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Mardi Gras Celebration coming to Parker in 2023

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Mardi Gras also called Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

February marks the start of Mardi Gras celebrations nationwide and the Infamous “Fat Tuesday” falls early this month.

Support arts, science, and culture while experiencing the excitement of Bourbon Street!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! The Council of Arts, Science & Culture (CASC), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, throws the greatest Mardi Gras celebration south of Denver! Trade in your business suit for your best Mardi Gras costume, or your favorite attire, as we bring on the New Orleans magic!

Your ticket includes Cajun-style delectables, live music, and dancing. Cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase. In addition to this fun cultural event, your support enables us to put on events for all ages including Science Day, Science Night, the July 4th 5k, and many other events that enrich our local culture. 

Register Now

bethany mardi gras parker colorado

Parker Mardi Gras
Coming 2023

Why is Mardi Gras Celebrated?

Why do they Throw Beads?

Mardi Gras parades began in New Orleans in the 1830s and during that time, inexpensive necklaces made of glass beads were popular and parade krewes began to be tossing them into the crowds. The beads were an instant hit among the crowds of New Orleans residents and visiting Mardi Gras tourists and that tradition continues today.

Visit the website for more information

Learn more about CASC Here

mardi gras in parker colorado 2023

Turkey Day 5K Fun Run/Walk Parker CO 2022

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Get a healthy start to the holidays with Parker Recreation’s Turkey Day 5K and Kick off a happy Thanksgiving with friends, family, and a great workout!

Come and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday while getting a workout! The course for runners is a loop through the community, while the walkers’ course is an out-and-back on Cherry Creek Regional Trail.

turkey trot 5 k parker co Thanksgiving Day 5K family friendly race.
Date: Nov. 24, 2022
Start Time: 8-8:15 a.m.; based on mile time
Location: Parker Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave.
5K Cost: $30
Pre-registration closes Nov. 23 at 7 p.m.; walk-up registration is available at the event for an additional $10 per person. 

Part of the Parks and Recreation Run Series, this fun community event is not timed. Registered participants will receive commemorative race socks, a custom bib, hot cocoa, cider, or coffee. 

Race Course

The Turkey Day 5K course is being evaluated and will be posted soon.

Race Packet Pickup

Pick up race packets on Nov. 21 and 22 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Parker Fieldhouse, Nov. 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Parker Recreation Center and on event day, beginning at 7 a.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here (www.VolunteerParker.org) for this event volunteer opportunity. Email recevents@parkeronline.org with questions about volunteering.  

Additional Event and Sponsorship Information

Register here. This event is held rain, snow or shine. Refunds will not be issued. Strollers are welcome but because of the size of this event, for safety reasons, please leave dogs, bikes and scooters at home. Parking is limited, please carpool. Any proceeds from the event will benefit the Town of Parker Scholarship Program, which helps Parker families and/or individuals with limited financial resources participate in Town Recreation programs and facilities. For event questions, please email the Race Team at recevents@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3278. For sponsorship information, please email Jaime Vollertsen at jvollertsen@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3267.  

Turkey Trot November 24, 2022

View the video to see how much fun this event is.
17301 E. Lincoln Ave.
Parker, CO 80134
Ph: 303.841.4500

Don’t forget Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the holiday season in downtown Parker.

Parker Tree Lighting

Parker Holiday Events

Community Messiah

Trick or Treat on Mainstreet Now Trunk or Treat Off Mainstreet

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Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet is FREE of charge but you do need to register.

trunk or treat off mainstreet parker colorado

This Halloween tradition that has been run by the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club for years is now in all-new hands. The Downtown Business Alliance of Parker is bringing some new ideas to this event that the entire community looks forward to each year.

WHEN & WHERE

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Event time – 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Location – Parker Station Rear Parking Lot

Attendees will pre-register for the event with a timed entry. Timed entry is designed to allow a fun & enjoyable flow throughout the event. All families will receive a swag bag at check-in for the parents with all vendor swag. Kids will get to trick or treat at your trunks.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER If you have any questions please email admin@downtownparker.com

Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters whether it be astronauts and princesses,  pumpkins or football players all are welcome to join in the festive fun. Well-behaved dogs in costume are welcome.

truck or treat off mainstreet

Mainstreet is frightfully fun with ghouls and goblins throughout the land… so set off on your quest for sweets. 

The PACE Center has authorized its lot to be used which is located at 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker, CO 80138, There is street parking around the PACE Center and down Pikes Peak Court and Pikes Peak Drive. 

H2O’Brien Parking Lot will be open for use. 

Be sure and bring your camera to snap keepsake fall shots of all the fun your family is having and a Trick or Treat bag to hold all your tasty treasures.

Our favorite moment from past Trick or Treat off Mainstreet: Thriller Flash Mob, watch for rumors of the time to be revealed on social media.

The decades-old Trick or Treat on Mainstreet event has been a tradition for lots of families in Parker but with the growth and traffic concerns changes are being made. Not only will the event be OFF Mainstreet this year, but it’s also happening the Saturday before Halloween instead of on the date. I think that’s a great change. This part of the Halloween celebration will be in the Parker Station parking lot.

2022 Pub Crawl

  • Date: October 29, 2022
  • Time: 2p – 8p
  • Location: Downtown Parker (West-End and East-End)
  • Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet Street 2p-6p
  • Pub Crawl 6p-8p
  • Beer Gardens
  • Live Music
  • Scavenger Hunts
  • Costume Contest
  • All Day Family-Friendly, Fun
  • After Parties at Local Businesses

This event is organized by the Downtown Business Alliance of Parker

They are now registering vendors for the event. Please email admin@DowntownParker.com for more information.

Adults are encouraged to dress up and walk up and down Mainstreet using the tunnel that goes underneath Parker Rd. There will be Music on Mainstreet and all the bars on the route will also have drink specials we encourage all Zombies & friends to stop in. The DBA is also having a scavenger hunt as part of the event during the evening. There will be missions to do along the way such as checking into businesses, taking selfies at certain spots, and answering trivia questions all pertained to Mainstreet from one end to the other.

Participants are encouraged to use the tunnel under Parker Road for the safety of Pedestrians and Vehicles.

COSTUME CONTEST
A costume contest for the best individually dressed person & also for the best-dressed group.

trick or treat on mainstreet parker co

TRUNK OR TREAT OFF MAINSTREET VENDOR INFO

1 – WHAT IS THE TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT?

Our Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet event is a Parker Tradition with a spin. We have the Rear Parking Lot off Parker Station as a secure safe location for children & families to come trick or treat, hear music, see entertainment and just have fun. 

Trunk or Treat is easier on our Vendors as you will be decorating your vehicle versus setting up a booth. Easier set up and take down plus fun for everyone. 

2- WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT AS A VENDOR?

  • Bring your Car/Truck/Van and decorate the trunk for Halloween
  • Bring enough goodies to hand out to 1,500 kids (we’re limiting entries to 1500 children per Parker Police request)
  • Some examples: Candy, Rub on Tattoos, Stickers, Bracelets, Glow sticks, bouncy balls, etc.  
  • As a Sponsor, we are giving you an opportunity to place your own items in the Parents Swag Bags that each family will receive at check-in.
  • Examples are business cards, literature, coupons, specials, swag etc.
  • Cost for a vendor spot is $25 for DBA Members or $40 for non-DBA members

Overall we priced out this event & it should cost a vendor total around $500. Obviously

3- DETAILS FOR THE EVENT:

Saturday, October 29, 2022

Event time – 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Location – Parker Station Rear Parking Lot

Attendees will pre-register for the event with a timed entry. Timed entry is designed to allow a fun & enjoyable flow throughout the event. All families will receive a swag bag at check in for the parents with all vendor swag. Kids will get to trick or treat at your trunks.

4- DECORATING CONTEST:

We will be taking pictures of each vendors decorated trunk and will be having a contest for the best decorated trunk. The winner will be selected by our committee and will receive a gift card to one of our local restaurants. SO bring your best!

The finalists and winners will be posted onto our social media accounts with the hashtag #TrunkOrTreatParker

5- VENDOR REGISTRATION & PAYMENT:

To register for this event please email: Admin@DowntownParker.com

We will then get you registered, send an invoice for payment and send you the welcome email with further details and information for vendors.

Town of Parker Holiday Lighting Event O’Brien Parker

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Ruth Chapel Mainstreet Parker Colorado

A Town of Parker Signature Event

Celebrate the Season when Parker Lights the LIGHTS!

Bundle up and bring your family and friends to kick-off the holiday season at Parker’s Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in O’Brien Park.

2021 Mayor’s Holiday Lighting
presented by Xfinity 

O’Brien Park comes alive for the holidays! Join the Town of Parker for an enchanted evening in O’Brien Park. Gather around the Town Tree and join the Mayor and the Parker Chorale in a Sing-Along to Silent Night to kick off the event. Following Silent Night, the Mayor and Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. You will love the look and feel as our Town Tree lights up and the park sparkles in white elegance!

Once the park is lit up, it’s time for the fun to begin! Stroll around O’Brien Park and take in the sights of the fun holiday ice sculpture displays following a path to each of the displays.

Along the way, you are bound to run into some holiday characters all of whom will have some sort of story to tell or an activity to show you. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in town for this festive evening, as will Elsa and Olaf, and you may even spot the “Elf in a Tree!” While you stroll through the park, you can enjoy tasty food from holiday food vendors.

The O’Brien Park Gazebo will come to life with the sounds of the holidays as the Parker Chorale and our local high school choirs sing some of our favorite holiday carols. The Colorado School of Dance performers will showcase one of their dances on stage as well.

This evening is sure to be filled with wonderful holiday memories.

Event Timeline

5:30 p.m. Welcome by Mayor Jeff Toborg and Town Council with a sing-along to Silent Night led by the Parker Chorale, followed by the Grand Park and Town Tree Lighting and an evening of holiday fun!  

Gazebo Entertainment Lineup

  • 5:30 p.m. Parker Chorale opens the evening with Silent Night
  • 5:50 to 6 p.m. Ponderosa Choir 
  • 6:00 to 6:15 p.m. Colorado School of Dance – Nutcracker 
  • 6:20 to 6:30 p.m. Chaparral High School Choir
  • 6:35 to 6:45 p.m. Lutheran High School Choir
  • 6:50 to 7 p.m. Legend High School Choir 
  • 7 p.m. Closing remarks and drawing for 50 inch Big Screen TV 

Activities 

  • Ice holiday ice sculpture displays stationed throughout the park
  • Meet and greet with Elsa and Olaf
  • Holiday walk-around entertainment featuring magical elves, a winter wizard, a dancing holiday tree and a toy soldier, all of whom have a story to tell or an activity to show you. 
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in Town for the evening!
  • New this year….the community has the chance to decide what our amazing ice sculpture vendor will create during his live ice carving demonstration!  Keep an eye on the Town’s Facebook page (@TownofParkerCO) to vote for your favorite and then come to the event to see if your favorite won! 

Tasty Treats

  • Archies Dog House 
  • Bloom & Grow Kitchen
  • Cyndy’s Food-Lish-Us
  • Comforts of Home – soups, sandwiches, coffee and hot chocolate
  • Kettle Corn

Parking

West Victorian Drive and the O’Brien Park parking lot will be unavailable for event parking and Victorian Drive from Longs Way to Mainstreet will be closed from 3:30 p.m. through 8 p.m. Event attendees can seek other public parking opportunities throughout the Downtown area. 

Public parking is just a short walking distance from the park. Parking at Parker Town Hall, PACE Center, Discovery Park or the Schoolhouse parking lot is a great way to stroll through Downtown on your way to and from the event.  Or, you can park west of Parker road and walk through Kieffer’s Crossing, an underground tunnel that helps pedestrians avoid crossing South Parker Road. The tunnel is between Taco Bell/Long John Silver’s and Colorado State Bank and Trust. 

Contact Us For more information, please email Special Events & Sponsorship Coordinator Brooke Spain or call 303.805.3253.

Parker’s Holiday Events

Art in the Park O’Brien Park Parker CO 2021

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Art in the Park sponsored by the Parker Artists Guild is back for 2021

August 28 from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm

August 29 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.

O’Brien Park
Parker & Mainstreet
Parker CO, 80134

Admission is FREE!

art in Parker

Many art forms will be represented including:

  • painting in a wide variety of media,
  • drawing,
  • pastels,
  • pottery,
  • jewelry,
  • photography,
  • woodworking,
  • glass,
  • sculpture and more.

This is a family-friendly event with things for the kids to do including a face painting booth (for a small charge)  and a children’s art station where kids can create their own art projects. There will also be music and food.

The art show is sponsored by the Parker Artists Guild (PAG), a registered 501c(3) non-profit organization

PAG was formed in 2001 and has grown to about 200 members this year. The mission of the Parker Artist Guild is to advance the development of fine arts in the community. To accomplish this the Guild offers instructional demonstrations, workshops, and opportunities to promote all forms of fine art.

PAG sponsors a variety of art education workshops, exhibits, events, and scholarships. PAG members are from Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Douglas and Elbert Counties and the south metro area. Membership is open to all media artists.

The art show is sponsored by the Parker Artists Guild (PAG) of Parker. PAG membership includes artists from Parker, Castle Rock, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, Douglas and Elbert County and the south metro area.

Membership is open to all media. PAG was formed in 2001 and has grown to about 200 members this year. Our mission is to promote the visual arts and raise awareness of local artists in the community. PAG sponsors a variety of art education workshops, exhibits, culture events and Kid’s Kulture. For more information about PAG and Art in the Park visit www.ParkerArtistsGuild.com.

For more information about the event and the Parker Artists Guild, please visit www.parkerartistsguild.com

4th of July Stars and Stripes Celebration

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Parker Colorado stars and stripes celebration 4th of july fka let freedom sing

 July 4, 2021
Salisbury Park
12010 S. Motsenbocker Road
6 to 10 p.m.

The Town of Parker is really excited to share that staff is working with Tri-County Health on multiple planning options for a scaled back July 4 event.  The Independence Day Celebration planning is currently underway and we are hoping to bring some sort of activity or event to our community for July 4, 2021.  

However, there is no indication, from state and local health authorities or the governor’s office, when mass gatherings of the size that attends the Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration will be allowed.  An event of this nature takes a lot of advance planning and coordination and many of the final plans need to be locked into place three to six months in advance.  Because of the uncertainly of what July will bring, we do not believe it will be possible to have the full-scale Parker Stars and Stripes Celebration our community is accustomed to so staff is hard at work on alternative plans. 

More updates will be given as we begin to get closer to the event and are able to finalize details.