Courier View Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak 9-18-2013
Teller County, Colorado • Volume 52, Issue 38
September 18, 2013
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourtellercountynews.com
Weather wreaks havoc on area Businesses impacted by floods, road closures By Jenette DaPolito Special to Courier
While the summer was enjoyable, it definitely has had its challenges. The flooding, mud slides and road closures over the past few months have wreaked havoc on all local residents. Our community as a whole has been affected, virtually being turned upside down. What has been the effect on local businesses? The community thrives on tourism and much of that tourism comes from Colorado Springs by way of Ute Pass. Each business is affected differently, depending on their location, what they offer and what their hours are. Adele Faber, the owner of Joanie’s Deli, had positive words to say, “Our business has not been adversely affected by the flooding, I think it’s because we serve breakfast and lunch and people have been concerned about flooding in the afternoon. Also, people are stuck up here, so when the pass has been closed during the day people need a place to go and hang out and so, we’re one of the places they go. If there is any light in that tunnel, this is it.” Of course, tourists aren’t the only ones who support the community. Adele expressed her appreciation for locals saying,
A Colorado State Trooper closes U.S. Highway 24 at Cascade during a recent flash flooding alert. Photo courtesy of Jenette DaPolito “We have a lot of customers who live up here, who are regular customers, and they support us. And that is good for us.” Renae Trichell, the owner of Brenda’s Boutique, described the mixed effects of the road closures on her business saying,
“Good and bad, of course I can see the drop off in the afternoon when people want to get back to Colorado Springs. And then sometimes during the day they’re stuck here so they come in and that’s a good thing. They may not buy anything
but at least they’ve stopped in, they now know the store is here. People have said ‘we almost didn’t come because of the flooding.’” The Dinosaur Museum, which is tied largely to tourists coming and going, has certainly faced a lack of business because of the closures of major tourist routes. “We’ve been a lot lower than we normally are as far as business goes. We are hurting on account of the flooding and fires,” said John Daigle, an employee at the museum. Cascade has been greatly affected by flooding and road closures one business that has been affected repeatedly over the past several months is the Wines of Colorado. This restaurant and winery even offers its guests creekside dining. Marv Parliament who owns the restaurant holds an admirable anxiety-free view of the flooding. “Its been an impact on our business but we’re still hanging in there. Its a natural problem and we can’t do much about it. We do get quite a bit of business when the road is closed, so that helps. But people are hesitant to come up the pass with threats of flooding and threats of road closure, so hopefully its about over. We have to be optimistic.” Clearly, impacts on local businesses have been significant. Whether the effects are good or bad business owners portray a positive outlook. Certainly optimism on the part of all residents is crucial to get through a trying time for the community.
Oktoberfest a fun community, family affair Beer vies with games to attract diverse audience By Pat Hill
phill@ourcoloradonews.com For the past 15 years, Woodland Park has observed the beginning of fall with the Oktoberfest festival. Sponsored by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, the event pays tribute to beer, in the Munich tradition, while featuring German food, music and games. With free admission for children, Oktoberfest features day-long activities that include a climbing wall as well as an obstacle course. There will be a large slide on hand, a place for toddlers to play and a bounce house. The balloon guy – who creates a range IF YOU GO of characters – will be there, along with the traThe 16th-annual ditional treats of cotton Oktoberfest is candy and snow cones. from 11 a.m. to 6 “The kids can dance p.m. Sept. 21 and to the chicken dance 22 at the Ute Pass too,” said Debbie Miller, Cultural Center, president of the chamboth inside and ber. outside on the For adults, there will green. For adults, be beer from Woodland the price is $6, and Park’s Bierwerks and Bafor senior citizens, nana Belt Liquors as well $5, with a $1 as the Bristol Brewery in discount for online Colorado Springs. purchase. Pets are Several bands will not allowed at the also perform. event. A two-day event, OkPOSTAL ADDRESS
The annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce, includes music, games, food and camaraderie. toberfest is a day to be German, to celebrate the advent of fall and, in Woodland Park, to honor the military. “Many of the soldiers at Fort Carson
spent time in Germany; they understand we’re not Munich, but Oktoberfest is an opportunity for them to come up here and enjoy the festival,” Miller said. For active-duty military, the price of admission includes a dollar discount, plus free tickets for the first beer, brat, wine or soda. In Woodland Park, Oktoberfest is a Printed on recycled community affair, with more than 200 newsprint. Please recycle this copy. volunteers that help to stage the event.
Oktoberfest is a family affair with games and prizes for kids and adults. Last year, the climbing wall was one of the most popular games. Courtesy photos