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hHELLO READERS, neighbors, and friends.
May is one of those months that just feels good to be in. The city is alive, the evenings are longer, and there’s an energy out there that’s hard to put your finger on but easy to feel. Neighbors are back on their porches, the parks are full, the patios are loud, and everything just moves a little warmer.
Of course, this winter barely felt like one. Second warmest
on record going back to the 1800s, 41 days above 60 degrees between December and February, people hiking in shorts on Christmas. Denver just kind of skipped it. Spring still showed up on the calendar either way, even if winter forgot to.
May also feels like the right time to introduce someone who brings that same energy to this publication. Emilie Trice joins MyDenver as our new editor, and I could not be happier to have her here. She’s sharp, thoughtful, and deeply invested in the kind of storytelling that actually matters to the people reading it. You’ll feel her hand in these pages immediately, and I think you’ll be better for it. We’re lucky to have her. Spring has everybody moving, and this issue is no different. There’s a lot of good in these pages—stories worth sitting with, people worth knowing, and a community that keeps showing up in the best ways. Runners on the streets, competitors on the pitch, wheels flying in the park—this city doesn’t sit still when the sun is out. And when you’re ready to slow back down and treat yourself a little, we’ve got that covered, too. Please enjoy.
MyDenver magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Bonnie Brae and Belcaro, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.
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Community CALENDAR
As spring moves into summer in our Denver neighborhoods, enjoy the perfect outdoor weather with art, music, exercise, and more. May is absolutely packed with fun events that will keep the whole family entertained.
May 6
Adventure Forest
Kick off the month with the Adventure Forest, a 500-footlong adventure course and art installation opening May 6. The course is perfect for kids who like to climb, slide, and see epic views of Denver. Children must be at least 5 years old and 44 inches tall to participate. Find more information at mychildsmuseum.org/exhibits/ adventure-forest-in-joy-park.
May 8
Paint Pouring Art Class
Local Denver artist Grace Noel will teach you the beautiful art of paint pouring in her studio. You’ll learn two paint pouring techniques, and materials are provided. Can’t make this date? Noel will host more paint pouring classes throughout the month. Register at eventbrite.com.
May 9
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
Denver Center for the Performing Arts brings 45 minutes of Shakespeare to a community parking lot via a pickup truck stage—bring chairs or blankets for the performance and post show talkback. Fresh, accessible theatre that fits right into your day. Riverfront Plaza, 1601 Little Raven St., Denver. Visit denvercenter. org/community-events for more information.
May 10
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
Colorado farmers and vendors line historic South Pearl with peak season produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, honey, flowers, and ready to eat bites—steps from unique shops and eateries. The weekly ritual occurs every Sunday from May through November. On the 1500 block of Old South Pearl Street between Florida and Iowa
avenues. Visit southpearlstreet. com/farmers-market for more information.
May 10
5K Space Race
This family-friendly event is open to runners of all ages and abilities! After the Space Race, continue your journey at the Air & Space Museum for a full day of aviation and space exploration. Show your race bib and receive 25% off admission. Tickets start at $50. For more information, visit wingsmuseum.org/events/spacerace-5k.
May 11
Garden to Gallery Tour
Denver Botanic Gardens
Experience a selection of Jaume
Plensa’s iconic sculptures on this 90-minute stroll through the gardens and into the galleries, where unexpected connections emerge. Tickets are $40 for general admission, $30 for members, and $10 for students. The price includes general admission to the Gardens. For more information, visit botanicgardens.org.
May 13
Baby Goat Night
You read that right! Guided Goat Hikes will be at New Terrain Brewing Co. with about a dozen miniature goats of various ages and sizes! The babies will be in a fenced in area where small groups of people are let in for an intimate time with them.
For more information, visit eventvesta.com/events/133865baby-goat-nights-2026-5-13
May 15 to 17
Denver Colfax Marathon
Join a weekend of running at the Colfax Marathon. Choose between eight races over the course of two days. Find more information at runcolfax.org.
May 15 to 17
Josh Johnson
Catch Josh Johnson, an Emmynominated writer, stand-up comedian, actor, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana by way of Chicago. He is currently a rotating host and correspondent on Comedy Central’s Emmy and Peabody Award-winning
program, The Daily Show.” Find ticket information at comedyworks.com.
May 16
Candlelight: The Best of Mozart and Beethoven
Stop by the Trinity United Methodist Church for an hourlong candle-lit concert featuring music from classical composers. Find tickets at feverup.com.
May 22
Electronic Orchestra
Swing by The Fillmore Auditorium on Friday, May 22, for an upbeat night of live, electronic, and dance music. For more information and for tickets, visit fillmoredenver.com.
May 23
Said the Sky
Colorado native Trevor Christensen brings an incredible performance of piano and various other instruments into a wholly original show you won’t want to miss at Mission Ballroom. Find tickets at missionballroom.com.
June 5
First Friday Jazz in the Park
Sonny Lawson Park hosts free jazz every first Friday from May through October, with live sets from 5:30 to 7 p.m., food trucks, and kids’ activities. Linger for Welton Street’s extended nightlife—a soulful Five Points welcome to warmer evenings. 2401 Welton Street, Denver. Visit denvergov.org for more information.
June 6
Blooms & Buzz Wash Park East Garden Tour t
Join the Washington Park East Neighborhood Association (WPENA) for the second annual Garden Tour. This year’s tour highlights include habitats designed to support our local birds, bees, and butterflies, examples of drought-tolerant landscaping, and homegrown produce. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
With Her Nose in a Book
We sat down with Paige Dungan, owner of recently opened Little Blue Pigeon Books, to get the inside scoop on bookshop life, her favorite reads, and what’s next.
BY MYDENVER STAFF
INTERVIEW WITH PAIGE DUNGAN
Tell us about where your love of books began. Books have always been my thing. Even as a kid, I didn’t just care about the stories—I loved how a really great book could bring people together, turning strangers into instant friends. That feeling never went away. I built a career in book publicity, spent almost 20 years making sure writers got
noticed and readers found their next favorite voice. But honestly, there was always this other dream tugging at me. I wanted a real place— something more than just a shop—where books felt alive. That’s what Little Blue Pigeon Books is about. It’s a spot on Larimer Square where people come for more than just a new read. Here, connecting over books and sharing stories isn’t just a mission statement. It’s the reason we unlock the door every morning.
What’s behind the name?
Little Blue Pigeon got its name from Eugene Field, my favorite poet. I’ve loved his work since I was a kid—still do, honestly. In his poem “Japanese Lullaby,” there’s this “little blue pigeon with velvet eyes,” curled up and dreaming as a mother sings above. That poem captures warmth, safety, and the kind of love that keeps you close while everything else just keeps going outside. When it came time to pick a name for this place, I knew it had to be Little Blue Pigeon.
Running a bookshop seems so glamorous. Are there any unexpected aspects of being a business owner people would be surprised by?
Owning a bookstore has its glamorous side, but there is so much happening behind the scenes that customers never see. I was genuinely surprised by the complexity of the systems that have to work together just to get a title onto the shelf.
And while selecting every book in the store was a dream come true, it comes with its own challenge: learning not to self-edit. I have to constantly step back and make choices that aren’t about my own tastes or interests, but about every single reader who might walk through the door—their interests, their stories, and making sure a full range of voices has a place on our shelves.
How do you choose what books to stock?
Every reader who walks through our door deserves to find themselves in a book. We carry the titles everyone is talking about, but the heart of our shelves lives in the in-between—a carefully curated selection across every genre, chosen with intention.
Curation here is a collaboration. I bring nearly two decades of publishing knowledge to every shelf, and the community brings the rest. Book clubs— the places where books truly come alive—have been invaluable partners in shaping sections like romance and fantasy, because no one knows what readers are hungry for better than the readers themselves.
The result is a collection that feels both expertly guided and genuinely alive.
What do you love most about serving local residents?
Honestly, my favorite part of any given day is when someone comes in and has no idea what they’re looking for. That’s where the magic happens. There is nothing better than handing someone a book they never would have picked up on their own and watching something click.
The people who have shown up for this store—our neighbors, our regulars, the ones who just wandered in—have blown me away. I genuinely love meeting every single person who walks through that door. Everyone carries a story with them, and more often than not, there is a book that meets them right where they are. That connection is the whole point.
Tell us about some of your favorite books.
Right now my nightstand is a little out of control...in the best way!
I am completely taken with “The Wilderness” by Angela Flournoy. She is such a gifted storyteller and this novel is proof of that. It’s the kind of book that pulls you under and doesn’t let go. The writing is stunning and the story lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Exactly the kind of book I want to press into everyone’s hands.
For mystery lovers, “How to Seal Your Own Fate” has been so much fun. It’s a propulsive, keeps-you-guessing read that is perfect for anyone who loves to be surprised.
And in nonfiction, I am currently reading “Startlement” by Ada Limón. I have always loved poetry, and Ada
has a way of finding the exact words for feelings you didn’t know you needed to name. Quiet and stunning all at once.
Are there any up and coming events we can keep an eye out for?
We have so much good stuff ahead. Here’s a peek at what’s coming up!
• Grand Opening — April 25th
The celebration we’ve all been waiting for. Come browse the shelves, get your aura photographed with Ignite Your Aura, grab a complimentary caricature photo, enjoy small bites, and help us open our doors in style. It’s a full day of books, community, and a little extra magic — and you’re all invited.
• Mom & Me Bouquet Design Workshop — May 9th
A hands-on floral design workshop for mothers and daughters, led by the talented team at TeeLee Floral and Events. You’ll design a beautiful bouquet together using premium seasonal flowers, and each pair goes home with a curated book from Little Blue Pigeon. Two intimate seatings available. Tickets are $125 per pair.
• Finding My Voice, Writing My Story — May 17th
A free, interactive writing workshop for middle and high school students, led by author Antonio Farias (“In the Company of Wolves”). Students will explore voice, ideation, and plotting—and leave with the opening paragraph of their very own story. Free and open to all.
Laced With History
Two decades in, the Denver Colfax Marathon remains the city’s ultimate celebration of community, grit, and iconic landmarks.
BY SETH DAVIS
OONLY A DENVERITE truly understands the specific hum of Colfax Avenue. For 364 days a year, this stretch of asphalt is our city’s nervous system—a gritty, neon-soaked thoroughfare carrying commuters through the longest continuous main street in America. But for one weekend in May, the cars vanish, the sirens quiet, and the street becomes something else entirely: the heartbeat of a city in motion.
As the Denver Colfax Marathon
prepares for its 20th anniversary from May 15 to 17, 2026, it stands as a testament to two decades of community grit. What started in 2006 as a regional experiment with 4,000 runners has blossomed into a massive celebration expecting over 27,000 participants this year. For those who have watched Denver evolve, the marathon’s journey mirrors our own, reflecting a transformation from a local project into a world-class destination.
The team of Aurora firefighters stands united during marathon weekend.
THE GREAT PIVOT
The original vision for the race gelled in the office of then-Mayor John Hickenlooper as a regional collaboration between Aurora, Denver, and Lakewood. The hook was poetic: a full marathon cutting straight through all three cities on a single street. However, the reality for those inaugural runners was punishing. That original course ended in the parking lot of Colorado Mills Mall, forcing athletes to spend their final miles running uphill directly into a blinding afternoon sun.
While the course began to see minor tweaks in its early years, the major transformation took hold under the
leadership of Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon, who joined the organization 17 years ago. She recognized that for the race to truly thrive, it needed to prioritize the runner’s experience.
“Even though it sounds phenomenal to run 26 miles on one street, it’s hard to continue to run on that surface for 26 miles and kind of end uphill and into the sun,” Dowdy recalls.
She oversaw a strategic morphing of the course, keeping Colfax as the structural backbone while winding the route through the landmarks Denverites love: the stadium, the zoo, and the lush canopy of City Park.
THE WOW FACTOR
To mark the 20th year, the marathon is doubling down on entertainment with the new WOW at Every Mile initiative. The goal is to ensure that somewhere during every single mile, marked by a specific “WOW Ahead” flag, a runner encounters a burst of energy or a reason to smile.
The WOWs of 2026 are uniquely Denver. Half-marathoners will find themselves on a personal safari, running a full mile through the Denver Zoo—one of the only experiences of its kind in the world.
“The rhino sometimes trots along next to people,” Dowdy says, adding
Runners celebrate their achievement at the Denver Colfax Marathon.
that one runner described the experience as their own personal safari while the monkeys dangled above.
Full marathoners will sprint around the track inside Empower Field at Mile High and experience the unique thrill of running through the bays of Denver Fire Station No. 1 on Colfax and Speer.
The anniversary lineup is intentionally over-the-top: drag queens, aerialists, Star Wars-themed zones, Asian lion dancers, and lakeside dragon boats provide a sensory celebration that stretches to the finish line. This energy eventually flows back into City Park for the industry’s best afterparty. Medals are traded for brats and refreshments in Denver’s largest beer garden—a fenced-in festival grounds alive with live music, DJs, and the shared euphoria of a crowd that just reclaimed their city’s streets.
THE $10 MILLION CHARITY ENGINE
While the visual WOWs grab the headlines, the marathon’s true legacy is written in the lives it supports off the course. As a nonprofit itself, the organization operates a Charity Partners Program that serves as a free fundraising platform for approximately 150 local nonprofits each year, from the Food Bank of the Rockies to the Outdoor Lab Foundation.
The marathon is unique in its opendoor policy, welcoming charities of all sizes and refusing to require them to buy into the platform. Instead, partners keep 100% of every dollar their runners raise. While many races allow charities to keep the funds they raise, Denver’s model is distinctive because it removes the financial barrier to entry for the nonprofits themselves. Since its inception, this “charity engine” has helped organizations
raise a staggering $10 million.
A major driver of this is the Marathon Relay, now the largest in the United States. Here, the city’s wit shines through team names like “Scrambled Legs” and “Not Fast, Just Furious.” Beneath the humor is a fierce altruistic streak: the relay features a $175,000 charity prize pool, where 80 teams win checks—some for $2,000—to donate to their chosen cause. This spirit draws a global crowd; this year, runners will arrive from all 50 states and a couple dozen countries to compete for both personal glory and local impact.
WHY WE RUN
Dowdy, recently inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame, views her tenure through a simple philosophy borrowed from the Boston Marathon’s race director: “My job every day is to
Runners are all smiles during the Denver Colfax Marathon.
EVENT DAY
Saturday 5K May 16
Marathon May 17
Half Marathon May 17
Urban 10-Miler May 17
The
Marathon Relay May 17
THE EXPERIENCE
Dog-friendly! A highenergy loop through City Park.
Full landmark tour through the stadium, fire station, and downtown.
Highlights include the mile-long safari through the Denver Zoo.
Starts near Casa Bonita; follows the stadium and river paths.
Teams of five share the distance to compete for a charity pool prize
help people reach their dream.”
The dreams witnessed at the finish line are as diverse as the city itself. Every year, the course hosts kidney donors running with their recipients, blind runners navigating the 26.2 miles with guides, and individuals celebrating a weight loss journey, a cancer-free milestone, or a “new chapter in life.”
“When you see these folks cross the finish line, to me, it’s an honor to be able to support them and help them reach their dream,” Dowdy says.
Producing this massive effort is a year-round feat that crescendos on race weekend with a dedicated team of 200 staff, hundreds of police officers and security, and 2,500 volunteers. For them, the weekend is an “attitude improvement session” and a way to see the city not through a windshield, but from the ground up.
LACE UP, DENVER
You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join the 20th anniversary. If 26.2 miles feels daunting, the Urban 10-Miler offers a remote staggered start near Casa Bonita, blending runners into the final, most exciting stretch of the marathon course. For those preferring a shorter jaunt with their dogs, the Saturday 5K is famously dog-friendly, seeing roughly 300 pups trot across the finish line.
In a city defined by its active spirit, the Denver Colfax Marathon has spent two decades proving that even the longest street in America can feel like a neighborhood block party. Whether you’re running for a personal record, a favorite charity, or just for the beer and brats at the end, Dowdy’s message to the city remains the same: “Everyone gets to be part of a marathon weekend, but pick your own distance.”
Seth Davis is a freelance writer who lives in Denver with his wife and two children.
race takes runners through Denver Fire Station No. 1.
The Start of Something New
Denver Summit FC’s home opener was more than just a soccer game. It was Denver’s way of showing up for women’s soccer on and off the field.
BY CHLOE RAGSDALE
FFOR THOUSANDS of girls in Denver, Summit FC’s home opener was more than just a soccer game — it was the start of something bigger. Surrounded by thundering cheers and blasts of green fireworks, many realized that their city was finally showing up for them in recordbreaking ways.
Summit FC’s home opener broke the National Women’s Soccer League record for single-game attendance as Empower Field was filled with 63,004 people. Seas of green flooded in and out of the stadium, the buzz of such a groundbreaking moment of women’s history heavy in the 80-degree heat. Denver spring,
plagued with the typical bipolar nature of March in Colorado, even seemed to appreciate the enormity of the event, offering clear blue skies all day.
Girls from first to eighth grade, primed in Summit FC kickoff t-shirts with bright red “Change the Girl, Not the World” pins on their shoulders, entered the field hand-in-hand with Summit FC’s starting lineup, including Lindsey Heaps, a Colorado local and current member of the U.S. Women’s Team. These girls, most of whom have grown up in Denver, felt the warmth of a stadium full of a community who just wanted to see her, and her heroes, succeed.
“This is a city that values community, embraces growth, and shows up for its teams and we could not be more grateful for the continued support,” says Jen Millet, President of Denver Summit FC, after the record-breaking home match.
A HOME FOR ALL ATHLETES
Like Millet suggests, Denver has truly proven itself as a city dedicated to supporting female athletes, on and off the field. Not only did the opening festivities include a range of messaging from prominent female leaders in the Denver region, but women’s rights activist and legend Malala Yousafzai graced the field, showing her support for this historic moment in women’s sports. Yousafzai’s story of perseverance in the face of gender-based discrimination added an unbeatable presence to the already historic match.
Although the match with the Washington Spirit ended in a tie, you
couldn’t tell otherwise—whoops of celebration were just as sticky in the air as sweat and sunscreen. Attendees, bonded by green t-shirts and matching sunburns, truly felt a sense of belonging, pride, and excitement for a new future—one that they’re included in.
“From the beginning, our vision for Denver Summit FC has been about more than just soccer—it’s about building something that truly belongs to the community,” says Millet.
Summit FC’s community impact doesn’t stop at record-breaking attendances: their new stadium, set to open in 2028, will be constructed at the Santa Fe Yards, nestled in the cross-sections near Broadway and Interstate 25. The Santa Fe Yards stadium will feature state-of-the-art amenities that are professionally and scientifically catered to fueling women’s athletic success; everything from individualized treatment and training plans that are developed in
elite training and recovery spaces, to a video analysis theater, lounges for players and their families, and eight soccer fields.
“We aim to create an environment at Santa Fe Yards where people feel connected, inspired, and proud to
cheer on this club,” says Millet.
LOOKING AHEAD
Summit FC’s budding success will soon have a place of its own; a place that lies just a few miles west of Bonnie Brae and Belcaro neighborhoods; a place that like Millet says, will offer locals the opportunity to connect with the club on a personalized level. The stadium’s individuality isn’t limited to its location, as Populous, a world-renowned architecture studio known for projects such as The Sphere in Las Vegas and Tottenham Stadium in London, is designing it.
“Our hope is that local residents see both the team and the stadium as something they’ve helped shape,” says Millet. “That they feel a sense of pride, ownership, and excitement every time they walk through those gates.”
The community connections are evident beyond the stadium, as Summit FC is a proud partner of the afterschool non-profit Girls Inc. and the Denver Gay and Lesbian Flag Football Alliance (DGLFFL). As part of this partnership, Girls Inc. is seeking to expand their opportunities for girls on and off the field, granting them access to soccer lessons from experienced
players in their communities and inspiring team activities during programming.
Summit FC’s outward support for girls in sports doesn’t stop with their partnership with Girls Inc.—currently, Summit FC has partnered with Cherry Creek School District and the City of Centennial to open their 12,000-seat interim stadium Centennial Stadium in July. This stadium will be located at Potomac Park in Centennial and will act as their home stadium until their permanent home is constructed at Santa Fe Yards.
After the new stadium is built at Santa Fe Yards, Centennial Stadium will become a permanent home for Cherry Creek School District athletics and a lasting, dedicated space for internship and learning opportunities for students in sports, health, and media. Summit FC’s continued dedication to giving back to the communities that they came from is something that will truly transform the future for women and girls in sports in Denver and beyond.
Chloe Ragsdale is a lifelong writer and journalist whose passion for storytelling helps connect and empower her community. She has written for publications at Westword and The Colorado Times Recorder. She strives to continue her passion for social justice and advocacy in her writing and in her work.
HARD HITS and
Wholesome Connections
Inside the world of Denver Roller Derby, where sportsmanship is just as important as competition.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN AHLFINGER
DDENVER HAS LONG ranked among the top cities for sports fans, thanks to a fiercely devoted fan base led by the Broncos, the city’s unofficial religion. Amidst all the joy and anxiety and heartbreak, it can be tough to find time in the spectator schedule for that emergency session with your therapist when the Avalanche and Nuggets manage co-occurring playoff runs. You might, in that moment, do well to take in a feel-good dose of the consistent success of some of Denver’s underthe-radar sports superstars. Look no further than your Denver roller derby league.
Tucked away in an unassuming warehouse just south of the Bonnie Brae and Belcaro area is the Rollerdome, home of Denver Roller
Derby. The league comprises seven women’s teams, one men’s team, and two junior teams for skaters ages 7 to 17.
The Mile High Team, Denver’s premier travel team, is currently ranked second in the world by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. The WFTDA is the governing body for more than 400 women’s leagues across six continents. The Mile High Team has consistently ranked among the top-tier teams at the WFTDA Global Championships since 2011-2012. In the North America West region, the team currently ranks second.
Despite their consistent success, they remain largely out of view for much of Denver’s enthusiastic sports fanbase. That may be due to a history of vacillating between athletic focus
and quirky entertainment. Visit the Rollerdome for a home game today, and you’ll find the current product is a heartwarming, heart-pounding marriage of the two.
THEN AND NOW
Roller derby ‘s origination is credited to a movie house owner-turned sports promoter named Leo Seltzer. It all began in Chicago in 1935, with theaters losing money during the depression. Kooky endurance races such as dance marathons, pole sitting, and roller skating challenges became more popular forms of entertainment. Derby began as simple banked-track races popular with men and women as both a form of entertainment and a means of winning cash prizes when money was
scarce. A point system was added, and contestants were encouraged to rough each other up. At the time, the idea of women participating in any full-contact sport was unheard of, but the spectacle of a pack of ladies unabashedly roughhousing during a high-speed race on wheels held broad appeal.
Roller derby evolved past its own outlandishness into a professional, full-contact sport, attracting five million annual viewers in the 1950s and packing large venues like Madison Square Garden. Showmanship took the lead over athletic prowess by the 1960s. Fixed bouts and fictional rivalries between
skaters using raucous pseudonyms became the norm, a foreshadowing of modern-day professional wrestling. The sport fell out of popularity in the 1970s when rising oil prices made stadium heating and travel for games cost-prohibitive. Derby reemerged from Austin, Texas, in the early 2000s, evolving from the theatrical, banked track pageantry of its early heyday to the highly regulated full-contact sport it is today.
DERBY 101
Today’s track roller derby is played on a flat, oval track. A game is called a bout, and a play is called a jam. Each team has five players on the track, all wearing
quad roller skates, a helmet, and heavy padding. One is designated the Jammer— or the scoring player—and wears a star on their helmet. Three are Blockers. A fourth blocker holds the role of Pivot and wears a stripe on their helmet.
Sara LeMay
A Jammer can pass the responsibility of scoring to the Pivot mid-play via a maneuver called a Star Pass if the Pivot might be in a better position to score. Each team’s Jammer scores points by getting past the other team’s blockers. When a Jammer escapes the pack and laps back around, one point is awarded per opposing player passed. Each team plays offense and defense at the same time. Blockers are tasked with trying to block the opposing team’s Jammer while keeping opposing blockers from blocking their Jammer at the same time. Hip and torso checks, side hits, and use of arms above the elbow to block are all legal.
It may look like mayhem to an outsider, but it demands constant strategic coordination and communication. Its physical intensity rivals any full contact sport. Players need the speed and endurance to break from the pack, the strength and balance to absorb hits, and the agility to fall and recover quickly. Concussions are the most common injury, and broken bones aren’t unusual; bruises are guaranteed. Despite its brutal nature, roller derby is played predominantly by women. According to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association—representing more than 400 leagues across six continents— over 80% of players are female. Unlike many women’s sports, which adapt rules originally designed for men, men’s and women’s roller derby follow the same ruleset. Built in equity shapes every aspect of the sport.
COMMUNITY CULTURE
Billed as a sport for everybody, roller derby is known for its inclusiveness. Denver’s best skaters range in age from their twenties to their mid-forties, and they come from every walk of life. They are students, wives, members of LGBTQ and Indigenous communities, stay-athome parents, and finance professionals. They represent every background and appear in every size and shape.
Teams are organized by one factor: skill. There are no automatic placements based on gender, weight class, or age. Some skaters have been athletes their entire lives, while for many others, roller derby is their first athletic endeavor. Its appeal to those who haven’t found a home in traditional sports is only amplified by the sport’s embrace of personal expression.
While some skaters prefer the traditional route and compete under their given names, others honor derby’s performative roots by adopting aliases—sometimes even full personas—inspired by pivotal moments in their lives or elements of their personal histories. These derby identities are often accompanied by accessories such as bandanas, makeup or face paint, and distinctive hair ties.
Sara LeMay, who skates for the Mile High Team, remembers growing up in
the Boys Club of rink hockey and being teased by boys who called her “Scara.”
As a teenager, she hated being thought of as the scary girl, but in derby, a fearsome reputation is an asset. She now skates under the name Scara Ta Death.
Her family has ties to the Nakota Nation, and she is also a member of a borderless Indigenous team called Team Indigenous Rising. They use the platform derby provides to show other athletes and community members what is possible for Indigenous sports across tribes, borders, and nations. For LeMay, it’s not just about the sport— roller derby has brought greater awareness to an important part of her identity.
“We train derby, but we also train and teach the ways of the land,” she says. “We got together and did a sweat lodge. As somebody who didn’t grow up in
that culture, this has really allowed me to learn.”
LeMay is now taking a class to learn her Native language. She weaves this connection to her roots into her derby persona when she skates with the Denver Mile High Team, expressing it through her hair ties, bandana, and makeup. In some games, she wears tribal war paint; in others, she paints a red handprint over her mouth. The red handprint is a symbol of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement. It represents the thousands of Indigenous women and girls who were silenced, as well as the silence of the media and law enforcement surrounding their disappearances.
The league is a nonprofit organization, and every skater, referee, and coach volunteers in multiple capacities. They work security at
games, handle public relations, film tournaments, and participate in fundraising efforts. The bonds formed through this shared investment in a close-knit community pay dividends well beyond the track. 15-year veteran skater Janna Simms credits her longstanding commitment to the sport to the deep sense of belonging she’s found within the league.
“I would say what’s kept me in the sport for as long as I have been is always having that instant family,” Simms says. “People are always there to bring you a meal if you are injured, or drive you to practice if your car breaks down.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
The familial atmosphere is more than figurative for the Cotton household, where Mom Amber “Smashalotapus,” Dad Chet “Cotten,” and their daughters Avery “Cottenmouth” and Blayre “Hello Hitty” all skate and volunteer within the league. Amber joined first after skating in Boulder and became heavily involved. There’s a term for the husbands of derby wives who spend so much time at the track that they rarely see their spouses
at home once the sport takes hold. Not wanting to become the next “derby widower,” Chet decided to get involved himself. He began coaching and soon teamed up with other husbands in the stands to found Ground Control— Denver’s men’s team.
The kids followed not long after and now skate for the juniors team, Major Turbulence. Any household with two teenage girls is bound to see a healthy dose of competitive spirit, but Blayre and Avery say the sport has brought their family closer. Knowing each other so well in every other part of their lives has helped them move in sync on the track.
Youth sports often serve as a social classroom, teaching difficult life lessons that academia can’t offer. Teamwork, tenacity, emotional regulation, and discipline can all be learned through most athletic programs. Chet takes heart in the fact that his girls are learning a skill they wouldn’t gain from single gender sports—how to compete alongside and against boys.
“It’s been especially important that we have two daughters playing a full-
contact sport on an open gender team. They play against and take hits from 17- and 18-year-olds,” Chet says. “To be able to play with the boys and beat them has been empowering for them. It’s been an awesome opportunity.”
In a city spoiled by high-stakes drama and championship dreams, roller derby offers a different brand of sportsmanship—one where intensity and kindness coexist without contradiction. The hits are real, the competition is fierce, and the athleticism is undeniable, yet the heart of the sport beats in its community: the families forged, the identities reclaimed, the confidence built one lap at a time. For Denver fans and athletes craving something both fierce and feel good, the Rollerdome might just be the city’s most rewarding arena.
Erin Ahlfinger is a freelance writer and photographer who moved to Denver from Dallas in 2017, where she contributed to D Magazine , covering the local culinary scene. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and capturing the moments that make life in Colorado so unique.
From Liquid Investments to Sweat Equity
Brian Worker of Red Leaf Wine Cellars and Saunas knows how to control a room.
BY MYDENVER STAFF
GROWING UP IN southern Colorado’s rugged and remote San Luis Valley, Brian Worker could never have predicted that his early exposure to the agricultural and construction industries would later pave the way for his unique career. Today, he’s the owner of Red Leaf Wine Cellars and Saunas, providing bespoke designs and custom builds to a discerning clientele who have far more in common than meets the eye. Like fine art or classic cars, wine is a sophisticated cultural product. Just last March, a bottle of 1945 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti sold at auction for $812,500, setting a new record as the most expensive wine in history. Developing a
wine collection is thus an attractive asset class, though only a rarified few will ever own (let alone drink) such a valuable bottle. Brian works with all levels of wine enthusiasts—some own a few hundred bottles, others have thousands—but all wine collectors should maintain a climatecontrolled space. “You want to protect your investment,” Brian explains, “so you want to hold onto your best wines for a while, and they need to be stored in a consistent temperature and humidity.” Aesthetics are also important, and each wine cellar is meticulously designed to showcase a collection while safeguarding it from the elements.
HEALTH IS WEALTH
What’s bad for wine, however, can be good for the body. Regular sauna sessions with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep and cardiovascular health, and help decrease inflammation and muscle tension. Brian offers both infrared and custom saunas, ensuring that every project marries form and function to the highest possible degree. He notes that younger generations are gravitating towards wellness culture and health rituals such as red light therapy and cold plunges. The sauna tradition, however, dates back 10,000 years and early examples can be found in various cultures across the globe. Once considered sacred spaces, saunas and sweat lodges have always been equated with rejuvenation and energetic renewal. A recent study from Finland even showed that even just one sauna session can activate the body’s immune system by stimulating white blood cell circulation. Owning a personal sauna is thus an
investment in one’s own longevity. Whether they’re worshipping at the altar of wine or well-being, Brian’s clients are all passionate about their pursuits. “The people are the best part of my job,” he says. Working closely with each client is an exercise in trust, as these pastimes are generally much more involved than most hobbies. Wine collecting often requires travel, education, and investing not only money, but serious time and effort. Similarly, the typical sauna owner
is acutely health-conscious, from diet to exercise, and understands wellness as a lifestyle, not just a trend. Brian has witnessed how both subcultures offer a sense of community and meaningful connection. Sharing these interests with others, whether passing them down through families or simply enjoying them with friends, creates space for new traditions and legacies to take shape— the best return on investment anyone could ask for.
Brian Worker has been in the wine cellar and sauna business since 1998. He and his wife founded Red Leaf Wine Cellars and Saunas in 2010.
A May Matcha Cake
Celebrate spring with the perfect sweet treat.
BY ALIX NEWTON
IF MAY HAD a flavor, it would be Strawberry Matcha. Balancing earthy notes of matcha and sweet bright strawberries, this 4-inch mini centerpiece is the perfect way to celebrate spring.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 4-inch cake tins and line them with baking paper.
2. In a medium bowl, add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream together until fluffy and pale.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla and combine well, then fold in the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Before all the flour is combined, pour in the buttermilk and mix that through until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the cake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center
6. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then pull up on the parchment paper to release it from the pan. Let the cake continue cooling on the cooling rack until completely cooled.
To make the buttercream
1. Add the softened butter to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Add the freeze-dried strawberries to a food processor. Pulse until finely ground, then
pass the ground freeze-dried strawberries through a sieve to remove the seeds.
3. Add in the powdered sugar and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to the butter and mix until fluffy. Add milk to loosen if required. Move the mixture to a piping bag and snip a small hole from the end.
4. To decorate, place one of the cooled cake layers onto a serving board and pipe around the edge to create a border. Fill the center with strawberry jam, then top with the second cake layer.
5. Coat the cake with the remaining buttercream using an offset spatula, then finish with a few sliced strawberries.
6. Serve and enjoy. This cake will keep for 4 to 5 days if kept somewhere cool and dry, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours.
Alix Newton is a baking blogger and photographer who, along with her family, recently moved to Mueller, TX, from the United Kingdom. Sharing her tasty food creations is her way of giving back to the community that has welcomed her. Visit Alix online at mykitchensdrawer.com and follow her on social media @mykitchendrawer.
A Bite to Eat
As the weather gets warmer, check out these restaurants for a great meal.
Neon Cowboy
300 S. Logan St., Unit 101, 80209 720-319-8041
@_neoncowboy__
Opened in late 2025, Neon Cowboy blends high-energy bar culture with a playful, chef-driven menu. Expect bold sandwiches, shareable plates, and a cocktail list that leans creative without being overcomplicated. The space carries a retro edge and an unmistakable personality, making it equally suited for casual dinners and late-night gatherings. Bonus points for the extra comfortable bar stools!
Goudy’s Deli and Market
1207 E. Alameda Ave., 80209
720-710-9473
@goudysdelimarket
Part neighborhood deli, part specialty market, Goudy’s focuses on thoughtfully built
sandwiches, quality meats, and curated pantry staples. The menu is straightforward but ingredient-driven, and the market shelves are stocked with specialty goods that make it easy to bring something home. Polished, simple, and community minded.
Tokyo Premium Bakery
1540 S. Pearl St., 80210 720-531-3784
@tokyopremiumbakery
Tokyo Premium Bakery showcases Japanese-style breads and pastries made with precision and balance. Fluffy milk bread, delicate sweets, and savory sandos fill the display cases daily, alongside coffee and specialty drinks. The clean, minimalist setting lets the craftsmanship take center stage. Perfect for a Sunday morning.
La Chiva Colombian Restaurant 1446 S. Broadway, 80210 720-389-9847
@lachivacolombian
La Chiva highlights traditional Colombian cuisine in a colorful and inviting setting. The menu features hearty classics, empanadas, arepas, and generously portioned plates rooted in family recipes. It’s vibrant, approachable, and centered on sharing bold, comforting flavors.
El Nopalito Mexican Food 77 W. Alameda Ave., 80223 720-643-2384
El Nopalito serves classic Mexican fare in a relaxed, unfussy environment. Enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and house green chile anchor the menu, alongside margaritas and familiar favorites. It’s a dependable neighborhood
spot focused on generous portions and traditional flavors.
One Barrel American Bistro & Wine Bar
3401 S. Broadway, Suite. 110, 80110 720-667-4781
@onebarrelenglewood
One Barrel pairs seasonal American dishes with an extensive wine program. The menu leans contemporary and approachable, offering thoughtfully composed entrées and shareable starters designed to complement its broad selection of bottles and pours. Comfortable and intimate, it’s built for lingering dinners.
Yemen Grill and Café
1135 E. Evans Ave. Unit 103, 80210 720-750-7902
@yemengrilldenver
Yemen Grill focuses on
traditional Yemeni cooking, featuring slow-cooked meats, fragrant rice dishes, warm flatbreads, and spice-layered sauces. The menu emphasizes depth of flavor and generous portions, offering a rich introduction to a cuisine less commonly found in Denver. This place is truly incredible.
Chook Chicken
4340 E. 8th Ave.,
80220 and 1300 S Pearl St., 80210
@chookchicken
Chook centers its menu around wood-fired rotisserie chicken served alongside seasonal vegetables, grain salads, and house-made sauces. The format is fast-casual, but the ingredients and preparation are carefully considered. The space also feels a bit more polished. It’s streamlined, fresh, and consistently satisfying.
Satchel’s on 6th 1710 E. 6 Ave., 80218
303-399-2560
@satchelson6th
Satchel’s offers contemporary American cuisine in a longstanding, intimate dining room. The menu typically includes seafood, steaks, pasta, and seasonal vegetables, prepared with a refined but approachable touch. It balances neighborhood familiarity with polished execution and class.
Revival Denver Public House
630 E. 17 Ave., 80203
720-524-7867
@revival.denver
Revival brings Southern-inspired comfort food into a lively and large setting. Fried chicken, brunch favorites, and classic cocktails define the menu, alongside beer and whiskey selections. The atmosphere is energetic yet casual, built for gathering.
Le French 846 N. Albion St., 80220
303-558-0875
@lefrenchdenver
Le French is a family-owned restaurant rooted in French culinary tradition. Crêpes, steak frites, pastries, and wine shape a menu that transitions easily from brunch to dinner. The setting is bright and refined, blending café warmth with bistro influence.
Sienna Wine Bar & Small Plates
3434 E. 12 Ave., 80206
303-355-2202
@siennawinebar
Sienna focuses on wine and globally inspired small plates designed for sharing. Artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and seasonal dishes complement a broad wine list that spans regions and styles. The intimate space encourages slow evenings and conversation.
Mici Italian 727 Colorado Blvd., 80206
303-322-6424
@miciitalian
Mici Italian is a family-owned concept centered on traditional recipes and scratch-made doughs and sauces. The menu features handcrafted pizzas, pastas, and classic Italian comfort dishes served in a casual, simple, and welcoming environment.
Legacy Pie Co.
300 E. Alameda Ave., Suite A, 80209
720-626-2057
@legacypieco
Legacy Pie Co. specializes in scratch-made pies that reflect classic American baking traditions. Fruit pies, cream pies, and seasonal offerings rotate throughout the year, all prepared with straightforward ingredients and careful technique. It’s a warm, nostalgic stop for dessert or a whole pie to take home. The smell alone is worth the trip.
Great Books for Spring
Take these reads outdoors as the weather gets warmer.
BY MYDENVER STAFF
THE NINE LIVES OF ROSE NAPOLITANO
By Donna Freitas
What if you had more lives to live than just this one? In this deeply moving novel, Freitas explores the possibilities of one woman’s life. In one life, the protagonist, Rose, chooses to be a mother. In another, she is childless. Each alternate reality of Rose’s life takes readers on an emotional journey that reminds us that there is happiness to be found in any life you lead.
HERE ONE MOMENT
By Liane Moriarty
On a regularly scheduled flight, a strange woman gets up and predicts a passenger’s death. What follows is chaos, fear, and intrigue as more passengers connect with this odd clairvoyant to see their own futures. But at what cost? Moriarty pens a gripping novel about fate, love, and how we would live if we knew when our time was up.
ATMOSPHERE
By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Jenkins Reid is back with her signature historical fiction. This time around, she follows Joan Goodwin, an astronaut in NASA’s Space Shuttle program in the early 1980s. Joan’s experience in the program will rock you out of this world as she experiences love, friendship, and an event that changes how she sees our universe.
CHERRY BABY
By Rainbow Rowell
Cherry finds herself as the muse of her soon-to-be ex-husband’s web comic turned movie he’s making in Hollywood. The only problem is she doesn’t want to be the muse, and the beautiful life she was promised isn’t coming to fruition. So, determined to start a new life, Cherry abandons her marital home in Nebraska in search of new love, adventure, and most importantly, herself.
THE MURMUR OF BEES
By Sofía Segovia
Simonopio has a rare ability to communicate with bees. In 1918 Mexico, this, combined with his physical disfigurement, makes him a strange outcast. When he is adopted by the Morales family, his unique ability comes in handy as he helps the family navigate through the hardships of war and the Spanish Influenza. A heart-warming and thought-provoking novel of love, family, and magic.
SPRING’S ARRIVAL
EACH SEASON has its own charm, but there’s something uniquely magical about the arrival of spring. As spring unfolds, it carries a fresh fragility we’ve long awaited, a delicate beauty, nine months in the making. This newborn life is delicate and detailed, inviting you to lean in and take a close look as it bathes your senses in sweet aroma. The familiar cast of characters arrives to savor this fleeting freshness, knowing it will soon yield to the warmth and maturity of summer. So, take a moment to revel in spring’s magic as it introduces an endless parade of new life.
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