2 minute read
RENAISSANCE
has been a part of the theme park since 2002, feels the same way.
“Seeing that wonder in kids’ eyes, that’s one of my favorite things,” he said.
Mindykowski said he feels the Colorado Renaissance Festival is di erent from others because everyone from the cast to the crew is extremely kind to patrons.
“Everybody says our festival is the friendliest and I really pride ourselves as management that we instill that in everybody,” he said. e duke said while the festival can cause tra c in Larkspur, it’s bene cial to the town’s economy and brings new people to the community every year.
David Seeley, who originally worked for a merchant, has worked at the festival since 2001 and took on the role of King George six years ago.
“ is one of the few places where people come just to have a good time. My favorite aspect of this season is just the renewal of the cast,” another said Mill Creek did a good job reaching out to the community. ose against the development were concerned the additional units would bring more density. Residents said the development would worsen tra c congestion and parking issues, increase crime and put more strain on the schools with additional students.
Stroh Ranch resident Joy Overbeck said there are public safety concerns, citing crime statistics from the Parker Police Department that have shown an increase in crime at the three complexes closest to Stroh.
“We Stroh residents have suffered more break-ins and other crimes since South Ranch Crossing apartments opened in October,” said Overbeck. “Our once peaceful neighborhood - children are being harassed, called obscene names at our playgrounds and people are smoking weed in our parking lots.”
Another resident moved to Parker from Denver to be in a safer community and better quality of life also worries about the increase in crime. Having herself and family been a victim of a crime, Martha Martinez spoke about her experience living across from an area that was redeveloped.
“Let’s keep it as it is and protect the voters, the people that you know, your families,” said Martinez. “I plead to you as a mom, as a nurse, as a woman, that’s all I can do for you - this is my simple statement. And from my growing up and from seeing what has happened in Denver, this is what’s going to happen here in Stroh Ranch.” he said. “People visit from all over the country, and they commonly comment about it’s so di erent here because we’re just a big family and it’s just a big heart that we have.”
Details concerning the development and public comment can be found on the Town of Parker’s Youtube Channel.
Colorado natives, high school sweethearts and married couple John and Pinkie Stepp, also known as omas and Elizabeth Howard, the Duke and Duchess of Norford, rst came to the fair in 1979, became consistent patrons in 1996 and joined the cast 15 years ago.
Based on real people in history, John and Pinkie love bringing the 16th century alive for people through their characters.
“One of the things I love most is, as we walk around and entertain, people ask questions and I can share historical things like how we’re dressed and what’s important,” Pinkie said.
For John, there is nowhere greater to be than the Colorado Renaissance Festival.
“With all due respect I think Mr. Disney was wrong. is is in fact the happiest place on Earth,” John said.
For more information, visit coloradorenaissance.com
