Castle Rock Crew #044

So, the response to the dinner that we’re testing out on Nov 12 has been awesome! I did a little promo video on Instagram if you need some help visualizing…

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed your Halloween weekend and aren’t feeling too sick from all the candy you may have eaten or from all the Ring footage of overzealous trick or treaters raiding your bowl.

Now onto the next holiday — we’ve got some festive events here in November. I’m happy to report that it looks like the Pie Bake-Off on Saturday has filled up with contestants because I can’t find the registration page anymore. I looked a few weeks ago and saw a bunch of spots were open, so I was worried I was going to have to come out of retirement and dominate with my multi-pie-competition-winning Dutch Apple Pie (family recipe). Yeah, this is what winning (and a sugar high) look like:

The Pie Bake-Off is on Saturday, Nov 8 at the Millhouse from 10:30am-1:30pm with judging beginning at 11:00am. You can attend even if you aren’t baking, and can try the pies by the slice free of charge. Details here.

Oh, and if you’ve got a go-to dessert or other recipe for Thanksgiving, please send them through…I’ve got a dessert in my back pocket that will knock your socks off.

Alright, as you know, there are plenty of people in need right now given everything going on with freezes, layoffs, loss of benefits, etc…but there are a ton of ways to both get help and provide help. Sunday Salmon, which we covered not too long ago (read here), is stepping up in a big way. It’d be awesome if you could attend one of these dinners (they need everyone to come — even those who are not in need), volunteer, or donate if you have the means! Here are the ways to help:

• Attend a dinner — they’ve added a ton of dates and new types of dinners!

  • Taco Tuesday every Tuesday in Nov

  • Wagonwheel Wednesday Buffet on Nov 5 & 19

  • Thankful Thursday on Nov 13

  • Saturday Spaghetti Buffet on Nov 29th

  • Sunday Salmon every Sunday in Nov

• Volunteer — take one of the remaining spots while they’re still available!

• Donate — if you’re in a position to donate, please consider giving!

• Amazon List or Gift Cards — you can purchase from their Amazon List or drop off gift cards to Walmart or Sprouts!

Sunday Salmon isn’t the only organization stepping up, though. Organizations from Boy Scouts to churches to restaurants like Los Dos and Stack’d, and everyone in between are doing their part. Check out social media to find opportunities to help or reach out if there’s something we can help you find!

The below event will benefit the Help & Hope Center who are helping those in need 24/7/365.

Earn Your Stuffing at the 21st Annual Turkey ROCK Trot

Every Thanksgiving morning, thousands of Castle Rock locals lace up for a 5K that’s part race, part costume party, and part family reunion — the Turkey ROCK Trot, now in its 21st year. It’s Castle Rock’s biggest running event, drawing well over 3,000 people last year to the Douglas County Event Center for one unforgettable morning of sweat, silliness, and stuffing-worthy bragging rights.

If you’ve ever seen the guy in the full turkey costume blazing down the course, you know this isn’t your average “fun run.” (And yes, seeing that giant bird brought back flashbacks of losing to a man in a green morph suit and kilt at the Shamrock Stampede. I had to skip the ROCK-it Run in July because I was so demoralized.)

Whether you run, walk, stroll, or trot with your dog, this event is built for everyone. There’s a free 1K Kids Dash at 8:30am, followed by the 5K ROCK Trot at 9:00am with waves starting every two minutes. Serious runners lead the pack, but most people are just out for a good time, a good cause, and maybe a good laugh at the costume contest that follows.

And speaking of costumes — this is the time to go all in. Turkeys, pilgrims, inflatables, tutus, matching family outfits...they all hit the start line. Awards follow the race, and at 10:15am the official Costume Contest kicks off, complete with the coveted “Gobble n’ Groove Dance-Off” just before it.

Inside the warm Health & Wellness Expo, you’ll find 30+ vendors, face painting, balloon twisting, and a bounce house for kids — plus the real MVP: Flippin’ Flapjacks serving up fresh pancakes hot off the griddle. Participants 21+ get one free beer, and mimosas and Bloody Marys will be available for purchase.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Help & Hope Center, which provides critical support to neighbors in Douglas and Elbert counties facing housing instability or financial crisis. Every registration directly helps fund that mission, so whether you’re running or volunteering, you’re making a tangible difference right here at home.

Ways to Get Involved

• Run, walk, or stroll: Register for the 5K or the kids’ dash at runtochangelives.org/turkeyrocktrot.
  Use code CRCREW25 at checkout for 15% off your entry.

• Volunteer: It takes hundreds of hands to pull off race day. Volunteers (or VolRUNteers) get a free t-shirt, food, beverage, and entry to another Rock n’ Run Series race. Sign up at this link.

• Donate: Bring toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, etc.) to help stock the Help & Hope Center pantry.

You’re invited to join the Castle Rock Crew team, though I’m honestly embarrassed by how lame our team name is compared to some of the others.

Event Schedule – Thursday, November 27

Douglas County Event Center | 500 Fairgrounds Drive
7:30am – Health & Wellness Expo opens and race day registration
8:30am – FREE 1K Kids Dash
8:45am – Wave corrals assemble
9:00am – 5K ROCK Trot Start
9:45am – Awards Ceremony
10:00am – Gobble n’ Groove Dance-Off
10:15am – Costume Contest
11:00am – Expo closes – go replenish those calories with friends and family

Whether you’re chasing a PR, jogging with the kids, or just there for the pancakes, the Turkey ROCK Trot is the perfect start to Thanksgiving morning. Lace up, layer up, and earn that extra slice of pie — there’s truly no better way to kick off the holiday than surrounded by thousands of neighbors, good vibes, and one very determined turkey.

The Gardens
Premier Garden Center in Highlands Ranch, locally owned & operated

Bring the outdoors in this winter.
The Gardens has a fresh inventory of houseplants to brighten your home and clean the air — plus a huge selection of unique pots to match your style.
Not sure how to pot a plant? We’ll do it for you!

Pottery Painting Event
Saturday, November 8 | 11am-4pm
Get out of the cold and join us for a creative, hands-on day at The Gardens.
We’ll provide everything — paints, markers, brushes, stencils, and organic elements — so you can craft a one-of-a-kind gift for friends, family, or teachers.
Our team can even help you pick the perfect plant for your pot!

Call 303.791.0338 to reserve your spot and pick out your pots.
$10 for small pots | $20 for medium pots

The Gardens
9542 South University Blvd., Highlands Ranch
thegardensgc.com

Pet Adoptions

Didn’t get your fill of candy this past week? Hershey’s got you covered!

Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]

Sports

Broncos - well, we showed “grit” and gutted it out for the win against a backup quarterback and a team that had other injuries. Not sure if anyone else is getting tired of our usual ways…pass on first down and lose a couple of yards, then run on 2nd and 12, and then throw an incompletion on 3rd and 8…also over seeing Nix make the wrong decisions and then smiling and laughing on the sideline, but it’s tough to be mad at him when he follows it up with a game sealing run…anyways, Will Lutz added another game winning field goal to his list and we got the W against a tough defense (18-15). We’ve got a quick turnaround to play our horrible AFC West brethren, the Raiders, who sit at 2-6. The game is on Thursday, November 6 at 6:15pm.

Nuggets - Nugs are 4-2 putting us at 6th in the Western Conference. We really put it to the Pelicans with a 122-88 win, lost a close one in the Group Stage of the NBA Cup to the Trail Blazers after going into the 4th with a 10-point lead (109-107), and defeated the Kings 130-124 (where Jokić almost took off Sabonis’ head). We have a nice home stretch where we face the Heat on Wed, Nov 5, the Warriors for a NBA Cup Group Stage Game on Fri, Nov 7, and the Pacers on Sat, Nov 8. Check out the November jersey schedule — I personally love the City Edition.

Avalanche - we’re 7-1-5 with 19 points after a dominant win against the Devils (8-4), a win against the Golden Knights (4-2), and an OTL loss against the Sharks (3-2). We host the Lightning on Tue, Nov 4, visit the Oilers on Sat, Nov 8, and then visit the Canucks on Sun, Nov 9.

Rockies - should have known that the Dodgers would’ve figured out a way to come back after being 2 outs away from losing to the Blue Jays in Game 7. Yoshinobu Yamamoto came in to win the game and close it out after winning Game 6 the night before…I guess he showed everyone why the Dodgers gave him a $325 million contract over 12 years without ever having thrown a pitch in the MLB. Dodgers go back-to-back and send Kershaw into retirement with a nice parting gift for his storied career. This will probably be the close of the Rockies section for a while. I know — thank goodness.

Sabercats Football - the Sabercats will wrap the season at 4-6 and 2-3 in league after falling well short against an undefeated Mountain Vista team (56-7).

Huskies Football - the Huskies will end their season at 4-6 and 0-5 in league after losing an absolute nail-biter against the Chaparral Wolverines (38-37).

Events:

Tuesday, 11/4:

The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm–7:00pm

Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

Bien y Tu (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm–5:00pm

The Whiskey Lodge - 85¢ Wings - 3:00pm–10:00pm

Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm–6:00pm

I.C. Brewhouse - Trivia - 6:30pm–8:00pm

Wild Blue Yonder Brewing Co. - Geeks Who Drink Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm–9:30pm

Wednesday, 11/5:

Wide Awake Eatery - Happy Hour - 4:00pm–6:00pm (Wed-Sat)

Alidade Brewing - Music Bingo - 6:00pm–8:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm–9:00pm

Thursday, 11/6:

RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm

Crowfoot Valley Coffee and Crowbar - Trivia Night - 6:00pm

Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm–10:00pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Friday, 11/7:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Holiday Tea with Tour - 1:00pm - tickets

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Wine Tasting at the Castle - Italian Wines - 6:00pm

Mission Possible Fitness - Health & Harvest Ladies’ Night - 6:00pm–8:30pm

Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: Front Range Revival - 7:00pm–10:30pm

Fairgrounds - Water Circus Platinum - 7:30pm - tickets

Sinners and Saints - LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Hot Boots Duo - 8:00pm–10:00pm

Saturday, 11/8:

Fairgrounds - 33rd Castle Rock Craft Show - 9:00am–4:00pm

Elk Ridge Park, Castle Pines - Leaf and Pumpkin Composting - 9:00am–2:00pm

Outlets - Jingle Bucks - through Nov 15 - 10:00am–8:00pm

Mod Mountain Boutique - Holiday Launch - 10:00am–6:00pm

Miller Park - Pie Bake-Off - 10:30am–1:30pm

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Cherokee Fall Backcountry Hike - 12:30pm - tickets

Sander Ranch Flowers - Fall Flower Arrangement Class - 1:00pm

Fairgrounds - Water Circus Platinum - 1:30pm, 4:30pm & 7:30pm - tickets

The Stagecoach Saloon - Vetras Rocks the Stagecoach - 6:30pm–10:30pm

105 West - Live Music: The John Saunders Band - 6:30pm–9:30pm

Hideaway Bar & Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:30pm–12:30am

Sunday, 11/9:

Fairgrounds - Water Circus Platinum - 1:30pm & 4:30pm - tickets

Monday, 11/10:

Fairgrounds - Water Circus Platinum - 7:30pm - tickets

Heads up on events that are further out:

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Veterans Day Tour - Nov 11, 10:00am - tickets

Provision - Bardstown Tasting Event - Nov 11, 6:00pm - tickets

Downtown Castle Rock - Castle Rock Crew Dinner Club - Nov 12, 6:30pm

Sunday Salmon - Thankful Thursday - Nov 13, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Alidade Brewery - Pumpkin Succulent Centerpiece - Nov 13, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Übergrippen - Ladies’ Climbing Night - Nov 13, 6:30pm–9:30pm - tickets

Philip & Jerry Miller Library - Monthly Presentation: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - Nov 13, 7:00pm–8:00pm

The Grange - Holly Jolly Boutique - Nov 14, 11:00am–7:00pm and Nov 15, 10:00am–5:00pm

Wide Awake Eatery - Colorado's Top Dueling Pianos Shows - Nov 14, 6:00pm–9:00pm - tickets

Sinners and Saints - LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALTAR: Christopher C. Romero - Nov 14, 8:00pm–10:00pm

Elizabeth Brewing - November Succulent Box - Nov 17, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Online - LEGACY: A Real Estate Masterclass - Nov 20, 7:00pm–8:00pm

Downtown Castle Rock - Castle Rock Starlighting - Nov 22, 2:00pm–6:00pm

Turkey Rock Trot - 5K Family Fun Run/Walk/Stroll - Nov 27, 7:30am - tickets (use code CRCREW25 for 15% off)

Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - Dec 27, 6:00pm - tickets (ALWAYS SELL OUT, SO BUY AHEAD OF TIME)

Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop - subscribe below

King’s Deer Golf Club - Dueling Pianos - Nov 7, 7:30pm - tickets

Parker Fieldhouse, Parker - 19th Yuletide Bazaar Celebrating 150 years of Colorado - Nov 8, 9:00am–4:00pm

Red Barn Gatherings, Franktown - Holiday Charrcuterie / Centerpiece Workshop - Nov 9, 11:00am–1:30pm - tickets

*We are working on an events calendar via our sister brand that will provide both advance notice and greater variety for events - feel free to provide feedback: https://dougcodrop.com/events/

⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.

Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]

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