Cripple Creek Christmas parade brings festive cheer The Gold Camp Historical Society float passes the Chamonix Hotel and Casino during the Cripple Creek Christmas Parade on Dec. 13. (Courtesy of David K. Johnson) Woodland Park shows up and out for annual parade In the “most wonderful time of the year,” the Woodland Park community consistently shows up big in all aspects for the annual Lights Above the Clouds Parade on Dec. 6. This year, 62 parade participants including floats, performances and vehicles made it the biggest ever. Toastmasters Dru Brownson, far left, and Laura Gordon, far right award the “Judge’s Choice Award” award to the City of Woodland Park during the annual Lights Above the Clouds Parade event on Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mike Demuth) Three nonprofits and several volunteers helped organize the annual event. This year, a sincere congratulations goes out to Mike and Sara Demuth from the Divide Mountain Explorers, parade organizers for the second year in a row. Two other nonprofits, Above the Clouds Toastmasters and Kiwanis, led the awards ceremony and check-in, respectively.    Gayle Gross from SOAR was awarded the first annual Tad Litwin Award. The Merit Academy Children’s Choir, led by Jaxxy Windish, performed their rendition of “Must be Santa.” Steve Sato, Above the Clouds Toastmasters master of ceremonies, hosting the PB J Cattle Co. to get their thoughts on winning the “Spirit Award” at the annual Lights Above the Clouds Parade on Dec. 6, 2025. (Photo by Mike Demuth) A special thanks to the many volunteers who stepped up on the day of the parade to make it all happen. Without them, there would be no event. Follow the parade Facebook page, “Lights Above the Clouds Parade,” for information on the float, crazy hat contest and special award winners. Monitor the page for the midyear contest and vote for next year’s theme.  Lake George Fire Protection District deliver gifts to local children, seniors By: Marianne Mogon From left: Lake George Fire Protection District firefighters Ron Howland and Kerry Bynes, Chief Susan Bernstetter, firefighters Steve McCoy, Clara Peterson, Santa, Aaliyah Urrutia and parents Amel and Joe Urrutia, firefighters John Mogon, Roger and Christine Aldridge, Scott Miller, Jim “Moose” Comstock, and Sophia Frilow. (Marianne Mogon/Pikes Peak Courier) On Dec. 20, with red lights flashing and sirens blaring, Lake George Fire Protection District firefighters turned elves and, along with Santa himself, delivered toys and coats to 33 children from 17 families. Fifteen seniors also received Christmas baskets and a visit. One senior turns 104 on Christmas Eve, and the students of Lake George Charter School made special birthday cards that were delivered along with the Christmas basket. This year’s toy and coat drive was a huge success thanks to the generosity of the community, allowing local families and seniors to celebrate the season with Santa and friends. Firefighters also spent several hours wrapping all the gifts and putting together the baskets for seniors. “We love our community and being able to spread a bit of Christmas cheer is something we look forward to every year and thanks to the generosity of our community, it was all possible,” said Chief Susan Bernstetter. GOCO awards grant The Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) board awarded $75,000 to the Box 6 Ranch Conservation Legacy in Park County. At the base of Thirtynine Mile Mountain, this 2,444-acre ranch is a large, intact and ecologically diverse landscape that includes more than 70 acres of wetlands. A conservation easement will help protect habitat for dozens of wildlife species, including species of special concern. The ranch’s rotational grazing system supports a sustainable ranching operation. The property borders Pike National Forest and sits next to a growing block of conserved lands. Its varied and remote terrain will help the land stay resilient to climate change, supports connected wildlife habitat, adds to the area’s landscape diversity and allows water to spread naturally across the property. Woodland Park Lions Club opens sign-ups for winter cornhole league Sign-ups are now open for the Woodland Park Lions Club’s Winter Cornhole League. The indoor cornhole league runs for eight weeks, from Jan. 14-March 4 on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Shining Mountain Golf Course. Cost is $65 for the full season or $10 a week. All proceeds will be donated to various charities, most of which are local, the Lions Club said. No team? No problem. This is a social, recreation league where you’ll play with and against different people each week. No experience is necessary; just show up ready to have fun, laugh, and maybe sink a few clutch shots. All skill levels are welcome. Call Peggy at 719-725-2381 or email [email protected] with questions or to sign up. ...read more read less