explicit permission from Search Castle Rock Magazine. Copyright 2017 Search Castle Rock Magazine - All rights Reserved.
25 Years of Craftiness! The Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire Twenty-five years ago, a few ladies from the Castle Rock Senior Center decided it might be fun to get together and sell some of their beautiful, handmade crafts. That humble beginning back in 1992 has evolved into the largest craft event in south Denver and now serves as the unofficial kick-off to the holiday shopping season for thousands of eager shoppers. The Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire comes to town Saturday, November 4th, from 9:00am-4:00pm. Every square inch of the area’s biggest venue, the Douglas County Events Center at the Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, will be filled with 150 booths selling unique, handcrafted items, one of a kind gifts, scrumptious food and much, much more. One of those booths will be set up by Thelma Minney, who may hold the title of longest running vendor. “I’ve loved this show since I started in 1996,” she said. Although she has had to give up her bees after years of selling honey, she’ll still have other items for craft show shoppers, including her aprons, which are always popular selling items. She keeps coming back because the show keeps getting better. She is not alone, as more than 80% of the vendors, coming in from all over the state, are returning this year. The show has moved around, from a room in a previous Senior Center building, to the Castle Rock Recreation Center, and then to Kirk Hall at the fairgrounds in 2006, when it housed 35 booths. It relocated to the current location in the Events Center in 2007, taking up only half of the facility but allowing space to expand the popular bake sale, book sale and silent auction. The show grew to 80 vendors by 2011, but was only attended by about 800 people. As word spread, the show has literally exploded these last few years; bringing more than 5,000 people through the doors in 2016, shopping not only at the craft booths, but also at “Grandma’s Attic,” where hundreds of treasures await. Another popular addition is the recently added Holiday Wreath Silent Auction in the Community Corner room.
“We are proud of the legacy of this show and strive to honor those who started it 25 years ago as we prepare for it all year,” explained Debbi Haynie, Executive Director of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center. “The show has a following with the vendors who say it’s one of the best, with the hundreds of volunteers it takes to put on an event of this caliber, and with the attendees who come back year after year because of the great bargains they find.” Proceeds from the event provide services and programming to the growing senior population. Traditionally, the Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire has never charged an entrance fee, and that tradition continues this year. Admittance is free, however, guests are asked to consider bringing non-perishable food donations for a local food bank. The first 1000 families who come through the doors this year will receive a commemorative 25th Anniversary shopping bag. Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit more than mingling through the seemingly endless aisles of treasures at the Craft Show. They say it’s better to give than receive, but finding that perfect gift to give is pretty great too. Mark your calendars for November 4th and be prepared to find all kinds of great gifts for everyone on your list! Don’t miss the Castle Rock Craft Show Extraordinaire on Saturday, November 4, 2017. It is at the Douglas County Events Center from 9:00am-4:00pm. For more information, go to www.castlerockseniorcenter.org
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The Castle of Terror So Much Fun, It’s Scary! Dark, confined spaces. Seemingly endless stairways. A maze of twists and turns with surprises more frightening with each step – The Castle of Terror beckons all who love a good scare. The Fire Department training tower provides a perfect backdrop for this extremely popular haunted house, with low lighting and tight spaces, the options for petrifying surprises are endless. Planning for this event begins early each summer, including finding a perfectly horrifying theme and then taking the steps to make that vision come to life. This year, Castle Rock’s most frightening haunted house is a creepy Freak Show, featuring Werewolf Boy, the Bearded Lady, the Amazing Electric Man, and Medusa, just to name a few. The puppet master of this frightening show is Castle Rock Fire Chief Art Morales, for whom the Castle of Terror is a labor of love. In his nearly 40 year career, Castle Rock Fire Department Chief Art Morales has seen many changes in the different departments he’s been a part of but one thing he doesn’t see changing is the support that the Castle Rock community shows each and every year. That small town character and comradery is one of the keys to the success and continued growth of the Castle of Terror each and every year. “It’s a labor of love and it takes the time and commitment from a lot of people
hosted by
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Th sent e i oy Me Be ng: lf B ! a du wo More e sa rded r & , Th L a dy, We man e ic Ama zin g Electr
303 Malubu st.
Castle Rock
80109
for more info go toCRgov.com/terror Proceeds support the Fire and Police Explorer programs Tickets: $10 cash, $12 credit card and $20 for a Fast Pass
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@CRgov
in the community to make it happen.” Morales affirmed. As the following has grown, so has the need for volunteers to make the event come to life. Both teens and adult volunteers are needed for make-up assistants, special effects operators and actors. Those interested in making the Castle of Terror horrifyingly wonderful can sign up online at VolunteerConnectDC.org. The Castle of Terror isn’t just a scary face; proceeds from the event, after the cost of costumes and make up, go to the Fire and Police Explorers programs, providing funds to outfit those enrolled with necessary gear needed as well as enable the groups to participate in competitions. The Fire Explorers Program, for teens ages 14-19, offers the opportunity to learn basic fire suppression and emergency medical services. Once the program is completed, Explorers have the opportunity to go on 911 calls, as an observer. The Police Explorer Post 401 allows participants (ages 14-21) the opportunity to learn all aspects of law enforcement while receiving community service credit towards high school or college graduation requirements. Both programs enforce leadership and education beyond high school. Many in the Explorer programs go on to college or pursue training in other careers, but not surprisingly, several find the Fire or Police Departments to be their true calling and pursue careers within the departments. Chief Morales has seen some self-described “gawky teens” come through the program, graduate the academy to become members of CRFD, marry and start families. Working with youth is something Morales feels very passionate about and has developed programming to educate, particularly kids, about fire safety. Early in his career, Morales responded to what would tragically be a fatal call that claimed the lives of two young girls. Had they known how to open the window in the room they perished in, that call would have had a very different outcome. Seeing a preventable tragedy like this inspired Chief Morales to create programs to educate youth and that programming has saved lives. Two young girls who had been through one of these programs knew to get low and crawl, under the smoke, out of their burning home. Once they reached their family’s meeting spot, they realized their parents were still inside their home. Because they knew how to safely get out, they were able to save themselves, call for help, and save their parents. Chief Morales’ commitment to the community is unquestionable. The Castle of Terror may be the signature event of the season, bringing in visitors from all over the area for a good scare, but the motivation behind the event and the commitment to the cause are what’s truly commendable.
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Local
Haunts ~of~
Colorado
Come Trick or Treat season, people start scoping out where to find the best corn mazes, pumpkin patches and, if they enjoy a bit of a thrill, the best haunted houses. You don’t have to wait until Halloween to find some great haunts; turns out, Colorado has some great destinations that will add a little spooky to your next weekend day trip. The Molly Brown House Museum (Denver)
The “Unsinkable” Molly Brown was a one-time local who famously survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. She once lived in this Victorian Denver home, built in 1889. Since then, it’s served as a private residence, an apartment for young men, and a home for wayward girls. It’s also a place associated with numerous eerie tales, including tales of hauntings by Molly herself. Today, in addition to frequent visitors by paranormal investigators, it serves as an educational outlet and offers historical tours. www.mollybrown.org
Museum of Colorado Prisons (Canon City)
Royal Gorge is not the only thing to check out while you’re in town. “Stop by and do time” at the museum, which shares a stone wall and armed towers with the prison that has been in continuous operation since 1871. Explore over 140 years of history including the two story cell house, with 30 inmate cells on the upper level and archival storage, the original kitchen and isolation cells on the lower level. Documentation of famous riots and exhibits of famous inmates, including Alfred Packer (convicted cannibal) and Antone Woode (convicted 12 year old murderer) are just some of the creepy artifacts on display. With all that happened within those prison walls over the last couple hundred years, the spookiness level is definitely high. Prisonmuseum.org
Hotel Colorado (Glenwood Springs)
The Hotel Colorado was built in 1891 and hosted such famous guests as Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft, Molly Brown, Al Capone and even notorious gambler Doc Holiday (although his visits to the Hot Springs preceded the existing hotel, his presence forever links him with the beginnings of the Hotel Colorado.) It was converted to a hospital in WWII, hosting as many as 500 injured military personnel. The giant ovens in the basement, rumored to have been used as crematoriums. There are still 131 of the original rooms available to guests, but visitors to the hotel
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aren’t limited to paying guests. Guests and staff alike have reported lots of activity, especially in the pre-dawn hours. Elevators moving floor to floor without passengers, wafting smells of cigar smoke and perfume in the lobby and sounds of dishes being moved in the Devereaux Dining Room have all been reported. A young girl in Victorian clothing has reportedly been seen playing ball on the grounds as well. Check in and see what you might see at the Hotel Colorado. hotelcolorado.com
Central City Masonic Cemetery and Creepy Crawl (Central City) Nothing says creepy weekend haunt like an old cemetery. Just above the mining towns of Central City lies this graveyard that was started in the early 1860’s. Rumor has it that every year around November 1st, the ghost of a woman dressed in black appears to visit the grave of John Edward Cameron. There’s also stories of the ghost of a young boy that may follow you around the grounds. As they say, there’s safety in numbers, so if you chose, you can visit the cemetery with the Gilpin Historical Society during the Creepy Crawls around the city each October and take in Paranormal Night at the Museum. www.gilpinhistory.org
Hotel Jerome (Aspen)
Aspen is known for being a luxury ski resort destination, but this particular hotel has quite a different reputation. Jerome B. Wheeler built the hotel in 1889, less than a decade after the mining town of Aspen was established. The town and the hotel were booming until Aspen’s “quiet years” with the mines beginning to close. At that time, people paid $10 for a month of residence at the hotel, including meals, and the Hotel Jerome became the social center of town. Hauntings at the Jerome are rumored to include visits from the ghost of a little boy who tragically drowned in the swimming pool as well as a maid who fell ill and died after falling into an ice-cold pond. Brave enough to book your stay? Hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com
Stanley Hotel (Estes Park)
The Stanley, arguable the best known spooky Rocky Mountain destination, is famous for being the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining. The hotel is home to endless ghost stories, including those of no less than 4 spirits regularly roaming the halls, most notably, Lucy, Paul, Eddie, and Elizabeth. In the concert hall, lights have been known to flicker, laughter and footsteps echo off the walls and unexplainable, chilly drafts greet guests from time to time. During the spookiest of seasons the Stanley offers more than just their famous Evening Tour; join them for Murder Mystery Dinners, The Shining Ball on October 21st, and Halloween Masquerade Party on October 28th. Book your stay with the Spirit Adventure Package for tickets to the spirited night tour, a Stanley “squishy” ghost, REDRUM mug and accommodations of the most infamous 4th floor. stanleyhotel.com
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Living in Colorado, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures and Castle Rock’s newest event is just that – a new great adventure for everyone! Saturday, October 7th, the Castle Rock Trail Festival combines the liveBIG Run and Ridgeline Trail Races; giving everyone something to try whether you are an experienced runner looking to tackle the ultra-distances or the whole family is looking to get in on the fun with the liveBIG Family Adventure Run. Beginning at the Amphitheater at Philip S. Miller Park, the race will wind its way through single and double-track trails at Philip S. Miller Park and Ridgeline Open Space. These races make their way along the freshly cut, soft surface trails that are a part of the Town of Castle Rock’s largest ever park project. The party begins at the starting line, with music to get everyone going, no matter their race course or start time. Course options include the Ridgeline Marathon and 50K Ultra marathon (both beginning at 8:00am), Ridgeline Trail Half Marathon (beginning at 8:30am), Ridgeline 10K (beginning at 9:00am), liveBIG 5K (beginning at 9:30am) liveBIG Family Adventure Run (beginning at 10am.) Both runners and walkers are welcome along the full supported course, equipped with up to 11 aid stations on the 50K trek. Trail course runners will be given a disposable bib chip for professional timing. The Family Adventure Run is the exception as it is an untimed event. Prior to race day, avoid the rush and pick up your packet (or register) Thursday and Friday between 11:00am and 7:00pm at RNK Running and Walking in Parker (13019 South Parker Road.) Each and every participant in the trail races will receive a custom t-shirt, with shirts for the Family Adventure Run available for $5. Finishers will also be awarded a medal and free professional photo downloads after the event, sponsored by Sporthill. Gift certificates from RNK Running in Parker will also be awarded. After the finish line, the party continues with more music and post race goodies; muffins, oranges, banana, bagels, pizza and cookies will be served starting at 10:30am. Be sure to stick around for a live performance from John Adams: A Tribute to John Denver. At 4pm, the finish line will close. And, if by some miracle you still have some fuel left in the tank, you can always tackle Challenge Hill, the 200-step hillside staircase near the finish line. Get those running (or walking) shoes ready, get out and enjoy one of the most scenic race courses around at the Castle Rock Trail Festival, liveBIG and Family Adventure Run! For more information, go to crgov.com, www.coloradorunnerevents.com or contact RNK Running and Walking www. rnkrunning.com – 303.840.0399
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Inspire Creative Theatre Company’s Día De Los Muertos Event Saturday, October 21st 6:00pm – 1:00am
Celebrating its 10th year of operation, Inspire Creative Theatre Company (ICTC) is an artist directed, local theatre company bringing the best of big time theatre to the heart of our Parker community.
Since its beginning, ICTC has performed over 100 fully produced stage musicals and provided teaching and training in the performing arts for all ages. Casting both professional and amateur actors from around the nation, they continue to be a local favorite, reaching audiences of over 200,000 in their 10 years of operation. They have provided over 2,000 students opportunities to receive training in musical theatre, dance, singing, and acting. For the last three years, they have been the co-producing theatre company for the Town of Parker. If you’ve seen any of the recent musicals at the PACE, including Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, and Spamalot, then you are familiar with Inspire Creative’s incredible work. This fall, Inspire Creative brings Rogers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific to what will likely be another round of sold out audiences at the PACE Center. Each year, Inspire Creative Theatre Company hosts a themed event to raise much needed funds for their education programs, performance season, and company expansion. This year’s theme is Día De Los Muertos and is sure to be an extravagant and delightfully perfect October evening. The Día De Los Muertos event will be hosted at Parker’s newest event space – the Studio@Mainstreet at 19640 E. Mainstreet. Located in the old 11
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Action Auto Service location, this converted service garage will be an intimate and unique venue for this year’s fundraiser. Guests will enjoy delicious catered food and drinks, and be entertained by a selection of musicians, comedians, and performers. Party goers can dress up in their favorite Día De Los Muertos costume and face painting will be available to perfectly finish the look for the evening. Additionally, guests will be invited to bid on live and silent auction items including custom “Día De Los Muertos” sugar skulls painted by celebrity artists. Tickets for the Inspire Creative Theatre Company’s Día De Los Muertos event are available for just $25.00/per person or $45.00/per person for VIP packages. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.Inspirecreative.org or call 303-790-0875.
$35 OFF
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LOCALAUTHORSPOTLIGHT RETURN TO THE SCENE By Carmella Gates
Liliana Martelli Delaney dreads returning to the Massachusetts farm where she grew up and recently inherited. She hated the farm and everything to do with farm life! She hopes that sorting out the detritus of the 250-year-old house, once an inn, and the outbuildings will help resolve her anger and animosity. She plans to sell the place, and put an end to that negative portion of her life. But Lily and her family discover evidence of some shady dealings by former owners who operated the inn and tavern during Prohibition. Rumors and stories she heard as a child about bootlegging and a missing Revenue Man may have had some truth to them. She becomes determined to solve the mystery! Lily’s story is often poignant, and sometimes frightening, but her adventurous spirit, loving heart and ability to see a little humor in any situation make this book a must read! Return to the Scene is available online at amazon.com.
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Visit our tasty restaurant location at: Firehouse Subs Blvd., 1 U.S. Hwy. Freshville, 000-000-0000 Š 2014 Firehouse Subs. This offer valid with coupon at participating restaurants. Prices and participation may vary, see restaurant for details. Limit one per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 00/00/10..
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