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Celebrating 20 Years Serving Colorado’s Gaming Community y www.coloradogambler.com coloradogambler cogamblerr

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December 18 - 31, 2012

See Cover Story Pages 8 -11

Check Out Valuable Coupons on page 14

CASINO PROFILE

‘Tis the season for celebrations, giveaways, promos at Red Dolly Page 6

HOLIDAYS

Holiday traditions originate from both Christian, pagan traditions Page 15

HOLIDAYs A Gilpin County Christmas Page 18

TRAIL’S END A Christmas Turkey Shoot Page 21

COUPONS • COLORADO HISTORY • CASINO GUIDE •GAMING • MAP • ENTER TAINMENT

The Last Hand

The Gift of Christmas Spirit Remembered Publisher’s Note: being injured or cut, although I I’ve written this piece before did have some close calls. but it has joined thousands of Mother was very busy as she columns buried somewhere in was making chocolate fudge, computer files in digital storage. baking cookies and assorted So here is an updated Christmas goodies. I licked my lips and story from long, long ago. thought about what a wondrous In my early years I grew up on Christmas Eve we would enjoy a cattle ranch in far northwest By Bob Sweeney that night before Santa found Colorado in an area described by our Christmas tree and delivauthor John Rolfe Burrough’s book, Where ered my presents.

The Old West Stayed Young. We lived on We lived more than 30 miles from town, the cusp of that area, and my ancestors had no telephone, running water or eleccowboyed and wintered their cattle on the tricity, and we had outdoor plumbing; we open range of Brown’s Park before fences were still living in the “Old West.” and public land settlement occurred under It was a cold December afternoon and the Homestead Act. my dad backed the white Plymouth sedan It was the day before Christmas and my out of the barn and parked by the kitchen school teaching mother was at home pre- door. By this time my mother had packparing for the holiday. aged up all of the afternoon creations and Early in the afternoon she asked me to was loading them in the car trunk to utter fetch some wood and coal for our big kitch- dismay. What was happening to that wonen stove that was fueled by those items. It derful fudge made with fresh cream from was my job as 6-year-old to keep the coal our milk cow…disaster had struck. bucket and wood box full.

“Jump in the car,” I was told by mother.

I loved to play in the woodpile of logs Down the dirt road, we went for about out in the ranch yard. A large axe was al- 10 miles past Juniper Springs where there ways at hand where those older than my- was a silent store and post office and a self chopped kindling. I was told not to hot water spring where early Indians had play with the axe, but I spent many a day bathed. Driving deeper into the wilderness amusing myself by chopping wood, never up a mountain valley and through sage-

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brush country, we saw a light and drove down in and out of a deep gulch – stopping in the yard of a log cabin with a dim light glowing out of the single kitchen window.

Barking dogs greeted us and then the door opened. A man greeted us in surprise.

It was Christmas Eve and sitting around a table was a family of eight with a tin of cornbread, as their only visible meal.

My mother presented the box filled with treats and presents; I can remember the glee in the faces of the children receiving these gifts and candies. Now it all made sense to me and I was so proud of my mother and father for thinking of this family on Christmas Eve. We didn’t stay long, we headed back home and I laughed all the way, I thought that event was just tremendous and still think about it now at Christmas time.

My mother taught those kids in what was called the Saddle Mountain School where she rode horseback to teach. She knew the family situation and did something about it.

For years, the father would come to our ranch and help us put up hay in the summer time. He died many years later pushing a stalled car and suffered a heart attack helping others. The kids grew up and I knew many of them in Craig.

Most recently, I found one of them in a rest home in Palisade and I plan on visiting her soon.

I’ll take a box of candy along for good measure and a lesson learned from my parwww.coloradogambler.com ents about the true meaning of Christmas.

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THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

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December 18 - 31, 2012

Going Green

Keeping Christmas simple and green

By Margaret Malsam

D

uring the holiday season, Consumer Reports magazine estimates that Americans spend about 19 hours shopping and three hours wrapping gifts.

Serious Black Friday shoppers probably can add another 10 or more hours shopping and standing in line. That’s not being green.

Don’t let yourself be caught in this commercial trap of trying to buy more “stuff.” Instead try to prepare for a simple green Christmas filled with more love and joy rather than buying from a sense of duty.

Times and traditions may have changed, but the true spirit of “peace on earth and good will to all” should remain the focus of our holiday season. Here are some simple ways to capture some of the joys of the season.

Prioritize

Decide what’s really important for you and your family. As the family grows, you may need to drop some old traditions and find some new ways to celebrate. Keep what’s really important, but don’t be afraid to discard old customs if they are no longer meaningful

Earthlinks at www.earthlinkscolorado.org.

The organization provides a work program for people who are homeless and low-income to learn skills and create earthfriendly products that sustain the people and the planet. You can choose creative, handcrafted items, such as decorative candles made from melted wax of church candles and packed into recycled baby food jars, jewelry and bird houses crafted from gourds grown in their garden, worm composting system, local honey, bee works soaps, organic catnip toys, etc.. Enjoy coffee, tea and snacks while you shop at Earthlinks’ holiday open house at 2828 Larimer on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Heirloom gift

This is really recycling with heart. Most of us have family keepsakes that we truly treasure. The keepsakes may and may not valuable, but they are things that we want to pass on to the next generation.

Acts of Kindness

Acts of kindness can be a thoughtful short note or a telephone call to those who are lonely, depressed, suffering from health problems or grieving over the loss of a loved one. Or it can be sharing one of your traditional holiday foods. I’ll never forget the kindness of a friend who brought me a portion of her family’s favorite Mexican casserole a few days before Christmas when I was grieving over the recent death of my mother.

That small act of thoughtfulness helped usher me into the Christmas season.

Green gifts

Gifts that you have made or purchased will be much appreciated. They truly convey the messages of the Christmas season, which are love, hope and happiness for all. If you aren’t crafty, you can order earth-friendly gifts online from Colorado’s

PAGE 4

Memorable food

Eating is a big part of the celebration of the season. Food, served to guests or given as gifts, is a creative ways of saying “I care about you.” The holidays are a time for celebrating, and preparing special foods to share with the people you love. Let youngsters roll out sugar cookies and cut them into traditional shapes with cookie cutters. Every year I bake candied, raisin Christmas breads in my bread machine and a Happy Birthday cake for Jesus and let the children blow out the candles.

Technology

Emailing a personalized Christmas

What’s Rockin’

Your guide to live entertainment and events at Colorado’s casinos

Reserve Casino Hotel

Dec. 21-22: Hazel Miller – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28: New Classics – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 29: Molly Hatchet – Ticketed Show Dec. 30: Romero and Trinidad Acoustic – FREE Show doors open at 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 31: Romeo Delight/Soul Crusher – FREE Show doors open at 9:30 p.m.

Hazel Miller

The Lava Room entertainment, doors open at 8:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). All entertainment starts at 9 p.m. and ends at midnight, unless otherwise noted. For upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit www. reservecasinohotel.com or www.RCHlive.com.

www.reservecasinohotel.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk Dec. 21 – 22: Margarita Brothers (Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet, variety) Dec. 26 – 27: Phat Daddy, 7 – 11 p.m. (today’s hits, variety) Dec. 28 – 30: Raising Cain (today’s hits, rock, variety) Dec. 31: Sambadende, 9:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Samba, Brazilian)

Margarita Brothers

Enjoy live entertainment on the Caribbean Cove bar stage.

www.black-hawk.isleofcapricasinos.com

Fitzgeralds Casino Black Hawk DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited

DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited

NewYear’s Eve: Enjoy live entertainment on the casino floor by DJ Mario of Sounds Unlimited from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

www.fitzgeraldsbh.com message instead of buying and mailing Christmas cards saves paper, mailing costs and your time. I have been composing a short Christmas letter with uploaded pictures for friends and family for several years.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Wrapping gifts

Useful gift wrappings are another way to go green. Be creative. For a baby gift, wrap with a colorful baby blanket. Use a terrycloth towel to wrap a kitchen item, and a pretty scarf to wrap a ladies gift.

December 18 - 31, 2012

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12:30am drawing is on 1/1/13.

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Casino Profile

Red Dolly General Manager Patrick O’Hara, Assistant General Manager Marc Garin, and staff members Amber, George and Joseph

Red Dolly is giving away this rugged Can AM ATV in its 4x4 Winter Giveaway.

Photos by Suzanne Paulman

Red Dolly wants to help you be merry this holiday season

By Suzanne Paulman

‘Tis the season to be merry and bright—whether you are sporting a few festive red and green glow sticks yourself to add to cheery holiday lights—head over to Red Dolly Casino at 530 Gregory St. in Black Hawk for tons of fun. The bright and friendly casino has plenty of numerous promos and specials to make you merry this season.

The Snowballs of Cash promo is ready and waiting for you. For every 100 points accumulated during play from Dec. 9-21, earn an entry into the progressive drawing drum for Saturday, Dec. 22. Fifteen participants will be selected from the drum entries to pick a prize envelope. Each envelope will contain a prize ranging from $50 to $500 with the top award being the progressive amount. If the top award is not picked, the next progressive prize amount will increase by $1,250. The drum is cleared of all entries after a drawing when new entries will be earned. After Dec. 22 the next scheduled drawing will be held Tuesday, Jan. 1.

This month also continues Tailgate Specials. During the regular football season free tailgate food is offered on Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. Be sure to wear your favorite home team jersey! Whenever the Broncos are playing and a touchdown is scored, Red Dolly will do a random hot seat drawing for $15. For every field goal scored, the drawing will be for $5. If you are wearing a home team jersey and are selected, the drawing amount doubles.

A Happy Hour Menu is served Monday through Friday from 4 – 7 p.m. and delightful treats such as nachos with taco meat, pepperoni pizza, and triple decker grilled cheese are featured for just $1.99. What a great way to enjoy your gaming by snacking on delicious food.

December sees the continuation of the

PAGE 6

also prepared some tantalizing 4x4 Winter Giveholiday dishes for the Dolly’s away where Red special Christmas and New Dolly is giving Year’s dinners. Christmas dinaway a rugged Can AM ATV. With ner will feature honey glazed its bright lights ham with a green bean casseit’s guaranteed to role, mashed potatoes and grabrighten your way down vy, dinner roll and salad, with any of Santa’s secret trails the piece de resistance a slice in case you are in a hurry of pecan pie. Christmas dinner to give—or get—holiday will be offered from 11 a.m. – 10 presents. Start racking up p.m. in the restaurant for $8.99 your points for entries into or 200 points. the drawing for this smooth Celebrate lucky beginnings beauty before Santa beats with the Dolly’s lavish New you to it. Every 50 points acYear’s Eve Surf ‘n Turf dinner of hand cut rib-eye steak, lobcumulated in play earns an Restaurant waitress Holly entry. This “Caddy of ATVs” with decadent Choc’Late ster tail, loaded baked potato, grilled asparagus, dinner salad will be given away in an ex- Lovin’ Spoon Cake or cup of soup, dinner roll, and citing drawing to be held on strawberry cheesecake crunch for $24.99.

Friday, Dec. 28.

Complement your New Year’s Eve dinner Have you tried the Dolly’s recently improved restaurant’s menu? If you like break- by playing the midnight Balloon Pop at the fast any time of the day, Red Dolly offers its Dolly. After earning 25 points to join the fun, filling Jackpot Breakfast of two eggs cooked pop a balloon to capture a prize award rangany style, hash browns, toast, and your ing from free food to big bucks. The festivichoice of bacon, sausage links or grilled ham ties continue through the night with a comfor only $4.99 throughout restaurant hours. plimentary champagne toast to celebrate the Who can resist a freshly baked homemade New Year. cinnamon roll—add it to your breakfast for The casino’s General Manager Patrick $1.99.

O’Hara and the Red Dolly staff invite you to One of the new dinner dishes featured experience the sensational new games, proon the renovated menu is pub style fish and mos and dining available at the casino. If you chips made with fresh cod dipped in the are not already a player’s club card memDolly’s homemade herb beer batter. Another ber, check at the cashier’s cage on the main superb dish is the pasta Alfredo with a home- floor on how to become a member. Being a made sauce and penne pasta for $8.99. Add member makes you eligible for more of the baked or grilled chicken for $1 or succulent exciting promos and specials offered by the shrimp for $2 to the pasta for a truly delicious casino.

For more information, call 303-582-1100 meal. And, of course, there’s Black Hawk’s Best, Red Dolly’s Signature Prime Rib, served or visit www.reddollycasino.net. O’Hara and with a fresh dinner roll, baked potato, and the Red Dolly staff wish you a very happy holvegetables, always available for $5.99. iday season and look forward to seeing you at Red Dolly’s chef, Russell Woodcock, has the Dolly soon.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Red Dolly Chef Russell Woodcock

Red Dolly chef shares one of his favorite holiday treats

By Suzanne Paulman

Red Dolly’s renowned restaurant’s chef is Russell Woodcock, who prepares the restaurant’s dishes from fresh food and from scratch. Woodcock has an extensive background in the food industry and has traveled a great deal, experiencing a variety of cuisines. He combines his training and travel experience in creating his own original dishes, which are now offered on Red Dolly’s restaurant’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus.

“Puppy Chow” is a kid-tested, tried and true, holiday treat that is easy to make—and eat! Try some by using the following recipe.

Puppy Chow 12 oz. chocolate chips 1 cup peanut butter ¼ lbs. butter or margarine 1 bag Chex Mix Snack Mix 1 tbs. vanilla extract 2 cups powdered sugar Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter or margarine, and vanilla over medium heat in a sauce pot. Pour Chex Mix in a large bowl. Pour melted chocolate mix over Chex Mix and mix until completely coated. Spread over sheet of waxed paper and then sift powdered sugar over the top. Enjoy.

December 18 - 31, 2012

Humor

The letter to make you feel better about yourself Did you ever get one of those mer. You probably didn’t know Christmas letters where the writer you could have an emergency incarries on about the exciting advolving lip balm. ME NEITHER! ventures and numerous successes But one day when I was digging they’ve had over the past year, for mine, I heard a voice from the leaving you feeling inadequate depths of my purse saying, “911, and as interesting as a tree sloth? what’s your emergency?” I had This won’t be one of those. In fact accidentally dialed 911 on my cell you should be feeling pretty good phone. That’s amazing, considerabout yourself by the time I’m fining the chaos at the bottom of my ished. I didn’t do anything excitpurse. I doubt I could do as well ing this year, unless you count the By Dorothy Rosby in an actual emergency. I hung drosby@rushmore.com Wii bowling league I participated up fast because that seemed wiser in, and I was not to successful at than saying, “I lost my lip balm.” that.

In July, my family moved our office to Actually, it was kind of a tough year. For our guest room, our guest room to my son’s one thing, I had a preview of how you spend bedroom, and my son’s bedroom to our ofall eternity if you die and go to hell. I was on fice. I’m sure we had a good reason for dothe phone half a day with various insurance, ing it, but right now, I can’t, for the life of me, pharmacy and Medicaid representatives, try- think what that was. Actually, about half way ing to get to the bottom of an issue for my through the process, I couldn’t think what it 96-year-old mother. I became aware of the was. At the time, I nicknamed the experience problem after several letters from the insurthe Great Order Restoration Project, but now ance company that were written well enough I see that was naive and overly optimistic, to be scary, but not well enough to be undersince order has yet to be restored. stood. I believe the matter is now resolved, All summer and into the fall, I dealt with but I’m not sure because I’ve stopped checka nasty case of lateral epicondylitis, which ing the mail. is the scientific term for “sore elbow,” and I I had a little lip balm emergency this sumdidn’t just develop it to get out of the Great

Order Restoration Project either. I didn’t feel right calling it by its other name, “tennis elbow,” because I don’t actually play tennis, even though, apparently I have the elbow for it.

Thankfully, my lateral epicondylitis eventually improved, but as I write this I’m recovering from another health issue. (I know how everyone enjoys reading about minor health problems in Christmas letters.) I recently had a bone spur removed from the tip of my big toe. As you can imagine, this is an inconvenient place for a bone spur, and I’ll tell you what else is inconvenient: Trying to get in out of a bath tub on one foot so you don’t get your bandages wet.

Save a toe; break a leg.

In April, I got a new car and passed my old one on to my son.

He was as excited as a teenage boy can be – teenage boy who desperately wants a brand, new Dodge Power Wagon with grill guard and tinted windows but gets a 2004 Subaru Forester with hail dents and 140,000 miles instead. Incidentally, he also wants a dog. So this summer, we got him a canary. Do you see a pattern here? No one will ever say we spoil our child, especially him.

We celebrated National Root Beer Float Day on Aug. 6, but because I’m not particularly fond of root beer, I had chocolate syrup on my ice cream. We enjoyed it so much that I’ve decided to celebrate it again next year.

I may not wait until Aug. 6 though, because truly, National Root Beer Float Day was the highlight of my year, and remember, I don’t even like root beer. Do you feel better about yourself yet?

(Send your Christmas letters to drosby@rushmore. com or see www.dorothy rosby.com. Follow on twitter @dorothyrosby.)

HO, HO, HO!

Happy Holidays

Dorothy Rosby

THIS CHARIOT DOESN’T TURN INTO A PUMPKIN!

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WIN ME!

10 free entries in to the ATV Giveaway with new Players Card sign up and this coupon Current Players Card Members receive 5 free entries with this coupon.

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530 Gregory St. Black Hawk, Colorado • I-70 to Exit 243 On your right, just past the RESERVE, from Central City December 18 - 31, 2012

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 7

Isle on Monday, Dec. 24. This is your chance to experience the history, landscapes, art and culture of Asia.

Winners of the 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. drawings will receive multiply your winnings up to 5X. Visit Guest Services for $1,000. Winners of the 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. complete details. Must be a Lucky Bull Club member and drawings will win a trip. Receive one free entry and adpresent to win. Must earn 100 points to be eligible for ditional entries with each 10 unadjusted points earned that days drawing. Limit one prize per person per day. on your player’s card. www.canyoncasino.com

Unwrap Some Cash

The holidays are here and we want to give you a chance to unwrap some cash. Join us the first four Saturdays in December between 5 – 9 p.m., play on your Canyon Club card and you could be selected to unwrap a present from under our tree worth up to $1,000. Plus after the drawings we’ll be doing a special drawing for an electronics package that would look great under your tree.

Multiplier Mania

Dec. 26, 27 and 28, noon – 6 p.m.

• Play 1 day, earn 2X Points.

• Play 2 days, earn 3X Points.

• Play 3 days, earn 4X Points Video poker not included. Must earn 100 base points each day To receive the increased multiplier for the following day.

This New Year’s Eve - Count Up To Cash

As we count down to a New Year, the Isle will Count Up to Cash! Win your share of more than $10,000. Hourly drawings will take place from 8 – 11 p.m., and then ring in 2013 at 12:30 a.m. with $2,013.

Isle guests will receive one free entry and additional entries with each set of 10 unadjusted points earned when you swipe your player’s card.

Buy $10 in Gas, Get $10 Free SLOTPLAY

Get lucky in 2013, win up to $13,000

Sundays, Dec. 30, just bring your same-day receipt from the nearby Shell Station on Hwy 119 to colPlay on your Canyon club card on Wednesday and Fridays and earn 4X points automatically while you lect your Free SLOTPLAY prize. Limit one redemption per person per day. Cannot be combined with any other play in December. offer.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, there will be $1,000 drawings every half hour from noon to 6 p.m. Isle guests will receive one free entry and earn additional entries with every 10 unadjusted points when you swipe your player’s card.

3X Sundays

$20 Bus Reimbursement

Special holiday offerings at Calypso’s Buffet

4X Fridays

On Sunday, Dec. 23, play with your Canyon Club card and earn 3X Points on all slots and video poker!

Why Drive? Just present your bus ticket at Guest The Chef’s at Calypso’s will be preparing traditional Services and receive $20 in Free SLOTPLAY! Yours with holiday menu’s for the holidays, all for just $24.99. Dec. $15,000 New Year’s Eve Giveaway just 100 points earned. Limit one reimbursement per 24, enjoy the dinner buffet that will have an expanded Start earning entries Dec. 1 for our New Year’s Eve person, per day. selection of Asian items from 3:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dec. 25, Cash Giveaway. Every 100 base points earned gets you Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 will feature traditional holiday favorone entry closer to winning up to $10,000! On Monday, ites, crab legs all day long and brunch items until 2 p.m.

Dec. 31, between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., winners will be Like Us On Facebook Stay up to date on all the latest news, promotions chosen to win. The more entries you earn the better Bus Fare Refund your chances are. Remember to pick up your entries and events at Bullwhackers. Visit facebook.com/bullThe Isle will refund your bus fare up to $20. Simwhackerscasino. daily. On Mondays earn 3X entries! ply earn 35 unadjusted points on your player’s card and present your return bus ticket to the player’s club or cashier services. Table Games and Poker players will receive their bus fare back with four hours of consecutive play. www.bullwhackerscasino.com

New Year’s Eve Hot Seats

Monday, Dec. 31, noon – close, We’re giving away Free SLOTPLAY every hour. At midnight, someone will win a 3-D, 46” Big Screen LED TV with Blu-Ray Player and 3-Glasses (an $1,800 value). Ring in the New Year at your favorite place to play - Bullwhackers Casino. Must be a Lucky Bull Club member and present to win. All guests will be automatically entered into the Midnight Drawing. Must be actively playing with your Lucky Bull Club card inserted in a slot machine to be eligible for the Free SLOTPLAY Prize. Limit one prize per person per promotion.

Paradise 50 Plus

All guests age 50 or better can join the Paradise 50 Plus club on Sundays and Mondays. You will receive 3X Wheel Of Winners points on all slots, 2X points on video poker, a free soft Win your share of $50,000 in cash and prizes every serve ice cream and a Free Calypso’s Buffet after earnFriday in December. There will be five winners each ing five unadjusted points. For complete details, visit hour, 5 – 10 p.m. and the lucky winners will spin the the player’s club.

Wheel of Winners. Receive one free entry each promotion day and earn additional with every 10 unadjusted Player’s Club points. Play on Tuesdays in December and earn 4X enAll new members of the IsleOne Player’s Club will tries for the Wheel of Winners drawings. find a Gateway to Winning with their new memberwww.theisleblackhawk.com

points to receive your hotel offer. This offer is valid only on the day the points are earned and is based on availability, blackout days may apply...

Table Games

The Isle has all your favorite table games including blackjack, three card poker, let it ride, bonus 6, Texas Hold’em Bonus, buffalo blackjack, roulette and craps with 10 times odds. New in table games is Double Deck blackJack, Emperor’s Challenge and 21+3. Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’Em and Let-It-Ride are all linked to a progressive jackpot. Three Card Poker has a progressive jackpot all of its own. Play “Craps-Free Craps” and with 10X odds only at the Isle.

Poker Room

Straight Flush Daily Progressive – Get a straight flush to win the progressive bonus; $25 will be added to each suits progressive. The winner must be a live-action seated Texas Hold’em player to receive the bonus.

Quad of the Day Weekend Progressive - Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m., $100 will be paid to the first selected quad of the day! If the quad of the day is not hit, the prize money will roll over to the next day’s quad of the day bonus.

Tournaments – Mondays through Fridays there will be two tournaments each day at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Enjoy late night? Play in the midnight madness No Limit Hold’em games at 1 a.m. and the afternoon tournaments at 1 p.m. on Saturday’s and Sunday. For complete information, contact the Poker room at 303998-7905.

Bad Beat – The Isle has the easiest bad beat in Black Hawk to win. Four eights or better beat pays 75% of the total jackpot pool. Any 4-of-a-kind or better beat (four 2s to four 7s) pays 50% of the total jackpot pool and Aces full of 10s or better beat 10% of the total jackpot pool. The Bad Beat Jackpot amount as of Dec. 6 is $391,580. For complete rules, contact the Poker Room at 303-998-7905

Tradewinds Features Burgers

Tradewinds at the Isle has a new menu that features what we believe to be the best hamburgers in Black Hawk. Whether you try the classics, a green chile and chipotle, the black and blue or mushroom and Swiss burger you will not be disappointed. Tradewinds even offers a mouthwatering cheeseburger burrito.

ship. Begin earning cash and comps the very same day www.fitzgeraldsbh.com Each Thursday in December, play 30 minutes on you sign up! your player’s card and receive a free Calypso’s Buffet.

Holiday Happiness It’s easy, simply register at the player’s club or cashier Play and Stay at The Isle Play 30 unadjusted points on your IsleOne club card 12 Straight Days of Winning Win up to $2,500 every Saturday in December. Two services prior to playing.

Sundays through Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 10 winners will be drawn each hour at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Bullwhackers 12 Days of Christmas Free SLOTPLAY p.m. and stay the night on us. Check with the Player’s Giveaway, now through Dec. 24, noon – 8 p.m. Twelve Asian Adventure Giveaway Continued on page 9 Win a 10-day tour of China or Vietnam only at the Club or Cashier Services once you have earned your players each day will win Free SLOTPLAY. You could PAGE 8

Free Food Thursday’s

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

Continued from Page 8

www.fitzgeraldsbh.com Key Rewards Members receive one FREE entry; earn additional entries for every 100 base points earned for the week. Platinum and Access members get bonus entries!

Win $500 in the Sun-Harley Party Pit

Spin to Win Point Multiplier Wheel

Spin the cash back point multiplier wheel every Sunday in December from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and you could multiply your points up to 10X. The multiplier will begin once the wheel has been spun, so be sure to spin before you play. Not valid on video poker or keno.

Bus Redemption Program

Gold Key Rewards members earn 300 base points for $20, Platinum Key Rewards members earn 250 base points for $20, and Access Key Rewards Members receive a free $20 bus refund.

Win $500 by playing table games in the Sun-Harley Party Pit Fridays, Dec. 21 and 28, and Saturdays, Dec. 22 and 29 at 11 p.m. Get 2X entries when you play SundayThursday and 5X entries on Friday.

6X Points on Pennies

Earn 6X Points on penny slots five days a week! Play your favorite loose penny slots Monday-Friday from noon – 7 p.m. to earn 6X Points on penny slots. Not valid on video poker and keno.

Shopping Day

Every Thursday in December from noon – 6 p.m. earn 10 base points and proceed to the promotional area to choose your gift. Supplies are limited.

New Year’s Eve

Fitzgeralds is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. The $10,000 Countdown to Cash will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a $1,000 cash prize and the cash increases as we ring in the New Year until 12:30 a.m. All Key Rewards member’s receive one FREE entry; earn additional entries for every 100 base points earned from Dec. 25-31. Additionally, get your party favors starting at 8 p.m. and join in on the champagne toast at midnight.

Holiday Hours

The weekend hours of operation following the Christmas holiday will be as follows; the casino will open 9 a.m., Friday, Dec. 28, and will close Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 3 a.m.

Shamrock Specials

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

$7.77: Honey glazed ham, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll & butter $21.99: Slow roasted prime rib with grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables and dinner roll & butter $2.50: Bread pudding

Fitz 50

Fitz 50 is now even better, with 4X points on slots and 3X points on video poker and keno! Every Monday and Tuesday, guests older than 50 will receive the point multiplier and a discounted menu at the Shamrock Cafe.

December 18 - 31, 2012

the Snowballs of Cash Drawing which if no one won could be more than $8,000 dollars.

Tailgate Specials

Free Tailgate food on Sundays from noon – 6 p.m. during regular season football games. Make sure to wear your favorite jersey. When the Broncos are playing during games for every touchdown scored we will do a random hot seat for $15 for every field goal $5 amount doubles if you are wearing a home team jersey. Come watch the games and play at the Dolly.

Ornament Giveaway

www.reddollycasino.net

Snowballs of Cash

Saturday Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Jan. 1, the Red Dolly is continuing Snowballs of Cash through December. Accumulate entries Dec. 9 – 21 for the drawing on the Dec. 22 for your chance at the grand prize it could be more than $6,000 if no one has selected the top award.

Ready 4X4 Winter – ATV Giveaway

Receive free collectible ornament with 150 points earned, Dec. 21 (Finale Dec. 25). Pick an ornament off the giving tree could be Christmas cash or other prizes. For every 50 points earned Sunday through Thursday, a customer will receive one entry. Entries will be randomly selected from the drum of earned entries Friday from noon 10 p.m. for a total of 20 winners to pick an ornament off the Red Dolly Christmas tree-prizes range from extra entries for the Finale, cash, gift cards or other various items. For the finale on the 25th of those 60 winners 10 winners will be selected to pick a present from the tree for larger cash awards. Finale starts at 2 – 10 p.m. on Dec. 25.

Holiday Ham Giveaway

Earn points on Thursdays to take home a free Christmas Ham.

Monday Madness-Continues

Each Monday night football game of the regular season we will be hosting Monday Night Football during the game. Wear your jersey and enter the Red Dolly Football Pool-random hot seats on Tuesday and Thursdays from noon –10 p.m. to be selected to pick your square. Return on Monday to watch the game and win $50 for the winning numbers of quarter 1, 2 and 3 and $100 for final quarter and score-Must be present to win-if winner is not present amount for that quarter carries over into same quarter next Monday night.

Sunrise Surprise continues

Monday thru Thursday 8 – 11 a.m.: Patrons whom hit a jackpot ($300 or greater on slots/$450 on VP) will choose from 100 envelopes that contain cash awards or (1) double your jackpot envelope up to $500.

Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m.: Loyal patrons with a player card will receive $1.99 menu from 4-7 p.m. Monday thru Friday.

December continues our ATV giveaway. Earn your chance to drive off on a ATV provided by Motor City Power Sports on Dec. 28.

Naughty and Nice

Sunday, Dec. 23, we will offer a chance to win $500 in cash plus other fabulous prizes.

Must be present to win. Drawings between noon – 10 p.m. Winners choose from 100 envelopes that tell them if they have been naughty or nice.

Those winners will either select from the Nice stockings or the naughty stockings. You could win up to $500 or other fabulous prizes.

Balloon Pop – Monday New Year’s Eve (Midnight)

It is back by popular demand, Red Dolly will host a balloon pop on New Year’s Eve. Starting Christmas day, earn 25 points on your card per entry on New Year’s Eve starting at noon we will start selecting names from the drum of earned entries every 15 minutes to pop a balloon and see the prizes. Come join the fun and excitement to ring in the New Year. We will continue through the night with dinner specials, complimentary champagne toast and at 1 a.m. until close, the Red Dolly will be offering complimentary appetizers, donuts and coffee to all active players

New Year’s Day

Ring in the New Year with a bonus round of

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 9

Central City Nuggets

November, players can register at the player’s club to earn 5X points on penny slots.

Free Bingo

Bingo in the Lava Room every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

ww.reservecasinohotel.com

Cool Point Race To Hot Vegas Action

Big Bonus Bingo

First 20 guests to reach 75,000 unadjusted accumulated points in December will win a trip for two to Vegas in March. See Player’s Club for details.

Dec. 23, 27, and 28 at 4 p.m. – five games. First 200 people to get Bingo Card only. (Limited to 200 people only). Bingo cards are available starting at 10 a.m. at the Player’s Club.

Winter’s Hot Progressive Drawings

Merchandise Giveaways

Monday-Thursday at 8 p.m. Guests can earn entries by participating in table games (Blackjack, Craps, Three Card, Bonus 6 and Roulette). $100- winner must be present. If winner does not claim, it rolls into the next drawing. See Player’s Club for details.

New Player’s Eat Free Free buffet with 100 unadjusted points-valid for one month from issue date

Holiday Buffet Tuesday, Dec. 25, coupon required for free or discounted buffet or earn with 100 same day unadjusted points.

Starting Sunday, Dec. 16 – 20. Pandora Inspired Bracelet. Earn 500 points in one day, or accumulate 1,000 points during the week, four hours of TG/Poker or four hours in the week. While supplies last.

Aces Always

Aces Always win Mondays-Friday in the poker room, noon – 6 p.m., $25 for pocket aces beaten.

2X Tuesdays

Every Tuesday in December players can register at the Player’s Club to earn 2X points.

5X points

5X points on penny slots every Thursday in

Holiday Pie Giveaway Wednesday

Enjoy Sara Lee pie giveaways with your play.

Just earn 300 base points on the giveaway day to receive your free pie. While supplies last only. Dec. 19 – Your choice of an apple pie or a cherry pie.

Sunday Football Score Board Central-city.cnty.com

Winner Wonderland

$200 Drum Drawings on the Hour. $100 Hot Seats on the Half Hour. Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy cash drawings from 4 – 10 p.m.

Earn entries with just 150 base points, starting Dec. 1.

Entry barrel emptied each week after the Saturday, 10 p.m. drawing.

Free Slot Tourney Tuesdays

Players who join us Tuesdays get a chance to participate in Three Free Slot Tournaments with a total of $2,000 in cash prizes. Tournament seats will be filled by hot seat drawings, each round will have one VIP-only hot seat, and heats will take place every 20 minutes from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., for session two from 2 – 4 p.m., and for session three from 5 – 7 p.m.

Place in the top five in both tournament sessions and win double your cash prize for the second session.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Slot Tournaments held on Christmas Day.

Score a touchdown and $700. Sundays at Century feature drawings every half hour from 2 – 6 p.m. Every player with a Century Casino Gold Card can get one entry to the drawing per drawing day, and additional entries are available to players who receive our mailer. Winners pick spots on our game board to find out how many “yards” they earned on that “down.”

Gain a total of 10 yards or more for a First Down to win $100 instantly. Score a Field Goal to win a total of $300. And score a Touchdown to win $700.

Everyone playing the board wins at least a $50 prize.

New Members

Guests who sign up at our Player’s Club for a free club card will get a free spin, where they could win up to $1,500. New Members also receive $10 in InstaComp after earning 250 base points on their account on the day of signup.

Continued on page 11

New Year’s Eve Hot Seat Drawings Win up to

! y l t n a t s n i 0 CASH

$25

♠ 107 & 120 Main St. Central City, CO 80427 ♦ www.famousbonanza.com ♣ PAGE 10

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

Continued from page 10

Thursday Bingo Enjoy FREE Bingo every Thursday from 11 a.m.

– 7 p.m., with a $100 PRIZE for each game. Players with a Player’s Card can pick up their Bingo card at the Player’s Club one hour before each game.

Senior Celebration – Wednesday and Thursday

Guests aged 50 or better receive 2X points on their play all day from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m., plus 50 percent off purchases (up to $25 in one day) at the Retro Deli or Mid City Grill. Please note that 50 percent food discount cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount, and including the $7.99 prime rib special.

New Year’s Eve Bash

Celebrate the New Year with Your Friends at Century. Enjoy party favors, a Champagne toast, and midnight revelry as we welcome the New Year.

New Year’s Eve - New Day To Play

Starting Dec. 31, the Century Poker Room is adding a new day to play, as we will now be open on Mondays.

To celebrate, entries will be awarded from Dec. 2 – 31 during live play, to the high hand every hour. On New Year’s Eve enjoy free snacks and at 11 p.m. on, Dec. 31, we will award a Flat Screen TV to one poker player.

December 18 - 31, 2012

Sunlight Poker Bonus

$10 cash back for three hours play if seated between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and Monday, Dec. 31.

www.famousbonanza.com

Central City Nuggets New Players

Earn just 250 points on your first trip and receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

The Parlour

40 & Fab

For those guests 40 and older, Earn 2X points all day on all machines every Wednesday. $1 = 1 Point. Earn 200 base points and receive half off one menu item at Millie’s Restaurant.

Join us on your Birthday

Help us welcome the New Year with hot seat drawings, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight!

Located on the second floor of the Famous Bonanza Casino, we offer 2 Deck pitch Blackjack, Roulette and 3-Card Poker. $5 minimum to $50 maximum on 2 Deck pitch Blackjack and $3 minimum and all shoe games.

The Parlour also offers Pool and Darts!

2X Mondays

Queen of Hearts

New Players

New Year’s Eve

Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point

40 & Fab

For those guests 40 and older, Earn 2X points all day on all machines every Wednesday. $1 = 1 Point. Earn 200 base points and receive half off one menu item at Millie’s Restaurant.

Come see our newest promotion Fridays. Come get the ROYAL treatment every Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight. Entries may be earned all day Friday with every 250 points on your player’s card.

New Year’s Eve

Help us welcome the New Year with hot seat drawings, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight!

Join us on your Birthday

Come celebrate your birthday with the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.

2X Mondays

Earn 2X points all day on all machines, including video poker. $1 = 1 Point

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Come celebrate your birthday with the Famous Bonanza and Easy Street Casinos and receive 500 free points. Players over 55 years of age will receive 800 free points.

Earn just 250 points on your first trip and receive a $10 meal voucher to either Millie’s or Stella’s restaurants.

Fun for Kids

Bring your children to the lower level of the casino to enjoy a wide variety of arcade games for our under 21 guests.

Punchboard Saturdays

Every Saturday, customers will punch their way to cash prizes! Entries may be earned Saturday with every 250 points on your player’s card.

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Lester won $1,500 playing Triple Double Stars at Canyon Casino.

Luis won $5,668 playing a slot machine at Canyon Casino.

LuAnn won $1,061 playing a Sizzling 7s $1 machine at Century Casino.

Falicidad and Daniel won $500 at Fitzgeralds’ Holiday Happiness Promotion.

Maria won $6,750 playing a $5 Triple Cash machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

Roger won $10,000 playing a $1 Wild Double Lucky Strike machine at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

real

deals Here are some

valuable coupons

with exciting savings – compliments of these leading Colorado businesses!

Free Entry!

Win up to $250 CASH! Valid any Saturday.

Must be a miners club member.

Casino reserves all rights.

Cash any approved check & win up to

$100!

Offer expires December 31, 2012.

for readers of The Gambler One Coupon per guest, per day, Mon.- Fri. only - Expires 12/31/12

PAGE 14

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

Holidays

Popular holiday traditions originated from both Christian, pagan traditions

By Rosemary Fetter

id you ever wonder why people hang boughs of holly and sing carols at Christmas? Or where candy canes and gingerbread houses originated? Or why the religious elements of Christmas sometimes seem at odds with the secular aspects of the holidays?

Some of the following holiday symbols have their roots in the distant past, while others are distinctly modern.

Boughs of Holly: Druids wore sprigs from holly trees in their hair during rituals at the winter solstice, since the pointy leaves were said to afford protection against evil spirits.

For Christians, holly leaves symbolize the crown of thorns, while red berries signify drops of blood.

During English Reformation of the 1600s, Puritans banned the observance of Christmas. Resistant country folk tied up rough bunch of “holy” (holly) evergreen boughs and brought them inside to celebrate the season.

Candles: From the earliest times, candles and firelight have been central to winter holidays.

According to folklore, Protestant reformer Martin Luther was the first to decorate a Christmas tree with candles.

C a n d y canes: At the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, pageants of living crèches were part of the Christmas celebration.

Some time around 1670, the choirmaster bent sticks of candy into the shape of a shepherd’s crook and passed them out to children during services, probably to keep them quiet. Understandably, the custom caught on.

Christmas cards: The first commercially printed Christmas card debuted in London in 1843, when inventor Sir Henry Cole commissioned an artist to produce

D

December 18 - 31, 2012

an illustrated card for his friends and business associates, asking them to be charitable to the poor during the holiday season. The card read “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you!”

Carols: Celtic pagans rather than Christians probably sang the first carols as they danced around a circle of stones at the winter solstice. Most of the carols we sing today – Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, were written in the 18th or 19th centuries.

Christmas Day: Although Jesus was born closer to March 25 than Dec. 25, the early Christian church chose to celebrate during the winter festival of Mithras, the Roman sun god.

Some secular elements of Christmas probably derive from that ancient observance coupled with Saturnalia (Roman New Year’s), most notably the party atmosphere, home decorating, gift-giving and plentiful food and drink.

Elves: Imagined by ancients as tiny magical creatures with a mischievous bent, elves were reinvented by 19th century Scandinavian writers, who saw them as Santa’s helpers, designing and making toys, caring for the reindeer and compiling the “naughty and nice list.”

Evergreen: Like the name, evergreen trees remain green all year, symbolizing eternal life. In some cultures, they were used to ward off evil spirits.

Frosty the Snowman: In 1950, Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys recorded Frosty the Snowman, a song written by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson about a snowman that magically comes to life. Frosty was reincarnated several times and is still a popular holiday favorite.

Gingerbread: Seventeenth century Nuremburg, Germany, held a Christkindlmarkt every December, where master bakers

called the Lebkuchler sold the famous Nuremberg Lebkuchen, a sweet flavored with ginger. The Grimm brothers’ fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, inspired the gingerbread house popular during the holidays.

Lights: Bonfires were an important part of pagan holidays at the solstice, symbolizing the return of the sun to earth. Lighted candles originally decorated Christmas trees until the much safer electrically lit Christmas tree debuted in New York in 1882.

Mistletoe: Ancient Druids gathered mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter, believing the plant had special healing powers. Scandinavians associated mistletoe with the goddess of love, Frigga, which is probably where the custom of kissing under the mistletoe originated.

New Year: Over the millennia, New Year was usually observed either on Jan. 1or March 25, which was the first day of spring. The Gregorian calendar set the date permanently at Jan. 1, but Protestant Europe (and the American colonies) continued to celebrate New Year’s on March 25 until 1752.

The Nutcracker: A common Christmas gift, especially among the poor, the nutcracker was a beautiful, inexpensive and practical gift that could be made from a piece of scrap wood.

After Tchaikovsky’s ballet debuted in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia, the nutcrackers

were usually dressed as soldiers or government officials.

Ornaments: Germany introduced glass-blown holiday ornaments during the 1890s, delicate miniature animals, toys, glass balls and other figures that soon became widely available in department stores. From the 1870s to the 1930s, Germans made the finest holiday ornaments in the world, with nearly 5,000 different molds.

MexiPoinsettia: cans ambassador Joel Poinsett brought the plants to the United in States 1828. Mexicans thought they resembled the Star of Bethlehem, and thus became associated with the holiday season.

Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer: In 1939, as a special promotion, Montgomery Ward distributed a booklet about a shiny-nosed reindeer, which was handed out in stores across the country. The copywriter’s four yearold daughter prefered the name Rudolph, or Santa’s lead reindeer might have been called Rollo, or even worse, Reginald the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

St. Nicholas: The original Santa, St. Nicholas, was a bishop and fourth century Turkish saint who legend says brought gifts to children on his feast day, Dec. 6. Cartoonist Thomas Nash introduced the prototype chubby Santa with cartoons in Harper’s Weekly from 1863 - 1881.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

Stocking: According to legend, St. Nicholas overheard a merchant complaining that he had no money for his three daughters’ dowries.

When Nicholas tossed coins over the wall, they landed in the girls’ stockings.

T r e e : The Christmas tree dates back at least to the late eighth century, when Germanic tribes began celebrating the holiday by planting fir saplings in honor of St. Boniface, who converted them to Christianity. During the winter, ancient Germans would decorate fir trees with apples, roses and colored paper.

Twelve Days of Christmas: The 12 days of Christmas may go back as far as the Roman feast of Saturnalia. During the Middle Ages, people observed Christmas from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. The song first appeared in an English Christmas book, Mirth without Mischief in 1780. Some sources maintain that the words actually relate to teachings of the Roman Catholic faith, which was against the law to practice at the time, Wreaths: Dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, wreaths, due to their circular shape, symbolize eternity.

Xmas: This abbreviation of Christmas began with the Greeks, since X is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ.

Yule Log: Sacrifice and burning of the Yule log, a widespread custom in solstice celebrations, ensured the rebirth of the sun.

The Yule log also was used as the ceremonial center of the Christmas Eve fire.

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

August 21 - September 3, 2012

Casino•Guide Casino

Table Games

Slots

Lodging

Food

Parking

Contact

Ameristar - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

over 1400 536 rooms

B, D, SD, Starbucks

free valet and self parking

720-946-4000/.ameristar.com/Black_Hawk.aspx

Black Hawk Station

VP

120

No

SD,SB

city lot

303-582-5582/ blackhawkstationcasino.net

Bull Durham

VP

188

No

SB

city lot

303-582-0810/.bulldurhamcasino.com

Bullwhackers - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

400

No

SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-GAM-BULL/bullwhackers.com

Canyon - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

415

No

SD, SB

free valet and self parking

303-777-1111/canyoncasino.com

Fitzgeralds - 24/7 Fri/Sat

BJ, C, R, VP

585

No

SD, SB on weekends free covered valet

303-582-6100 (1-800-538-LUCK)/fitzgeraldsbh.com

Gilpin - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

460

No

SD

free valet across the street

303-582-1133/thegilpincasino.com

Golden Gates - 24/7

BJ, P, C, VP

280

No

D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

BLACK HAWK

Golden Gulch

VP

140

No

V

free self/free valet

303-582-5600/thegoldengatescasino.com

Golden Mardi Gras - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

680

No

SD,SB,D

free valet and covered self parking

303-582-5600/goldenmardigras.com

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk - 24/7 BJ, C, P, R, VP

1308

238

B,D,SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-The-Isle/theisleblackhawk.com

Lady Luck - 24/7

BJ, P,C, R, VP

500

164

SD,SB

free covered valet and self parking

1-888-Lady-Luck/ladyluckblackhawk.com

Lodge - 24/7

BJ, C, R, P, VP

975

50

B, D, SD, SB

free valet parking

303-582-1771/thelodgecasino.com

Red Dolly

VP

149

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1100/reddollycasino.net

Riviera - 24/7

BJ, C, R, VP

766

No

B

free valet and self parking

303-582-1000/rivierablackhawk.com

Sasquatch

No

70

No

D

No

720-880-1616

Wildcard

VP

220

No

D

city lot

303-582-3412/thewildcardsaloon.com

CENTRAL CITY Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

520

26

SD,D

free covered self parking

303-582-5050/cnty.com

Crystal Palace

VP

101

No

D

free city lot

720-253-1669

Doc Holliday

VP

178

No

SD

free city lot

303-582-1400/dochollidaycasino.net

Dostal Alley - 24/7

VP

64

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-1610/dostalalley.net

Easy Street

VP

205

No

SD

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Famous Bonanza

BJ, P, R, VP

244

No

SD , D

free self parking

303-582-5914/famousbonanza.com

Johnny Z’s

BJ, C, R, VP

288

No

SD, D

free covered parking

303-582-5623/johnnyzscasino.com

Reserve Casino Hotel - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

700

118

SD

free valet and self parking

1-800-924-6646/reservecasinohotel.com

CRIPPLE CREEK The Brass Ass - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

250

No

SD

free covered self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasino.com

Bronco & Buffalo Billy’s - 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP

750

23

SD

free self parking

877-989-2142/broncobillyscasino.com

Century Casino - 24/7

BJ, R,

448

18

SD

free self parking

719-689-0333/cripple-creek.cnty.com

Colorado Grande - 24/7

BJ, R, VP

211

5

SD, SB

free self parking

877-244-9469/coloradogrande.com

Double Eagle & Gold Creek - 24/7

BJ, P ,C, R, VP

700+

158

SD, SB

free valet and covered self parking

800-711-7234/decasino.com

Johnny Nolon’s - 24/7

VP

255

No

SD

free self parking w/validation

719-689-2080/johnnynolons.com

J.P. McGill’s - 24/7 Fri/Sat

VP

300

40

SD

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Midnight Rose - 24/7

P, VP

400

19

SD, B

validated self parking

800-635-LUCK/triplecrowncasinos.com

Wildwood Casino- 24/7

BJ, P, C, R, VP, TH 530

68

SD, D, B

Climate controlled self parking

877-945-3963/playwildwood.com

Table Games Key

Food Key

BJ - Blackjack, P-Poker, C-Craps, R-Roulette, TH - Texas Holdem’, VP-Video Poker

B-Buffet, D-Deli, SD-Sitdown, SB-Snackbar, V-Vending Machine

This information is subject to change without notice.

Holidays

A Gilpin County

By Linda Jones

The gaming towns of Black Hawk and Central City are festive and sparkling. When you come to your favorite casino, take time to detour to look at these pretty displays.

Gold Coin Saloon is festive and ready for the holidays.

Photos by Linda Jones

Santa greets visitors to Black Hawk City Hall.

Decorations abound in the City of Black Hawk.

Take a walk in the Gilpin County Courthouse and see the beautiful dĂŠcor.

Black Hawk carousel and gazebo is guzzied up this holiday season.

St. James Church displays its Nativity scene.

PAGE 18

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

Gilpin Gives County residents helping those in needs this holiday season

T

By Linda Jones

he Gilpin County community is a close-knit family. Helping each other in the small county is a yearlong imperative and takes many forms, but during the holidays the giving is most generous. Much of this charity is hidden from view but some dedicated snooping turned up a treasure-trove of giving by the 5,000 citizens of Gilpin to others within the county. Both organized and volunteer groups brought together by common interests stretch their arms wide during this season.

Some of the giving by recognized 501(c)3 organizations follows.

St. James Methodist Church annually

gathers food for baskets and additional cash for meat and fresh produce to give to the school to distribute. The school requests vary from a dozen to 18 baskets. The church also provides baskets through the school for Thanksgiving and Easter.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church conducts a Christmas-time food drive that also includes cash for turkeys for the Gilpin Food Bank.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church collects food for the Gilpin Food Bank and gives a monetary donation to a family in need.

The Central City Elks are a major supporter of the Gilpin community and this year gave $500 to the Gilpin Food Bank.

Many volunteer groups loosely based on common interests or employment also function in this small county and they, too, open their hearts during the Christmas season.

The employees who work in the county courthouse annually gather cash for a designated group; this year the recipient will be the children enrolled in the Jefferson/Gilpin CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

Another group that decides by vote each year on a recipient is the Lump Gulch Ladies Bunco Society. This year the recipient is the Gilpin Food Bank. Amazingly, the 25 women present at their annual Christmas party gathered $1,300 for this cause.

The Friday Bible Study/Prayer group that meets at the Evangelical Free Church in Black Hawk is giving 15 $25 gift certificates to Gilpin Human Services for its clients to purchase gifts for their children; the group also collects personal items and supplies that food stamps will not cover to give to the Food Bank. This remarkable group has donated in the recent past to the Alternatives Pregnancy Center of Denver, Loaves & Fishes in Idaho Springs and Operation Christmas Child of Samaritan’s Purse.

The profits from the recent Tommy Knocker Bazaar in Central City are being sent to American Veterans.

A member of St. Mary’s collects food several times throughout the year for the Father Judy House for single mothers and their children.

Of course, Ermel’s Thrift Store in Central City must be mentioned because its mission is giving cash to Gilpinites who need financial help; the store annually gives away thousands of dollars to help with rent, utility payments, medical bills and more, and donates $900 annually to accompany the food baskets.

There’s undoubtedly more local giving this author couldn’t uncover and there’s certainly giving on a wider scale, but this sampling speaks of the generosity of Gilpinites.

God bless them, every one!

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church collects food for the Gilpin Food Bank and gives a monetary donation to a family in need.

December 18 - 31, 2012

holidays

St. James Methodist Church annually gathers food for baskets and additional cash for meat and fresh produce to give to the school to distribute.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church conducts a Christmas-time food drive that also includes cash for turkeys for the Gilpin Food Bank.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

PAGE 19

Holidays

Yule log festival marks the holiday season in 2 Colorado towns

A

By Cathleen Norman

colorful, ancient tradition celebrates the winter season in two Colorado communities, a village 20 miles north of Colorado Springs, and Beulah a tiny town 25 miles southwest of Pueblo. The Yule log festival began in Norway to mark the winter solstice and the return of the sun. As the Norse did then, each community keeps a piece of its Yule log to burn during the next year’s event.

The Yule log hunt began in Palmer Lake in 1933 when librarian Lucretia Vaile introduced the tradition that she had seen in upstate New York. At Miss Vaile’s suggestion, Pastor Elvina Macy and the young people of Palmer Lake’s Little Log Church sent away for a splinter from the famed Yule log of Lake Placid, New York.

About 50 townsfolk gathered at a local home for the first hunt, in early afternoon on a Sunday before Christmas. They tied on red or green capes, and went out to search for the beribboned log that was hidden somewhere in a snowy canyon. As

The Palmer Lake Town Hall is the focal point where the Yule log hunt begins and ends.

the event grew, it moved to town hall a couple of years later.

The ritual is still the same today, taking place on the second Sunday in December. People gather at town hall where the Wassail Carolers are singing their holiday songs. Outside, a bagpipe player croons traditional tunes.

The crowd of 300 to 500 log

Kids take turns “riding” the log back to Town Hall.

PAGE 20

hunters, many wearing a red or green cape, departs toward the Monument Creek canyon a half mile southwest where the eight-foot-long log has been hidden a few days earlier by a committee member. A trumpet blows and boundaries for this year’s hunt are announced. Adults, teenagers and children scatter, looking through the creek valley and up snowy-forested hillsides. Whoever finds the ribbon-trimmed log calls out, and then the hunt is over.

The triumphant finder straddles the log, “riding” it as it is pulled back into town. Children in the hunt party take turns riding the log as it is dragged along the ground. Back at the village green in front of town hall, the log is sawed in half.

The log finder gets to have the first cup of wassail (hot spiced apple cider) and throws half of the log on the fire blazing in the town hall fireplace that was built 70 years ago just for this purpose. The other half of the log is saved for the fire next year. Folks warm themselves with wassail, sing Christmas carols and watch the Yule log burn.

Splinters of Palmer Lake’s Yule log have been sent to other communities to launch other Yule festivals.

The Palmer Lake Historical Society recently mailed a splinter of the log back to Lake Placid, N.Y., for them to restart the Yule log tradition there.

In Beulah, the Yule log festival started 50 years ago after Beulah residents Gene and Nona Miller

Inside, warmed by wassail and more Christmas carols, the log hunters and other townsfolk enjoy the blaze of this year’s Yule log fire.

Photos by Cathleen Norman

attended Palmer Lake’s festival.

They wanted Beulah to have a hunt of its own. So, they brought back a splinter of the Palmer Lake log, and the first fire of the Beulah Yule log festival was started with that splinter.

The festival takes place in the Pueblo Mountain Park, centered around the log hidden in the park months before the day of the hunt.

Sometimes it is buried in the snow, other times it might be hidden in an upright position. The program begins with festive music, and it has included a Yule Bunde girl dressed in a colorful Swedish outfit feeding the winter birds.

Like in Palmer Lake, a trumpeter calls the hunt, and the hunters go out into the woods to look for the log.

Some people stay at the stone lodge and sing carols.

Whoever finds the log must yell “HALUEB!” – Beulah spelled backwards – to alert all the other hunters. The finder sits on the log and rides back to the pavilion, where the log cutter saws the log in two.

Half is placed on the roaring fire and the other half is kept to start the next year’s fire.

After toasting the finder with wassail, everyone is invited to taste the spicy hot apple drink and nibble on homemade cookies provided by the residents of the Beulah Valley.

The festive event is sponsored by the Beulah Arts Council.

Communities interested in starting their own Yule log tradition may contact the Palmer Lake Historical Society (plhs@palmerdividehistory. org) for information and a splinter of the Palmer Lake log.

After being serenaded with Christmas carols by the Wassail singers, the hunters head out to search for the hidden log.

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

Trail’s End the form of trap-shoots and other prize winning events. any customs of the The first recorded Christmas Yuletide season made turkey shoot in the Colorado their way into the minRockies took place in the isolated ing camps of the Rocky mountain valley called California Mountains. The everyday hustle Gulch. A small mining camp debustle, fast paced atmosphere veloped called Oro City. It would flavored with the aroma of free be the predecessor to the great flowing whiskey and the sound of silver boomtown of Leadville. honkytonk piano players gave The turkey shoot of 1860 became way to the confronts of Yuletide memories and preparation for By Linda Wommack one of the most bizarre events of the Christmas holiday. lwomm3258@aol.com the kind to ever take place in the pioneer West.

Although the isolation of the Situated in the shadow of Mount Elbert, high Rocky Mountains allowed few comforts, especially in the winter, old practices of the Oro City attracted hundreds of prospectors holiday season were fondly remembered dur- to the rich gold panning placer that for a very short time, became the most populated gold ing the joyous holiday season.

One of the most widespread traditions to camp in the Rockies. One of the first prospecfollow its way west to the Rockies during the tors to arrive to this frenzy of activity was an later 19th century was the Christmas Turkey energetic, boisterous young man by the name Shoot. American pioneers brought the tradi- of Horace A.W. Tabor.

The busy summer of gold panning ended tion over the Appalachian Mountains, and across the Great American Desert, during the by October of that year when the snow flew 18th and 19th centuries, bringing the custom and piled deep at Oro City. By mid-December, to the Rocky Mountain region by the time of thoughts of a Christmas meal with all the the Civil War. The custom fit in nicely with trimmings seemed pretty bleak. Supplies such the vast wilderness of the mountain region, as flour, bacon and beans were in short supply as wild game was often the only source of the due to the snow-covered passes.

Then one morning, the miners of the camp food supply. The only set back pertaining to the turkey shoot was the bird was few and far noticed signs posted giving notice of a turkey shoot to be held Christmas Eve. The miners between in the Colorado Rockies.

Christmas became the most popular time of Oro City were experienced hunters and the of year to test a man’s hunting and shooting anticipation of a favorite Christmas sporting skills, as well as offer his trophy for the holiday event was greeted with much enthusiasm. The meal. The custom survives today, with various event was to be held at Newt’s local saloon.

Tabor said, “No one in the know believed organizations sponsoring holiday contests in for an instant that he had any turkeys or could get such a fowl nearer than Denver and that was certainly out of the question as the wild turkey was not to be found so far north.”

Nevertheless, excitement grew through the gulch to nearby mining camps and as far away as Tarryall. A group of miners from the Tarryall camp came to inquire of the saloonkeeper his ability to supply the prized fowl for the upcoming event. Old Newt invited the men into his back storeroom. The men, along with many of the Oro City residents, followed the old man to the back of the area, through the cramped, musty smelling storage, to a large stack of homemade wooden crates.

Upon inspection, the miners heard the gobbling sound and saw the red heads of at least a dozen turkeys in each crate.

As dusk set over the mountains on Christmas Eve, men from all over the area gathered at old Newt’s Saloon. The eager hunters lined up, including Horace Tabor, and paid their $5 for their chance at three shots at the unknowing gobblers.

The turkeys were placed in a thick wooden box with only the head able to poke through Horace A.W. Tabor was one of the first the thin slats. Each man used his own revolvprospectors to arrive at the 1860 Oro er, shooting at the head of the turkeys at a disCity “strange” turkey shoot. tance of 20 feet. Crowding the doorway, Newt

By Linda Wommack

December 18 - 31, 2012

Leadville saw its share of turkey shoots in the 19th century. It was a popular event in the mining camps of the Rocky Mountains. finally let the men in for the chance shot, one at a time. As the men became impatient, eager competition turned to low muttering throughout the crowd. Horace Tabor recounted the affair many years later: “At last they got in line and the first man was admitted. Bang! There was a cheer as the shot resounded through the hall. Evidently, however, he had missed, for the waiting throng heard a muttered curse. Bang! The listeners heard a triumphant shout and then loud curses, mingled with Newt’s excited voice. He had gone around and come in the back way. Next the second man was admitted and the first did not reappear. This time the shot evidently took effect, for we heard a triumphant cry, followed by the same curses and subdued laughter. The third was admitted with the same result. Then the fourth and the fifth, and so on until 10 of the solid miners had been admitted. But strange to relate, none of them reappeared with their turkeys to tantalize the less fortunate ones. The crowd began to grow suspicious. They pressed forward more and more eagerly until when the door opened to admit No. 11 all made a rush and surged through and into the dining-room.

They rushed forward to where the box was, and there, with its deceitful head was the carcass of a miserable turkey-buzzard.”

With the hoax uncovered, the back door to the kitchen was opened revealing the 10 contestants and an overcome Newt. Laughing so hard with a toothless smile, Newt’s round red face almost gleaming with tears of laughter was matched by the uncontrollable laughter of the 10 contestants, as they saw the

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

expressions on the faces of their fellow “hunters.” For on the floor were the carcasses of the scavenger birds hit by the lucky shooters. After a few moments, the room roared with wild laughter from the entire crowd. Newt related his scavenger hunt for the miserable birds and how he had planned the whole event. Each of the “successful” contestants had been angry at first, but in the spirit of the season, agreed not to spoil the fun.

Newt then threw open the door to the bar and announced that drinks were on the house.

With good spirits flowing, the evening passed to the early hours of Christmas morning. All went home in a joyous mood, especially old Newt, reveling in his conniving abilities.

While turkey shoots continued to be a favorite custom for Colorado pioneers, the one held in Oro City in 1860 was long remembered by the old timers as the story passed down year after year of the great turkey hoax on that long-ago Christmas Eve in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.

Merry Christmas!

PAGE 21

Rollin’ Dough

Send us your recipes!

To be featured in Rollin’ in the Dough: Send us a recipe, your name, a little about yourself, why you chose that recipe, a little about your cooking style, and of course your phone number in case we have questions. Email gambler@villagerpublishing. com or mail to 8933 E Union Ave., Suite 230, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Questions?

Call Sharon at 303-5031388.

Roast of Beef 4 T vinegar 1 t allspice 1 t black pepper

2 t dry mustard 4 t paprika 4 t salt

4 T brown sugar

(Joan Alford, shared this recipe with Shirley Klotz’s family) Mix & spread on surface of meat. Do not cover. Bake at 200° for 5-1/2 hours. One hour longer at 175°. I used a tenderloin. Could do with an inside round or center cut sirloin. The important thing is that the roast should be a roll that’s about the same thickness throughout.

Potato Whip w/Cheese 2 lbs. red potatoes ¼ lb butter 6 oz. cream cheese 1 green bell pepper

1 bunch scallions 1 small can minced pimento w/juice ½ cup grated sharp cheddar

½ cup grated parmesan ¼ teaspoon saffron

Cut up the meat first, then dice your onion, jalapeno peppers and place these ingredients 2 lbs. potatoes. in (beating constantly) butter, cheese, intocooked, a fryingwhipped, pan withlightly a halfsalted cup water.

CookBlend this mixture at medium heat for ten tocream fifteen choppedminutes green pepper, scallions, small can minced pimento w/juice, grated sharp cheddar & grated or until done. parmesan plus. saffron.

Add the cans of tomato sauce to the fry pan mixture and stir, adding 2 cans of water, then Mixadd willflour be fairly of cream moreAdd butter. uncovered 30 and moist. stir untilIf not, sauceadd is asa bit thick as you&wish. slicesBake of Velveeta andatstir350° untilforthe minutes. cheese has melted, then add a cup of Jalapeno hot sauce, stir and cook for another five minutes Submitted by Gambler reader Benito Yzaguirre and you are ready to eat.

Gingerbread ½ Cup Butter ½ Cup Sugar 1 Egg, beaten ½ Cup Molasses 1-2/3 Cup Flour

1 teaspoon Cinnamon 1 teaspoon Ginger 2/3 Cup Boiling water 1 teaspoon Soda

Cream butter and sugar; add beaten egg and molasses. Sift and add cinnamon, flour and ginger. Combine water and soda and add to mixture all at once.

Bake in greased 9x9 loaf pan at 350° for 25 minutes. Makes a wonderful Christmas gift for friends and family.

Serves 8 Recipe: Kay Spencer/ Thee Deacon’s Bench

Many years ago, Kay Spencer started Thee Deacons Bench in Morrison, Colorado. It gave her an opportunity to share her gourmet cooking skills and make guests become special friends.

Thee Deacons Bench was on quaint Stone Street in Morrison, in a prim and proper Victorian house, located just 11 miles west of Denver at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

A few years later, Kay and her husband, Steve, moved to Georgetown where she started The Happy Cooker restaurant and they lived in a wonderful Victorian home built in the mining era.

Kay has generously agreed to share recipes featured in both locations.

Horoscope SAGITTARIUS - (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Some plans need to be acted upon. You may get a chance to partake in a memorable event or highlight concerning a entertaining or social function. Track expenditures, both spent and earned to address some debt you’ve accumulated. You’re making slow progress. Lucky Numbers: 10, 14, 36, 39, 54, 68

ARIES - (March 21 - April 20) You may be smoldering over an incident that occurred recently but just can’t put your finger on it. You need to identify the event and not pretend things aren’t bothering you if you expect to resolve issues. Kind words work both ways. There’s a lot of work to be done.

Lucky Numbers: 1, 19, 35, 44, 58, 69

LEO - (July 23 - Aug 22) Double check schedules or you may slip-up. Don’t be a victim.

Protect yourself from the brainless sabotaging behavior of others.

You may become upset if questioned or are forced to explain yourself. It’s possible for changes in your work routine to occur again. Lucky Numbers: 9, 17, 32, 42, 60, 65

CAPRICORN - (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Classes, a training programs or new hobbies you‘re learning will bring exciting new ways to make lucrative income. You’ve a lot to teach others when it comes to financial matters because you know the school of hard knocks. A new movie or novel brings pleasure.

Lucky Numbers: 2, 16, 28, 43, 50, 72

TAURUS - (April 21 - May 21) You’ll advance your finances, close a deal or will get extra help or support at work. You’ll need to compliment or acknowledge another persons ideas, contributions or efforts. Be sincere, false flattery sounds bad. A gift for or from a loved one comes.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 13, 30, 38, 55, 71

AQUARIUS - (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) There could be a hidden agenda in a meeting or gathering of new friends or associates. Look deeper than what’s presented to you. If you have financial obligations to others, let them know you have good intentions of getting things cleared up. Don’t keep others in the dark. Lucky Numbers: 12, 21, 34, 45, 61, 64

GEMINI - (May 22 - June 21) This is still a highly productive time that may also increase your social standing. You may be asked to help to give a person a ride, be asked to make an introduction or close a deal. You may add to your wardrobe, express deeper feelings or buy a big ticket item.

Lucky Numbers: 7, 22, 31, 49, 67, 70

VIRGO - (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You need to get a head start on the holidays. You’re going to be so busy in the coming days you’ll need the extra time to plan and save.

Think twice about taking on extra chores or volunteering on any committee. Be extra careful in health matters if you have children.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 18, 29, 46, 52, 66

LIBRA - (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) A planned meal with family or loved ones will help to quell some underlying tension. Make sure there’s at least a few days notice before the event. Little acts of endearment frequently go further than the occasional big show of affection. An important message comes. Lucky Numbers: 11, 24, 27, 41, 53, 67

PISCES - (Feb 20 - March 20) You may need to let your partner takeover the reigns this week.

They need to know what they say is important to you and that they matter. Show them appreciation for all they do. Your dreams of a better future for your career and family are tangible. Never give up the ship. Lucky Numbers: 3, 15, 26, 37, 49, 62

CANCER - (June 22 - July 22) You’ll be more sensitive the first few days of the week but an unexpected lunch or dinner will help restore your energy and improve your mood. Use patience and cooperation in daily interactions and be sure to ask for help when needed or you just might short-circuit. Lucky Numbers: 8, 23, 33, 40, 59, 63

SCORPIO - (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may be sending out flirtatious signals without even knowing it. It’s a good time to start a romance. A little light probing at work or about a romantic issue may reveal needed facts. Don’t reveal too much information or consider taking dangerous risks.

Lucky Numbers: 6, 20, 25, 47, 52, 75

Contact Mary Nightstar at marynightstar@yahoo.com and type “horoscope” in the subject line.

PAGE 22

THE COLORADO GAMBLER – Celebrating 20 Years

December 18 - 31, 2012

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PAGE 23