Colorado Springs Happenings

Think Summer is over and there’s nothing left to do? Think again… things are just getting started! Here are just some of the upcoming events:

September 24th – Coldstone Creamery: 8th Annual “World’s Largest Ice Cream Social” from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. (It’s NEVER too cold for Ice Cream – and this one’s for a good cause!) http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/

September 26th: Eco Festival at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site from 10:00am to 3:00pm. For a $3 donation (to benefit Rock Ledge Ranch), you can enjoy exhibitors, music, food, workshops, etc. Check out www.pikespeakcofestival.com

September 29th: Taste of the Broadmoor Benefit Dinner, at 6:00pm. A five-course dinner to celebrate the culinary industry and the Broadmoor Culinary Apprenticeship program. Cost is $150 per person. Call (719)577-5733 for Reservations.

October 3rd: Harvest Festival at the Rock Ledge Ranch. Free Admission! You can tour Rock Ledge House, go on a hay ride, enjoy some food, listen to music, pick a pumpkin (Not everything is free.) For additional information, please call (719)578-6777.

To search for Events, ranging from Food to Music, Attractions to Nightlife, and Restaurants to Festivals, check out  http://www.coloradosprings.com/. Pick your time and see what’s available.

Want To Influence This Regions Future?

…participate in a survey that is supposed to take the pulse of residents in this area. This survey will be part of “Operation 6035″, to determine “which companies and industries are best suited for Colorado Springs, what types of jobs should be pursued and the responsibilities of the community to accomplish those goals will be the focus of a new economic development study launched by a coalition of business people, government officials and community leaders.”

If you love living here and would like to see this area keep it’s family friendly status, with the added bonus of acutally offering jobs for residents, check out their website at “Operation 6035“,  to take the survey and participate.

Climbing In Garden Of The Gods

Have you ever wanted to climb in the Garden of the Gods?

Did you know that you have to register with the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center before you can climb? But if you neglect to do so – you can be find by the park rangers. (And yes – they ARE out there…)

Once you’re registerd – which only takes a few minutes (Honestly!) includes reading over the current rules (pay attention – there are always areas that are Off limits) and regulations and filling out a short form. It’s all done to be sure that you know what you’re doing!

Technical Climbing is permitted on established routes, in group of two or more – NO single climbing! (For safety purposes). Proper climbing equipment is MANDATORY and the use of eco-chalk is recommended/encouraged.

All other climbing or rock scrambling is ILLEGAL.

While this may sound harsh- it’s done – once again – for your safety. Tragic accidents have happened…and they are just trying to prevent them as much as possible. So be safe – and enjoy!

Colorado Springs Guide

Whether you’re from Colorado Springs, moving here or planning a visit – check out the new Colorado Springs Visitor Guide from the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You can either read it online or you can have it mailed to you.

Just don’t wait too long – they do disappear rather fast.

Colorado Springs School District 11

If your children attend Colorado Springs School District 11 – you can now get the annual report online.

This report – according to the card sent out by the District – describes the status and accomplishments of our district, schools and students.

To get it online – go to:

http://www.d11.org

Or you can receive a printed copy by calling:

719-520-2005

What’s your opinion on this report?

Colorado Springs Ranks…?

Every City likes to be thought of as a great place to live, work and play. And some actually achieve that – as ‘proven’ by rankings given out from magazines, associations etc. (And if the Citizens agree – even better!)

Thought I’d put together – at least a partial list of rankings/awards/etc. Colorado Springs has achieved…so you can compare, agree, comment, disagree, ponder…

According to the Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation – Colorado Springs offers the “Best Business Climate In The World”.

Considering that’s by a Corporation that’s here in Colorado Springs – does that even count as a ranking?

But then Colorado Springs was named Government Fleet Magazine’s “Top US City with a Biodiesel Fleet“.

Another Article touted “Colorado Springs Energy Bills the 5th lowest in the Nation“.

My Question on that one would be: Can we keep it that way?

Colorado Springs was also named “The fittest City in the Nation” by Men’s Fitness Magazine.

In 2006, Money Magazine named the Springs as “One of the Best Places to Live“.

However, despite all those nice rankings, awards and namings – there are also some rather dubious (or should I say worrisome?) rankings…for example:

“Colorado Springs Named Second Highest In Suicides“

What rewards/namings/rankings do you remember for Colorado Springs? (Aside from the whole “Foreclosure Capital”-one…?)

Colorado Springs Rides Again

The weather is getting warmer – and – like every year – they are spotted on the streets of Colorado Springs in increasing numbers. What are we talking about? Bikes!

If you’re a rider – you might be interested in some of the events scheduled for this year:

May 17th – The Pikes Peak Custom and Classic Show & Shine, to be held at Pikes Peak Harley Davidson

June 22nd- Tejon Street Bikes Fest – touted as “Bikes, Babes, Concerts, Contests, Guys & Grub”

August 15th to 17th – 16th Annual Salute to American Veterans Rally and 21st Anniversary of the POW/MIA Recognition Ride, to be held in Winter Park, Colorado

September 6th – 6th Annual Motorcycle Tribute Parade, to start at Pikes Peak Harley Davidson

October 5th – The 21st Annual High Country Toy Run, collecting Toys for Tots  together with the United States Marine Corps

For additional Information see www.pro-promotions.com or call (719)487-8005

Ride Safe!

How Times Have Changed….

Compare 1954 to now…

The above video has been produced by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1954, to promote Colorado Springs as a Tourist Destination. If you have been in the Springs anytime during the last 5-10 years – you’ll see just how much things have changed…

Colorado Springs Home Show

Did you visit the Colorado Spring Home Show at the Phil Long Expo Center this weekend? What did you think? My two cents – it was a nice show, a way to spend a very snowy and windy afternoon – but overall – it was the same old, same old….most of what was displayed had been displayed for the last several years. Nothing majorly new and exciting – with a couple of exceptions.

One of them: “Quinn Essentials – The Key to finishing your home”, represented during the home show by Wendy Quinn, the Owner. Say you can’t get excited about hardware? Well, you’d have to see their offerings. It’s hardware alright, but it’s not your run of the mill type of items. If you missed them during the home show, check out their website. 

What was your favorite display at the show?

Colorado Springs Still In The Running

According to an article in the Gazette, the U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman, Peter Ueberroth confirmed that Colorado Springs was still in the running for being chosen as the location for the organizations headquarters.

City officials have been working with the USOC for month, in order to keep the Olympic Committee here in town, and are hoping that their latest proposal will do the trick.

Colorado Springs Mayor Lionel Rivera stated: “We have provided everything they have asked for so far, and from my point of view, Colorado Springs is the best location for the Olympic Committee. We’ve provided a top notch proposal that is great for the USOC, great for the athletes and great for the NGBs (national governing bodies). We have put something very valuable on the table, and I hope they accept and we have a partnership for decades to come.”