Tyler Thompson
For months, Mainstreet in downtown Parker has endured
construction that has strained businesses and sent many residents
searching for alternate routes to their destinations. Now, the
Downtown Development Council hopes to reignite that Mainstreet feel
with its first annual offering of holiday carriage rides.
It began Nov. 28, coinciding with the mayor’s Tree Lighting
Ceremony at O’Brien Park. The council sponsors free weekly carriage
rides, Santa visits, live entertainment, holiday stories from
Douglas County librarians and special giveaways in downtown
Parker.
Parker business owners hope the new attractions will bring
much-needed business back to Mainstreet shops, where harsh economic
conditions were compounded by the recent road and sidewalk
construction project.
“We hope it will improve business conditions and encourage
people to rediscover downtown, especially now that the construction
is complete,” said Shari Riggs, executive director of the
council.
The carriage rides will be the inaugural event of the upcoming
year, in which the council is planning an event every month in
downtown Parker to spur business and attract locals to the
redesigned area. The town spent more than $2 million to improve the
downtown corridor and make it more pedestrian friendly.
The holiday events are backed by more than 20 local businesses,
including Mainstreet businesses Vines Wine Bar and The Warhorse
Inn. Stops at Parker Station, Vines Wine Bar and the new Victorian
Peaks building will be established to pick up riders and cart them
through the holiday lights of downtown Parker via Mainstreet, Pikes
Peak Drive and Victorian Drive.
Beyond business concerns, the event is really about celebrating
the holidays and fostering a spirit of community.
“We want to encourage families to enjoy the holidays in new
downtown Parker,” Riggs said.
The rides will continue Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9:30 p.m.
through Dec. 27. Final rides will be offered on Dec. 31 for New
Year’s Eve celebrations.
For more information, call the council office at
303-805-8155.
