With Halloween approaching, there is an anticipatory note in the air. Children of all ages are preparing for costumed festivities and thinking about plans for the not-too-distant holiday season. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun and participate in some traditional annual events while supporting some great causes. Here are a few ideas to entice you:
Support INSPIRE at the October 27 Halloween BOO-gie Bash
Put on your dancing shoes and Halloween costume and head to the Wild Game on Friday, Oct. 27 for some fun and fundraising to support the INSPIRE (Special Needs) Program. Organizers are bringing to the stage Wash Park, named the No. 2 band in Colorado by Denver A-List voters. The group features several vocalists, a horn section, and a choreographed delivery of tunes from the ’70s to today’s Top 40.
To celebrate Halloween, attendees are encouraged to participate in the evening’s costume contest which will honor the most original, scariest, best overall, and best couple’s costume.
Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at boogieatthebarn.com and are $30 per person at the door. Youngsters 12 and under are free. All net proceeds from the event benefit Evergreen Park & Recreation District’s INSPIRE programs designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with physical and mental challenges.
The “Boogie” series is organized by the Boogie Benefits, a group of community-minded volunteers, to help bring the community together for great music and to raise money for local nonprofits. For more information, visit the Boogie Facebook page.
Don’t Miss the National Watermedia Show at Center for the Arts Evergreen
Be sure to stop by Center for the Arts Evergreen before October 28 to view the Annual Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Exhibition. Celebrating its 50th year, the RMNW is regarded as one of the top watermedia exhibitions in the country.
The RMNW extends beyond traditional transparent watercolor, and this year’s show includes acrylic, egg tempera, gouache, and mixed media, depicting a variety of subject matters in very diverse styles. Acclaimed watercolorists Ken and Stephanie Goldman have juried in 57 exceptional works from 500 submissions. Works were selected based upon technical quality, originality, and artistic merit. For more information, go to evergreenarts.org
Downtown Evergreen Open to Trick-or-Treaters October 31
The retail establishments in downtown Evergreen will open their doors to trick-or-treaters on Oct. 31 from 4-6 pm. This free event welcomes children of all ages to explore the unique shops of our town, receive a treat or two and take advantage of some early holiday shopping. For more information, visit downtownevergreen.com
The Bistro at Marshdale to Host Sips for Scholarships Event November 1
Enjoy an evening of food and wine pairings Nov. 1 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Bistro at Marshdale to benefit the Bootstraps scholarship program. Since 1945, Bootstraps, Inc. has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships and interest-free loans to mountain area high school students pursuing their dream of advanced education. For more information about the nonprofit, or to register for the Nov. 1 event, go to bootstrapsinc.org/events. Tickets are $75.
Find Unique Holiday Gifts While Supporting Nonprofit Causes
Mark your calendar for Nov. 11-12 and discover a unique shopping experience where you can find one-of-a-kind gifts while helping nonprofits locally and around the globe. Items for sale include handbags, tapestries, baskets, jewelry, cards, calendars, birdhouses, kitchen accessories, clothing, ornaments, home décor and sustainable products. For a sneak preview, gifttwice.org.
The Alternative Gift Fair is a volunteer-run event. All vendors are representatives of charities and nonprofits and they receive 100 percent of the proceeds from their sales. The fair’s operating expenses are supported by funds from the onsite bake sale and the generous sponsorship of local faith congregations: Evergreen Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church of Evergreen, Church of the Hills Presbyterian, Congregation Beth Evergreen, Church of the Transfiguration, and Christ the King Catholic Church.
The Alternative Gift Fair is open Saturday, Nov. 11 from 9 am-4 pm and Sunday, Nov. 12 from 9 am-3 pm at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Check the event’s Facebook page for more information.
Trot Before Turkey to Support EChO on Thanksgiving Morning
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving in Evergreen without the annual Turkey Trot presented by Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO). This family-friendly event is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday and enjoy a walk/run through Evergreen before the traditional Thanksgiving meal.
The three-mile walk/run steps off at 9 am Thanksgiving morning, November 23 from the Church of the Transfiguration, 27640 Highway 74. Leashed dogs are welcome, but strollers are discouraged. Registration for participants 18 and older is $35, ages 12-18 are $18, and children 11 and younger are free. If you register by Nov. 1, you will receive an official event t-shirt.
Pie prizes will be awarded to top finishers in their age brackets. The first dog/owner team to cross the finish line, and the best costumed participant will also receive prizes. To register, go to evergreenchristianoutreach.org
All proceeds benefit EChO programs and services to help our mountain area neighbors in need including a food bank, housing assistance fund, shelter program, veterans’ services, the workplace center, and the EChO Resale shop.
