It’s here! The season is knocking at your door in all its splendor and frenzy. Fortunately, we live in one of the best communities for celebrating the “most wonderful time of the year” with activities that remind us of the meaning and wonder of the holidays.
Kick Start Your Thanksgiving at the 12th Annual EChO Turkey Trot
Why not “pay it forward” by burning some calories before your Thanksgiving feast? You have the perfect opportunity to get in a few miles while raising money for those served by Evergreen Christian Outreach. The annual Turkey Trot, which has become a holiday tradition for many residents, will offer onsite registration at 8 am at 27888 Meadow Drive with the opening ceremonies at 8:45 am. The trot starts at 9 am with an estimated finish by 11 am. The 3-mile route begins and ends in the parking lot of the Church of the Transfiguration winding around Evergreen Lake and through downtown.
Registration is $25 for participants 13 and older, $12 for children 12 and younger. Parking is free, and available in front of the EChO Food Pantry and Resale, at Campfire Evergreen, the Mountain Home Building, Rising Graphics, Magpie and Stems. There are also spots in the Lariat Lodge and Center Stage lots, just a short walk through the tunnel to the race site.
Costumes are encouraged and there will be a pie given to the Best Costume. Dogs are welcome and the first dog/owner pair to finish the route will also receive a pie. Trotters finishing first in their age bracket will be rewarded as well. Everyone is invited to bring canned goods to help stock the EChO Food Pantry.
To register and for more information, visit bit.ly/3zONX0p
December 2 Holiday Walk Brings Back Treasured Traditions
You may not think of ducks as part of the holiday scene. However, due to the strong community support for the Dam Duck Derby in August, the Evergreen Downtown Business Association has the necessary funds to close the downtown portion of Highway 74 to make this year’s Holiday Walk even more accessible to pedestrians. Also returning this year is the tree lighting ceremony at the Evergreen Lakehouse with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The December 2 festivities kick off at 5 pm, with the Lakehouse tree lighting at 5:30 pm. Participants will follow the Clauses to main street to enjoy an idyllic stroll alongside shops and restaurants decorated with hundreds of twinkling lights. Adding to the yuletide glow are several firepits that beckon visitors to stop, warm their hands, and share good tidings. Events happening at Evergreen’s downtown parking lot will include local musical groups, Santa’s grotto, a warming hut, pony rides, face painting, carriage rides, and photographs with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Local store owners extend their hours to welcome shoppers searching for memorable gifts or a treat for themselves. Evergreen’s art galleries, specialty clothing boutiques, artisan jewelers, and purveyors of home décor and souvenirs create a pleasurable holiday shopping experience. When it’s time for holiday-inspired cocktails, craft brews or a bite to eat, area restaurants will be ready to accommodate holiday revelers. Hosted by the Evergreen Downtown Business Association, the Holiday Walk is a free event open to the public from 5-9 pm.
Complimentary shuttles will run from Christ the King Catholic Church, 4291 Evergreen Parkway, and from the Church of the Hills, 28628 S Buffalo Park Road. For more information, visit the Downtown Evergreen Facebook page.
Enjoy a Hometown Holiday in Conifer, December 3
Christmas in Conifer, sponsored by RE/MAX Alliance, begins at 10:30 am on December 3 on Sutton Road in Aspen Park. Highlights of the daylong celebration include shopping at the Christmas Market featuring more than 20 local crafters and vendors, the Elk Creek Fire Protection District’s Santa Land, boasting warm fires, treats, games, and Santa visits and photos from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. By popular demand, the Holiday Trolley and the Christmas Spirits tents will return. The official parade steps off at 2 pm and features floats, marching bands, fire trucks and animals. Immediately following the parade is an “After Party,” which will run until 6:30 pm with warm spirits and a musical line-up featuring Sarah Bauer Band, Zion Crossroads, and Tyler Philips Band.
Visit goconifer.com/christmas-in-conifer for more information, including parking and shuttle details.
EPRD Presents Family-Friendly Skate the Lake Festivities
If you’re looking for an alcohol-free family celebration to ring in the New Year, the Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s Skate the Lake event is the perfect choice. In its 25th Year, the New Year’s Eve gathering will take place at Evergreen Lake from 8 am – 8 pm. Enjoy ice skating, food trucks featuring snacks and dinner options, firepits, roasting marshmallows, and hot chocolate. A DJ will be spinning tunes to entertain attendees. The event caps off with a 7 pm laser show.
Tickets will be sold at the door. Adult admission is $30. There is free parking on a first come, first served basis at the Evergreen Lake House. Free shuttles will run from Stagecoach Park and from the Wulf Recreation Center. For more information, go to eprd.co.
