Celebrating Littleton’s History and Future
ENTERTAINMENT
WESTERN WELCOME WEEK97 YEARS OF TRADITION

LOCAL SERVICES
LITTLETON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTLOOKING FORWARD
LIFE + CULTURE
HISTORIC LITTLETON FRIDAY NIGHT WALKING TOURS









ENTERTAINMENT
WESTERN WELCOME WEEK97 YEARS OF TRADITION
LOCAL SERVICES
LITTLETON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTLOOKING FORWARD
LIFE + CULTURE
HISTORIC LITTLETON FRIDAY NIGHT WALKING TOURS
It's so exciting to bring this local, community focused magazine to the greater Littleton area. I have a background in journalism and after working as a freelance writer for several Colorado lifestyle magazines, I decided to jump all the way in and become the publisher for Littleton City Lifestyle.
This monthly publication will provide you with stories that highlight the best of the best of our local community, events, businesses, and business owners.
Each month has a theme so look forward to upcoming publications that will focus on everything from Kids and Pets to Love Local to our September issue which will focus on Style.
I have always been fascinated by history and also love experiencing local culture. In fact, there may have been a near mutiny on a vacation to Boston when my three children were all under 10 years old. I believe the quote was, “If you say the word historic or seafood one more time, we’re refusing to leave the hotel room.”
It’s somehow not surprising that for the premier issue, we decided to cover Littleton's history as well as its future. Learn more about Western Welcome Week, a Littleton tradition celebrating its 97th year, and Historic Littleton and their educational walking tours. Our interview with the Littleton Economic Development team shares insight into our city's potential and provides a few ideas on how we all can support our local small business owners.
So whether you’ve been in Littleton long enough to remember when there was nothing built west of Santa Fe, as our cover shows, or if you’re new to our amazing community, welcome! Happy reading! I truly look forward to connecting with our community!
ELIZABETH
WATSON, PUBLISHER
@LITTLETON_CITY_LIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Elizabeth Watson
elizabeth.watson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Elise Luter | elise.luter@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Joe Kroog
STAFF WRITER
J.D. McCrumb
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Linda Ditch, Elise Luter, J.D. McCrumb, Bailey Morris, Pam Reid, Elizabeth Watson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kristol Kumar, Mike Larremore, Adara Smith, Stacey Stonehocker, Christopher Weldemeskel, photography from the Collection of the Littleton Museum, Littleton Business Chamber, Western Welcome Week
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
1-7: Littleton Plein Air Festival. Over 30 artists participated in a two-day event capturing outdoor scenes across Littleton. Artists chose sites that included Hudson Gardens, the Littleton Museum, historic Main Street, and the South Platte. Stop by to view a judged selection of the submitted art at the Town Hall Arts Center Stanton Gallery. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Exhibit will run August 5 through 29, with a reception open to the public on Sunday, August 17, 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
As Littleton Massage & Sports Recovery celebrates six incredible years in Littleton, they are excited to announce their permanent move to 5894 S. Zang Street, Unit 1B! Their new location will offer more room to relax, with a larger lobby, a cozy tea bar, and upgraded massage rooms. Creating even more opportunities to fulfill their vision of accelerating optimal mobility to help our community live pain free, stay active, and age well. Details at LittletonMSR.com
Skin Essentials, located on historic Main Street in Littleton, is a leader in offering effective skin rejuvenation treatments. Vivace combines the newest generation of microneedling with radio frequency. This FDA-cleared treatment stimulates the natural production of collagen and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more about Vivace and Skin Essential's services at SkinEssentialsCO.com
Dr. Christopher Sullivan is an experienced podiatrist with a passion for getting people back on their feet! His office, Timberline Podiatry, will be opening in Littleton this September. They offer cutting-edge technology as part of their mission to help patients enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. Now scheduling new patient appointments. Located at 7761 Shaffer Pkwy, Suite 225, Littleton CO. Information on services available at TimberlinePod.com
ARTICLE BY ELISE LUTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LITTLETON BUSINESS
CHAMBERT AND WESTERN WELCOME WEEK
97 Year Tradition Supporting Our Local Community
Western Welcome Week, an annual event celebrating our Littleton community, commemorates its 97th year this August.
Cindy Hathaway, Western Welcome Week Executive Director, provides a glimpse into the rich history of the event, “It all began in 1928 when Houstoun Waring, editor of the Littleton Independent, held a 40th anniversary celebration for the paper. The event was met with overwhelming support. The next year, 1929, the community, again under the direction of Waring, decided to hold a celebration commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Richard S. Little, the founder of Littleton. The event was named ‘Homecoming’, calling everyone who had ever lived or visited Littleton to come home.”
Hathaway continues, “Many years later, in 1962, the name changed to Western Welcome Week. Throughout this time the event has evolved into a ten-day celebration with over twenty other organizations participating.”
Western Welcome WeekIt all began in 1928 when Houstoun Waring, editor of the Littleton Independent, held a 40th anniversary celebration for the paper. The event was met with overwhelming support.
Western Welcome Week is dedicated to honoring the tradition of celebrating greater Littleton. The goal is to nurture community spirit, bring together residents and businesses, to support service clubs and nonprofits by creating an opportunity for fundraising, and to provide festivities and entertainment for families, friends, and neighbors.
Elise Luter, Publication Director with Littleton City Lifestyle, interviewed Hathaway, who has been the Executive Director of Western Welcome Week for 24 years. Hathaway started as a volunteer and then joined the board and has been involved for 40 years with the event.
Did you know that every year Western Welcome Week has a theme? The 2025 theme is “The Spirit of Generosity.” Hathaway shares that this year’s focus is a little twist on volunteerism, philanthropy, and humanitarianism; the desire to promote the welfare of others - benevolence, generosity, public spiritedness, social concern, charity, brotherly love. There are over 1,000 volunteers who help to make Western Welcome Week happen each year and Hathaway says each of these volunteers are an impressive example of the theme. Parade entries are often designed with the theme in mind as well.
One of the primary objectives of Western Welcome Week is to provide a fundraising venue for the non-profits of Littleton. Some of these nonprofits run their own events during the week to fundraise or to just raise awareness of their cause. These nonprofits are able to take advantage of the promotion that Western Welcome Week puts out over social media and the event schedules. This promotion is sometimes the only advertising these organizations get because it is not in their budget to promote themselves. An estimated $75,000 is earned each year by these non-profit organizations during Western Welcome Week.
Most of us are aware that there is a Western Welcome Week parade, but there are also so many hidden gems to take advantage of during the week. Hathaway was able to point out a few to us:
Gold Panning on the Platte: Pan for gold like they did during the Colorado Gold Rush and take home your bounty!
WesternWelcomeWeek.org/Events/ GoldPanning/
First Presbyterian Church of Littleton Quilt Show: Stop by the First Presbyterian Church of Littleton and feast your eyes upon a wide variety of quilts - displayed over the pews in the beautiful English Tutor-style Sanctuary.
WesternWelcomeWeek.org/Events/ Community-Quilt-Show-2/
The rest of the Western Welcome Week events can be found at WesternWelcomeWeek.org/Events
Photography | Stacey Stonehocker
THE LITTLETON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM SHARES THEIR INSIGHT AND HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT
Supporting Littleton’s business community is the focus for the Littleton Economic Development team. Business attraction, retention, and expansion are all key services that the group is dedicated to providing.
Rachel King is Littleton’s Economic Development Director and works closely with Jamie Crout, Brian Garner, and Alexandra Vander Pol connecting, assisting, and representing our local community.
ARTICLE BY ELIZABETH WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE LARREMORE
King says, “Our mission is to foster a resilient and inclusive local economy. We want to support sustainable and measured growth that provides a desirable environment for businesses to locate and expand, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
She continues, “We’re at a pivotal point — growth has brought us to a strong position, but now we need to evolve strategically. That means focusing not just on attracting new business, but also retaining and expanding existing ones, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthening our commercial corridors in a way that reflects Littleton’s unique
character by incentivizing community-focused developers and investors.”
An aspect of economic development that is unique to Littleton is the importance of understanding and respecting the local charm and connection our community has established.
Vander Pol, Events and Marketing Manager, emphasizes the importance of some of our larger events and how they provide an opportunity to embrace community. She explains, “Littleton hosts a variety of its own events such as the Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium and Arts Festival which is the first Saturday of August each year, and the Candlelight
“By balancing growth with preservation and prioritizing economic diversification, Littleton can position itself not just to grow and sustain—but to thrive.”
Walk which happens the day after Thanksgiving. Littleton attracts a variety of creative events, such as the Affordable Arts Festival at Arapahoe Community College on August 24. These are just a few of the many events in Littleton that inspire creativity, community, and connection.”
Creativity, community, and connection. Crout is an Economic Development Specialist and understands the importance of those words. She describes her experience with the team by saying, “It’s been an incredible experience to work for the City of Littleton. It’s very rare to be located in such a large metro area yet be
able to maintain such a close-knit, smalltown feeling.”
Some can’t-miss attractions that contribute to Littleton’s special appeal include:
• Walk up and down Main Street where you’ll truly feel the heart of Littleton and prepare to be charmed!
• The Littleton Museum is free and has a working farm that kids love!
• The Depot Art Gallery - is a creative spot. It’s an old railroad depot that punches above its weight when it comes to showcasing Colorado artists in a variety of media.
• And in the heart of Downtown Littleton is the Town Hall Arts Center with
year-round performances that give Denver Center for the Performing Arts a run for its money.
As Littleton’s Economic Development Manager, Garner says, “Littleton is a special place comprised of an amazing community of unique, small businesses that create a strong identity and character of the community that is known far and wide.”
Ways to support our community include:
Shop Local - Littleton’s Open Rewards program is a city run initiative that incentivizes residents and visitors to shop local. App users can earn cash rewards of 5% or greater at any of the 174 participating businesses.
Follow Visit Littleton on social media @ VisitLittletonCo to keep up to date with event announcements, restaurant, merchant, and business spotlights.
Keep Connected - Sign up for the Littleton Report Online for all the local news. Emailed to subscribers every two weeks, the Littleton Report Online includes city programs and services as well as events and community update.
In describing the future focus of Littleton’s Economic Development team, King says, “Littleton’s future is one of opportunity—if we’re proactive and strategic. By balancing growth with preservation and prioritizing economic diversification, Littleton can position itself not just to grow and sustain—but to thrive.”
The following events are produced by the WWW organization.
Friday, August 8
5pm-10pm | Sterne Park
Western Welcome Week Opening Night Little Jam - That Eighties Band WWW Drone Show
Sunday, August 10
8am - 11am | Geneva Park (upper level) Family Pancake Breakfast Kids Games of Old Bruce Wolf Stick Horse Stampede Old Fashioned Cake Contest
Saturday, August 16
• Festival Day
8am - 5pm | Downtown Littleton Maker/Crafter Fair
Entertainment Grand Parade
Wednesday, August 13
6am - 8:30pm | Littleton Center
Taste of WWW & Silent Auction Somma’s Spirits
Sunday, August 17
Noon - 3pm | Little’s Creek
Brad & Mary Bradford Memorial Duck Race
For the complete schedule of the more than 30 events run by multiple organizations visit WesternWelcomeWeek.org/Events
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Hidden throughout Littleton are the stories of its nearly 100 years as a remote agricultural community, once barely a dot on the map, just 11 miles south of Denver. Scattered across the city, buildings and structures stand as silent witnesses to that past. Preserving and sharing these stories are the devoted members of Historic Littleton, Inc., who serve as both guardians and interpreters of the city's rich heritage.
For nearly a decade, Gail Keeley has led Historic Littleton in its mission to deepen public awareness of the city’s past.
Born in Wisconsin, Keeley moved to Denver in the mid-1970s. With a degree in City Planning and Environmental Sciences, she soon found her calling in historic preservation. Keeley eventually launched her own consulting firm, specializing in historic impact studies. Her work, focused on the intersection (no pun intended) of expanding transportation networks and historic structures across Colorado, not only allowed her to influence the field of preservation, but also deepened her understanding of how history helps connect people to the places they call home.
ARTICLE BY J.D. MCCRUMB PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS WELDEMESKEL
Recognizing how preservation could strengthen a community’s identity, Keeley brought her expertise to Historic Littleton, Inc., where she helps foster deeper connections between the city’s past and present.
Founded in 1989 as a fundraising organization known as the Second Century Fund, Historic Littleton has evolved alongside the growing need to preserve the city’s heritage. More active today than ever, the organization offers its members and the public opportunities to engage in and experience Littleton’s built history through expert-led tours, educational events, and storytelling that brings the past to life.
By far the most popular program offered are the monthly historic walking tours. Offerings include the “Mid-Mod Mile” along Littleton Boulevard, the city’s oldest structure – the City Ditch, and most popular of all, historic Downtown. No matter the tour, they’re a spectacular way to spend a summer evening.
Keeley recently led a group of a dozen or so on a tour of Littleton’s downtown. While every tour is unique, they all begin at the Depot Art Gallery and head west down Mainstreet. Highlights include the historic Arapahoe County Courthouse, the Town Hall Arts Center (the city’s cultural hub), the Coors Building—once home to Littleton’s gentleman’s club—the Carnegie Library, and J.D. Hill’s General Store, once the very heart, soul, and social center of town. At every stop, history, legend, and lore
are shared. Tour participants are quick to share personal memories of how downtown has changed, and someone is always surprised by a piece of trivia, like the fact that downtown has been home to eight auto dealerships over time.
In addition to the tours, Historic Littleton offers “Historic Happy Hours”, and a fascinating lecture series throughout the year. These programs explore both well-know events, such as the devastating flood of 1965, and lesser known but equally important moments and figures that helped shape the community we know today.
As her walking tour comes to an end, and the participants make plans to stop by one of Littleton’s many restaurants or pubs (many at home in historic buildings) Keeley summed up her passion for history in this way: “it’s important to learn about our past and to apply that knowledge as we shape the future. It’s equally valuable to know that how we do things now hasn’t always been the way, and today’s way isn’t the best way by default. History offers us a bigger perspective.”
For over a year, Historic Littleton Inc. has been dedicated to preserving remnants of the City Ditch. As the oldest structure in Littleton, the City Ditch is central to the city’s history as both its name and its very existence trace back to this engineering feat, which dates to 1862 when Richard Little arrived to serve as an engineer on its construction. To learn more about the preservation efforts, visit HLinc.org
When asked why she dedicates so much time and energy preserving and sharing Littleton’s past, Keeley offered this reflection: “Littleton’s history is agricultural, but there are very few clues left of that today. History isn’t just something you know, it is something you feel. I love this work because the more people know, the more they care, and the more they care, the more apt they are to step forward when action is required.”
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ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
As temperatures rise, children race to the freezer for this frosty treat or wait anxiously for the approach of the musical ice cream truck. Making homemade popsicles is a fun, kidfriendly activity. These recipes feature kid-favorite flavors with an added taste twist. The only tricky part is waiting for them to freeze.
ingredients:
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 quarts Concord grape juice
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 12 whole cloves
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 tablespoons whole allspice
directions:
Put all of the ingredients into a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to barely a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a bowl or pitcher to remove the spices. Allow the juice to cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
Makes 18 to 24
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup lime juice
• 2 cups tart cherry juice
directions:
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Add the cherry juice and taste. Add additional sugar or water if needed. Let come to room temperature and then refrigerate until well chilled. Pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze until firm.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error,
they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
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AUGUST 2ND
Main Street Littleton | 9:00 AM
Now in its twelfth year, the Audi Denver Littleton Twilight Criterium and Arts Festival is a celebration of cycling and community! Along with thrilling races on the 0.8 mile course, there are bike waves for all levels, an accessible ride, a family cruiser ride, and an Arts Festival featuring local vendors, crafts, live music, craft beer, and more. LittletonCrit.com
AUGUST 8TH
Sterne Park, 5900 S. Spotswood Avenue, Littleton | 5:00 PM
Join Western Welcome Week for the Opening Night of their 97th celebration! Sterne Park has a FUN playground with some fantastic play equipment for the kids! Live music by That Eighties Band. Stick around as the sky is lit up with a spectacular drone show! A variety of food trucks will be on site, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale. WesternWelcomeWeek.org
AUGUST 14TH
Meet at the Depot Art Gallery, 2069 West Powers Avenue, Littleton | 5:00 PM
Travel back in time with a walking tour that showcases the buildings of the Downtown Historic District and provides insight into the lives and events that have shaped our Littleton community. Learn about the history of the buildings, including the architecture, as well as the stories of the people who owned them. The tours are free, and donations are appreciated. HLinc.org
AUGUST 23RD
Main Street Littleton | 5:30 PM
An Ovation, it’s the highest possible way of praising a performance. Town Hall Arts Center invites you to take time to applaud not only what’s happened in the past, but cheer for what’s possible in the future for this truly iconic landmark. Join for an evening of cocktails and drinks, a catered meal by Epicurean, live and silent auctions, and top-notch entertainment. TownHallArtsCenter.org/Event/Ovation-Gala-2025/
AUGUST 29TH
Historic Main Street Littleton | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
On the final Friday of the month, local shops and restaurants participate in an event that draws a crowd and celebrates our community! Littleton's Final Friday evening includes late shopping, special events, and festivities. Every Final Friday features unique deals and specials provided by local businesses and restaurants along the Main Street corridor. @Final_Fridays_Littleton
SEPTEMBER 6TH
A Paris Street Market
Aspen Grove, 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Vive la vintage! A Paris Street Market returns to Aspen Grove and is celebrating 25 fabulous years of bringing French-inspired flea market charm to Littleton. A one-of-a-kind outdoor shopping experience featuring curated antiques, vintage finds, artisan goods, home décor, food, and so much more. Rain or shine in the parking lot near ULTA and Eddie Bauer at Aspen Grove. AspenGroveCenter.com/Event/AParis-Street-Market-September-6-205/
Local. Connected. Trusted. For 18 years, Scott Bemis served as President and Publisher of the Denver Business Journal, earning a reputation as a trusted connector in the
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