The winter months are no time for hibernating in our mountain community. A full slate of activities beckons us to join our neighbors in support of worthy local causes, with lots of fun guaranteed. 

Evergreen Rotary’s Denim and Diamonds Event Returns February 7

A night of Country Western fun featuring line dancing, live music, and an appetizer buffet is in store at the Evergreen Rotary’s Denim and Diamonds event February 7 from 6:30-10 pm at The Wild Game. Tickets are $45 per person and western attire is encouraged.

Returning to the stage is Whiskey River, a popular Front Range country band that plays a wide selection of tunes from artists including Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Dwight Yoakam, and Jason Aldean. For those who’d like to enhance their dance moves, there will be a free, pre-event line dancing lesson onsite beginning at 6:20 pm.

Denim and Diamonds is a fundraiser for charitable causes supported by the Evergreen Rotary Foundation. These include local initiatives such as the Evergreen Christian Outreach/Rotary Mobile Food Pantry and the Mountain Backpacks program as well as wildfire readiness, recycling efforts, and programs to help area youth. For a complete list of local and international nonprofits supported by the foundation, and for online ticket sales, go to rotarydenimanddiamonds.org.

Mountain Foothills Rotary Ice Melt Contest Underway

When you look at Evergreen Lake, you will likely notice a bright green cradled object hovering above the ice. That’s the newly painted ice melt barrel signifying the start of the annual Evergreen Ice Melt Contest sponsored by the Mountain Foothills Rotary Club to raise money for several nonprofits: the INSPIRE Program, Evergreen Christian Outreach, Resilience1220, Crutches4Africa, and the Club’s foundation, which supports philanthropic projects.

The contest challenges ticketholders to guess the closest date and time the official barrel will fall through the ice into the lake. The winning times selected in past years are listed on the back of the printed tickets and on the event website. First prize is $1,000, second prize is $500, third place wins $250, and the fourth closest guess gets $125.

This year, tickets can be purchased in person at the Buchanan and Wulf Recreation Centers, where credit card transactions are now accepted. Local restaurants are supporting the cause by welcoming ticket sales at their establishments. Look for Ice Melt volunteers at Parkside Cafe, Genesee Pub and BBQ, Lariat Lodge, Tuscany Tavern, and Revival Brews. Ticket prices have remained the same since the contest’s inception 18 years ago. One ticket sells for $3, two tickets for $5, 5 tickets for $10, and 11 tickets for $20.  March 17 at midnight is the deadline for submitting entries.

For more information on tickets, contest rules, and sponsorship opportunities, go to evergreenicemelt.com.

Enjoy Early Valentine’s Day Treats in Downtown Evergreen February 8

Take a delectable stroll through downtown Evergreen on Saturday, February 8 from 5-7 pm to sample “sips” and enjoy scrumptious chocolate treats offered by participating shops and businesses. Whether you are on a date night or out for fun with your friends, treat yourself to Sips and Chocolate, a free event highlighting our historic downtown. Check out the full calendar of upcoming events at downtownevergreen.com.

Firefall’s Jock Bartley to Perform February 13 at Center Stage

An original member of the band Firefall, Jock Bartley will present an evening of song and storytelling on February 13 at Center Stage to benefit Resilience1220, The Wooden Hawk Foundation, and Ovation West.

A limited number of $60 VIP tickets are available and include a 6 pm meet and greet with Bartley, a private reception, and premium seating for the performance. The main event begins at 7:30 pm and will feature Jock and Steven Weinstein as Acoustic Firefall playing some of the band’s well-known songs and a few releases from its recent albums. Jock will also participate in an onstage question and answer segment.

General admission is $35. All tickets are available at ovationwest.org. To read more about the motivation behind Bartley’s Evergreen show and his commitment to helping young people, see On That Note on page 34.

Conifer Rotary Event Focuses on Mental Health and Wellness

Mind Fest, a community event designed to promote wellness and mental health, will take place on Saturday, February 22 from 10 am – 2 pm at Our Lady of the Pines, 9444 Eagle Cliff Road in Conifer. Attendees will have the chance to engage in interactive games, hear presentations from expert speakers, and gather resources from vendors. The Conifer Rotary Club is presenting Mind Fest to heighten awareness, provide education, and help reduce stigma surrounding mental health. The event is family-friendly and will include fun activities for children. For more information, visit rotaryconifer.org.