EVERGREEN, Colo. (Dec. 29, 2019) — Each year on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day people from around the metro area gather in Evergreen, Colo. for Skate the Lake and the Evergreen New Year’s Plunge. This year, the historic location of these events – the Evergreen Lake House – is not yet open for the season due to bridge construction. That means both events have new plans to continue the tradition!
Construction at Evergreen Lake Means New Location for 2020
The bridge over Bear Creek, leading to the lake house, was damaged by flooding in 2013. While partially usable, it needed to be replaced. Denver Mountain Parks, which owns the property, started replacement of the bridge in November 2019. Evergreen Recreation District operates the lake house and skating. Thousands of people visit throughout the holidays, but this year, skating and winter activities have been postponed until the bridge is functionally open – currently estimated for approximately mid-January.
Skate the Lake
Because there will not be ice skating this year, Skate the Lake has been transformed into a GIANT New Year’s Eve Street Party on Highway 74 (Highway 74 will be closed to thru traffic from south of Christ The King Church to the intersection of Highway 74 & Highway 73). It is an alcohol-free celebration that starts at 6 p.m. with fun, games and 8 p.m. fireworks. This event has helped keep young people off the roads for two dozen years. President and CEO of the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce Betsy Hays says, “We are looking forward to hosting the largest family friendly alcohol-free New Year’s Eve event in the Denver! What better way to ring in 2020 than all together under hundreds of twinkling lights, playing games, and watching the fireworks. It will be the party of the decade.”
Non-refundable tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door. Children 5 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds go to, Bootstraps College Scholarships, Alpine Rescue, EAPL (Evergreen Animal Protective League) and EChO (Evergreen Christian Outreach) Food Bank. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.evergreenchamber.org/skate-the-lake/. For more information contact Betsy Hays @303 619-8317.
Evergreen Lake Plunge
The Evergreen Lake Plunge is a “chill” tradition of jumping into an icy lake at noon on New Year’s Day. Many have worn wild costumes through the years and the event is often shown around the country. This year the event will take place at the lower pond by the Buchanan Recreation Center at 32003 Ellingwood Trail (at the intersection of Highway 74 and Squaw Pass Road). Parking is free at Buchanan Rec Center and by the shops at Castle Court off Bergen Parkway. There will be changing and showers inside the Rec Center. There will be a food truck from Anthony’s Pizza and nearby Tuscany Tavern will open at 10:30 a.m.
“The Evergreen New Year’s Plunge is a great tradition for many, a bucket list item for others, and always hilarious fun,” said Active 4 All Foundation Vice President and board member Deb Kelley.
Sponsored by the “Active 4 All” Foundation (501c3), the event helps support the programs of the Evergreen Park and Recreations District (EPRD), such as the special needs program known as INSPIRE. It also provides funds for EPRD capital improvements and provides financial assistance so community members can participate in EPRD programs and activities regardless of their ability to pay. In 2019, $12K was raised! The cost is $35 to sign up in advance at https://EvergreenLakePlunge.org. It’s $45 to sign up on the day of the event. Don’t want to jump? Anyone can sponsor a plunger or make a donation at https://a4aevergreen.org/donate-index-impact.
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