Search South Aurora Magazine June 2023

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

Carnival Rides: Open Thursday, June 8 from 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Festival and Carnival Rides: Friday 4 pm – 10:30 pm • Saturday 10 am – 10:30 pm

FUN THINGS TO DO:

• Enjoy your Favorite Festival Food

• Shopping Marketplace

• Music on Four Stages

• Culinary Demonstrations

• Street Performers

• Carnival Rides for the Whole Family

• Free Kids Crafts

• Artisan Demonstrations: Pottery, Painting, Weaving, Decorative Furniture, and Lacemaking

• Silent Disco – Dance, Dance, Dance!

• Get Dizzy in a Water Bubble

• Bungy Jumping

• Jump and Slide on the Inflatables

• Nurf Terf Battles (Nurf version of Paintball)

• All Aboard! Ride the Sunshine Express Train on Mainstreet

Groove Mazda MAIN STAGE – Live Music ALL Day

HEADLINERS:

Friday, June 9 presented by 8:15 pm: Still They Ride (Journey Tribute Band)

Saturday, June 10 presented by 8:30 pm: Chris Daniels and The Kings

Sunday, June 11 presented by 5:15 pm: That Eighties Band

THANK YOU

CARNIVAL RIDES & GAMES:

presented by

BUY DISCOUNTED UNLIMITED CARNIVAL RIDE WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Thursday Friends & Family Special

4 wristbands for $99

Only available for use on Thursday, June 8

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. May 31

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$35 each

Good any one day during the festival

Sold online through 12 noon Wed. June 7

4-Day MEGA Unlimited Carnival Rides

$89 each

Good all 4 days of the festival

PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

Single-Day Unlimited Carnival Rides

$40 each

TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

7

- JOHN DIAK

Get to know the Town Council member from a whole new approach.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

BY THE NUMBERSFATHER’S

DAY

Some interesting stats for the celebration of dads.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

The signature event for our town returns with its splendor and rich history ... we think.

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

CELEBRATING FATHERS

Fathers in our families and in our communities make a big difference. We highlight some local fathers.

BY AMBER TUELLER

John is a Certified Financial Planner who graduated in Business Administration/ Finance as well as Human Development and Family Studies. He is currently chairing the positions of Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), Douglas County Subregion Transportation Forum, Regional Transportation Committee (RTC), and the E-470 Finance Committee. Plus, he's just an all-around great guy.

7 Questions

WITH JOHN DIAK

How did you meet your wife?

Noelle and I were set up in college by mutual friends on a blind date after trying for many years. When I was available and ready, Noelle wasn’t. Although we went to the same college (Colorado State University) and knew the same people, we never met. Fast forward 5 years; I was settling into a new house and very focused on my career when the phone rang with our friend wanting me to meet with Noelle. I took it and we never looked back.

What is your favorite vacation?

Noelle and I go on an annual cruise called The Rock Boat (www.therockboat. com). It’s a floating musical festival aboard a cruise ship – 5 days of non-stop music from over 30 bands when we are at sea. My passion is music and my wife’s is traveling so we both benefit.

The great part of this vacation is the ability to connect with the musical artists – some have become really good friends. When artists come through town they stay with us and/or we host house concerts for our friends and other musical enthusiasts under the Twenty Mile House Concert banner (www. twentymilemusic.com).

What is your favorite “guilty" movie and why? Not the movie everyone knows you love, the one you watch when nobody is around (ie - Legally Blonde). No surprise it’s music related – a movie called Thunder Alley. The movie is set in the mid 80’s that tells the tale of a fictitious rock band trying to make it. It has a 70’s teen idol holdover (Leif Garrett) making an appearance to give it “star power.” The movie and music bring me back to my teenage years.

A few others: The Replacements – a bunch of players not quite good enough trying to reclaim glory during a football strike. I still have no idea why Gene Hackman was in this movie but his character’s approach and wisdom make this one watchable. Uncle Buck – everyone wants to either be that uncle or have that type of uncle in their lives.

What was your first job and what was a great lesson you learned from it? My first job was at McDonald’s on Arapahoe Road and I-25. I learned to treat people the way you wanted to be treated and always try to make and collect friends. I have great memories and relationships as a result of that job. One of my closest friends is the person who first hired me for that job.

You went to Ponderosa High school. What is your best Pondo story?

I played snare drum in the marching band. I was very fortunate to be a part of a percussion group that won many awards and the band won two state championships in 1986 and 1988. We had great teachers who were committed to excellence and teaching us what was needed to be successful.

The most rewarding experience was being a part of the advocacy to widen Parker Road and watching the community come together to achieve amazing results. The community was losing at least one high school student a year due to the safety issues on Parker Road which was a two-lane road with limited shoulders. Parents and local community leaders came together to create awareness on the issue and asked the State for help.

John Diak

Ponderosa students wrote letters and created a motorcade to the State Capitol as our parents were on the steps with legislators demanding action. Governor Romer showed up to a packed Ponderosa gym and listened as the community shared their stories and demanded action. The governor was very sympathetic to all who provided comments but reiterated the lack of funding. Towards the end of the night, one person took a different approach and asked the Governor “What part of the road is the most expensive?” and the Governor responded, “Land.” The citizen responded, “If I can get you the land, will you build the road?” The governor huddled with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) staff in attendance for a few minutes and the Governor responded, “Yes.” Within three months all of the land was donated for the widening project.

You were involved in the Denver International Airport construction. What was your role in the project and do you have any good stories about the “legend" of the airport?

I was very fortunate to work for a land surveying firm located in Parker (Western States Surveying) as a project administrator that had significant involvement in the airport construction. It is estimated we did 70-80% of the construction staking on the airport campus. Denver International Airport was the largest public construction project in the world and I was happy to play a small part.

Many of the legends center around thoughts that the airport was built by a shadow government (we received payments by contractors using federal funding) and has a subsurface tunnel system and living space for important people to go in case of a civil unrest (we worked on the subsurface train tunnels and didn’t build any other tunnels).

One of the popular events for our employees was on Sunday afternoons. The contractors would assemble all of the larger boulders in one area and then blow them up into manageable pieces for removal.

What has been your best memory serving on Town Council?

The best memories are those that provide meaningful results or amenities to the citizens. One of our former Councilmembers said, “Most of us get to start something but rarely get to see it finished in our time on Council.” Having been on Council for 11 years, I have been fortunate to be a here for the full cycle on more than a few projects – building parks; adding trails, open space and roads; expanding our recreation center and pickleball courts. It’s rewarding to be a small part of something that so many can enjoy for years to come.

CELEBRATING FATHERS

BY AMBER TUELLER

The influence of a good man in a child’s life is invaluable. In recent generations, our society has shifted its focus to include dads more consciously. These changes range from Dads 'n' doughnuts in the elementary schools to a huge increase in companies granting paternity leave, something that was fairly unheard of even 15 years ago. This shift has occurred partially to allow for a wide variety of families – with dads often being the primary parent in a home. I believe another reason for this push is a greater recognition of the need for fathers to be involved. They have such an impact on their families in helping to shape values, self-esteem, work ethic, and fun.

Fathers not only affect the lives of their own children, but so many around them. They can

influence their children’s friends; youth in their church community; kids in the neighborhood; teenagers they work with; and students at school who benefit from their volunteering and teaching. Coaches get very close to their teams and have a positive impact on the youth they work with. Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and cousins have an impact on those in their extended families. Younger fathers look up to older fathers and the positive cycle continues. There is certainly a greater ripple from each man than at first seems obvious. Remember the reach you can have in your own homes and in the community. It is seen and felt.

As part of our June issue, we want to say Happy Father’s Day and thank you for lifting those around you!

Tools and tinkering. Soup and superheroes. Dads and Doughnuts Day. Hard work, fun, and family. Whatever “father” brings to mind for each of us, June is the time to give back to the influential men in our lives. They run out into the storm to clear a path for us; leave early to save us seats; build or fix our variety of contraptions; coach us through sports, jobs, and school; cheer us through our best or worst days; know how to lighten a sour mood; and so much more! We appreciate husbands, fathers, and father figures, and everything they do for us. Be sure to throw some love their way this month on Father’s Day.

CURRENTLY

74.7 MILLION FATHERS IN THE U.S.

OF DADS SAY BEING A FATHER IS THE BEST JOB IN THE

65.9% fathers who took paternity leave in 2021-2022 COMPARED TO 14% IN 1980

dads in 2022 COMPARED TO 6 IN 1970

WHAT A MAN WANTS

76% prefer an experience over a physical gift for Father’s Day

37% asked for a gift card to a favorite store

29% would like electronics & gadets (a drone or VR goggles)

WHAT A MAN GETS

The FESTIVAL

The Parker Days Festival seems to be woven into the fabric of our community. It is the most-attended event Parker has and rewrites our weekend plans, as well as the traffic patterns, every June. Whether you attend the festival or not, you know each year when it's happening. And it's been that way for years. An event with this type of impact, turnout, and community involvement would surely have a rich and interesting history. And I'm sure it does; it's just not preserved anywhere. The signature event of Parker is wrapped in mystery when it comes to its origin and historical developement.

Most people guess the festival started sometime in the early 70's, a simple parade with a few booths selling local wares and goods to celebrate the town's growth. Through the years there have been stories of its evolution; the year the big tent blew over so several men picked it up and carried it to the other side of Parker Road (back when the festival was mainly centered in the field where Home Depot now stands), the tractor pulls and toilet bowl races that took place up Main Street (I am advocating we bring those back!), and the tornado that hit in '91 that flooded downtown right in the middle of the festival.

The history of the festival hasn't been compiled yet, but it's out there. It lives in the memories of our long-time citizens. We want to hear those stories; we want to compile those memories. So if you have lived here for long enough to remember its origin, or even just some stories from "back in the day," reach out to us and let us know. Email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN OTT

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15

$$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

JUNZ

More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.

JUNZ

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs

LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE

BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB

20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE

Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian

CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian. 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$

new american

CASTLE CAFE

Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE

Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$

RORY’S

Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it!

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.

115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

PIZZA

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.

5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

STEAKHOUSE

DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.

363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines

303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$

Even the biggest goals start with simple steps

COUNTRY Financial® helps you take simple steps today with personalized insurance and financial services that can have a big impact on your family’s future. When you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help.

Marshall Ekhoff

Financial Representative Parker, CO 80134-8201 (303)841-3018

#TakeSimpleSteps

0817-501HC-07460-1/13/2021

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE

VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$