Chillin’ and sippin’ for a cause, a petting zoo and Halloween activities this weekend in the Vail Valley
This off-season the Halloween events are happing earlier than ever
Chris Dillmann/CDillman@VailDaily.com
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Colorado
The 9th annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Colorado returns to the chilly waters of Nottingham Lake in Avon this Saturday. Time to be freezin’ for a reason and submerge yourself into the waters in support of Special Olympics Colorado. Each year, people brave the cold waters to raise funds that allow Special Olympics Colorado to host the Games and also provide health, education and athlete leadership programs. This year, the statewide goal is $780,000 and Eagle County’s goal is $15,000. All funds raised go to support the more than 26,000 Special Olympic Athletes in Colorado.
“In addition to the Avon Police Department we’ll have the Town of Eagle and the Eagle Police Department and the Eagle County District Attorney’s Office. We also have a team of dedicated Avon residents who come out every year,” said Al Zepeda, an officer with the Avon Police Department who helps organize this fundraiser.
If you want to take the plunge it’s an $80 donation or you can ask others to contribute to your cause or your team. Costumes are encouraged since Halloween is next week. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. at Nottingham Park or you can register in advance online. The Polar Plunge starts at 11 a.m. Afterward, participants will be shuttled over to the Avon Recreation Center where they can take a warm shower and change into warm clothes. Then there’s the After Splash Bash after party at Bob’s Place in Avon. For more information, go to SpecialOlympicsCO.org.
Beer for Our Horses at Eagle River Brewing Company
Mountain Valley Horse Rescue is mixing things up with a fun fundraiser that’s being held at outside of the nonprofits’ ranch near McCoy. Eagle River Brewing Company in Gypsum will host Beer for Our Horses on Friday night. The name of the event is a play on words from the popular verse in the 2002 country song by Toby Keith, “Beer for My Horses” featuring Willie Nelson. Beer for Our Horses helps the mission of Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, which is to rehabilitate and rehome equines in need.
Stop by Eagle River Brewing Company in Gypsum between 5-9 p.m. and learn more about Mountain Valley Horse Rescue, enjoy live music, a raffle and drink up because a portion of the beer proceeds will go to this grass-roots nonprofit that was started here 20 years ago. Eagle River Brewing Company opened two years ago and have a wide selection of craft beers to choose from, like lagers, pilsners, IPAs, hefeweizen and more. To learn more about the event, go to MountainValleyHorseRescue.com.
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Family Harvest Festival
Come on down to the Eagle River Center on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. for the Family Harvest Festival courtesy of New Roots Colorado and the Eagle Valley Conservation District. The event is family friendly and will feature a fall market with local vendors, trick-or-treating, face painting, a petting zoo and live music.
The mission of New Roots is to support healthy, local, sustainable food access through education, outreach and partnership. Proceeds from the event will help them continue this mission. To get tickets and to learn more visit NewRootsCo.org.
Pre-Halloween Fun
With the amount of Halloween events happening, you’d think the holiday was this weekend. But this year the Halloween season stretches over multiple days. Here’s a look at what is going on this weekend.
Halloween events at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon on Friday
Fall Fest & Food Drive – Friday, 4-6 p.m.
- Festive pumpkin decorating event in the lobby, with pumpkins and decorations provided
- Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable items for the Vail Valley Salvation Army
- Sip the seasonal Great Pumpkin cocktail: pumpkin mix and chai-spiced rum topped with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice
- Pre-registration requested
The perfect way to plan your weekend.
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Halloween Bash for Eagle County Charter Academy – Friday, 6:30-11 p.m.
- Annual costume party fundraiser for the adults
- $75 per person or $140 per couple = dinner and one drink per person
- Tickets available at ECCAHalloweenBash.com
Halloween in Riverwalk on Saturday
Spooky Halloween Storytime – Bookworm of Edwards – 10-11 a.m.
- Get into the Halloween spirit with a special story time with spooktacular books
- Costumes are encouraged at this free event
Riverwalk Pumpkin Fest in Edwards – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Choose your pumpkin and benefit the Family Learning Center, sponsored by Village Market
- trick-or-treating available at participating Riverwalk businesses
- Yard games and fun photo ops
Pumpkin Carving/Painting event – Alpine Arts Center in Edwards – 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- BYOP – Bring Your Own Pumpkin
- Alpine Arts center will have the tools and templates to create your jack-o-lantern
- Cost = $20 (carving tools and stencils included in fee, paint or other supplies may incur additional charges)
- Grab a beer or glass of wine from the Art Bar while you work on your pumpkin
Fright at the Museum – Walking Mountains in Avon – Saturday noon to 4 p.m.
Walking Mountains blends science into every Halloween with its annual Fright at the Museum. This year’s theme is Up in the Air and activities include Fiske Planetarium shows, pilot school obstacle course, glider simulator, model airplane crafting, rocket launches, music with Bravo! Vail’s Music Makers Hacienda Musica, the Flavor Stop food truck and more. Tickets are $20/person, $25 day-of the event. Children 3 years old and under are free. The event will be held rain, snow or shine. Please note that this is a shuttled event – park in the Elk Lot in Avon and you’ll be shuttled to and from the event. Costumes are encouraged.
Pumpkin Fun Run at Nottingham Park – Sunday, 2-4 p.m.
This Halloween event has a fitness element. It’s a 2K run where participants are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes, so, make sure you are wearing something that allows you to move. The race will start at the Metcalf Cabin next to the Avon Performance Pavilion. Bring trick-or-treat bags to collect candy on the running route. Registration includes entry to the run, carnival-themed games, face painting and one small pumpkin for the family. Pumpkins can be carved or painted. Ziploc bags will also be provided so families can keep their pumpkin seeds.
Rock your October with Quadrasonic
The new local band Quadrasonic performs at Route 6 Café in Eagle-Vail on Sunday from 7-10 p.m. Come over for a pre–Halloween Howl at Route 666. There will be giveaways and prizes for best costumes, so dress to impress.
