Food Drives and Seasonal Fun in Leadville

Mid-Month: Food Drive Harvests

Sounds like the “Friends” down in Twin Lakes are firing up some friendly competition for the Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive. Photo: Mabel Bogeart.

“Twin Lakes is really pushing it out,” said Organizer Mabel Bogeart regarding the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive, which has initiated a friendly competition that helps to restock local food pantries as the colder weather sets in. So, it’s game-on, Leadvillites! Get your organization involved, send in your picture of group collections or contact Mabel Bogeart directly at mbogeart@co.lake.co.us. or 719-486-0259 if you have efforts underway to help fill Leadville’s food banks.

Now in its 13th year, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Drive is held annually in October. This year, the food drop-off locations are at Safeway, Twin Lakes Inn, Pueblo Bank & Trust, Community Banks of Colorado and Saturdays. Money jars are located at all three Banks in town along with Stop-n-Go on Mt View Drive, The Elks Lodge, and Saturdays. The food bank drive runs from October 1 – 31.

“Remember, what you give, comes back to you,” says Bogeart.  And as the holiday season approaches, so does the giving season. Give back – it feels good!

Ride The Rails Thru October

The Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad is extending its season in 2019 and adding weekend trips through October 27.

All Aboard The Halloween Express! If you’re looking for a fun fall activity that’s perfect for the entire family, there’s a new kind of Halloween party coming to Leadville! Every Saturday & Sunday in October the Leadville Railroad will be magically transformed into The Halloween Express for its 10 a.m. ride.

This special Track or Treat 2.5-hour ride takes passengers from their historic depot on E. 7th Street up, up, up to the Headwaters of the Arkansas River Valley. Enjoy this spooky, kid-friendly trip taking in nature’s sights and sounds while enjoying some tasty seasonal treats. Ticket holders are encouraged to come in costume. Before or after the train ride, visit our historic depot and gift shop. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Oktoberfest on the Leadville Railroad! Come, raise a glass with the Leadville Railroad and celebrate Oktoberfest in the Rocky Mountains. Board the train in Leadville and enjoy a special selection of seasonal libations. Take in the beautiful mountain views from the train as you take in an ale on the rails! Or sip your cider as you watch the golden aspens pass by, breathing in the crisp alpine forest. The Oktoberfest Railroad Rides will be leaving their historic depot every Saturday and Sunday in October at 2 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty of an alpine autumn as you travel up above the Headwaters of the Arkansas River during this 2.5-hour scenic train ride. Special rides include seasonal add-ons from a flight of seasonal beers to fresh-pressed cider and some culinary treats you can only find this time of year.

For more details connect on the train’s website or call 1-866-386-3936. Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m. in October.

Cooper: Meeting, Music & Merriment

This Saturday, Ski Cooper will be hosting its Annual Community Meeting and Job Fair. And if the forecasters are correct, the ski hill is likely to see some fresh snow on those slopes to set the stage for another great season! Beginning at 8:30 a.m. job seekers can attend the Ski Cooper Job Fair to apply for a variety of positions, from ski ops to foodservice, find out what it takes to work at Leadville’s hometown ski hill. The job fair runs through 11:30 a.m.

Then starting at 1 p.m. upstairs in the lodge, Cooper’s Board of Directors and General Manager Dan Torsell will host the annual Community Meeting until 2 p.m. For slope enthusiasts new to the Cooper scene, this annual event has its roots in maintaining transparency and accountability to the Leadville and Lake County Community about the operations plans and bottom line.

Unlike neighboring mega-resort ski areas, Cooper’s business model and relationship to Lake County is as unique as the skiing and boarding experience it offers. Come, hear this year’s report starting at 1 p.m. upstairs in the Cooper Lodge. It’s (usually) something you can be proud of if you live in Leadville Today! And this year will include all the details about the New Terrain, a project decades in the making.

After The Community Meeting, Ski Cooper will be switching gears to a more festive mood by providing some live music,  free food, & a cash bar 2 – 5 p.m. in the lodge.