Happy Friday, Bucket Listers! Thank you to today’s newsletter sponsor, AAA Colorado. As we roll into the first week of fall, the air is crisp, leaves are changing and Colorado feels alive with change. This week’s stories explore that spirit of transformation while also highlighting traditions worth preserving. From the conflict between mountain tourism and environmental sustainability to the 70th anniversary of a beloved Boulder hardware store to programs uplifting Latino leaders and Denverites gathering for food and music downtown, our reporters have been hard at work capturing the pulse of our state. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in and let’s get into what’s going on in Colorado.
Mountain Tourism Meets Environmental Sustainability
Fall has arrived, and Colorado’s mountains are covered in red and yellow leaves, attracting tourists to hiking trails and byways. Tourists contributed $28.5 billion to the state’s economy and supported 188,210 jobs in 2024, but all the activity comes with environmental consequences that are affecting these small mountain communities. Read Angelina Kondrat’s feature to learn how sustainability experts and locals recommend reducing your environmental impact while enjoying the scenery.
McGuckin Hardware Turns 70 Years Old
This year marks the 70th anniversary of McGuckin Hardware, one of Boulder’s most beloved hardware stores. Maxx Goodman stopped by the store to talk about the history of the local business with many of its longtime staff. She also visited the Museum of Boulder, where an exhibit honoring the company has been extended through Sept. 30. Goodman toured the installation to learn more about McGuckin’s background and community impact, which she unpacks in her engaging profile piece.
LEADS Program Helps Latinos Lead
Since 2013, Front Range Community College’s LEADS (Latinx Excellence Achievement Development Scholars) program has sought to empower students by linking their personal stories to a powerful, service-driven leadership model. The program aims to enhance students’ understanding of their leadership abilities, values and the impact of culture, diversity and social justice on their leadership roles. Our Mauricio Mendez speaks with students and staff about how the program sets participants up for success.
Lunch, Local Groups and Live Music at Civic Center Park
Every Wednesday and Thursday through mid-October, Civic Center Park transforms into a bustling outdoor food hall with Civic Center EATS. Nearly a dozen food trucks serve up lunch under bright red umbrellas. But the group that organizes the event is about more than just eating; it supports women- and minority-owned businesses, partners with nonprofits to provide job training and features local musicians through groups like Youth on Record. Learn more about what’s going on in Civic Center Park in Lily Delgaldo’s story.
Stuff We Noticed
Does Downtown Need a Ferris Wheel? It could be coming. Alongside the near-complete 16th Street Mall redesign, the nonprofit New Downtown Denver is floating a bold idea: the “Rocky Mountain Eye,” a 500-foot Ferris wheel between Commons Park and Millennium Bridge. The plan calls for 30 glass cabins, each holding 25 people, running year-round with heat in the winter and seasonal themes. Organizers say it would offer sweeping views of downtown and the mountains while boosting family-friendly entertainment. But since the city owns the land, it’s up to Denver officials whether the project ever leaves the drawing board.
DPD Isn’t Losing Officers To ICE. The Denver Police Department has reported that no police officers have been lost despite U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) airing television advertisements in the area. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said, “I think that that’s a terrible job for terrible pay.” Even with ICE offering a signing bonus of up to $50,000, DPD reports that the starting salary of a DPD officer is more than $20,000 higher than what ICE pays. The department states it is “not concerned” about “ICE having any significant impact to our recruitment of new officers.”
RIP Berani the Orangutan. The Denver Zoo announced earlier this week that Berani, its 32-year-old Sumatran orangutan, had been humanely euthanized because his kidney disease had progressed to late-stage kidney failure, meaning that his organs could no longer function on their own. Berani had gained many eyes and hearts in 2020 after stepping up as a single dad for his infant daughter, Cerah, after the passing of his mate, Nias. Berani’s death is mourned by zoo employees and visitors, but his story continues to inspire proper care for future orangutans worldwide.
That concludes this week’s neighborhood news update, Bucket Listers. As always, we’re grateful you’ve chosen to spend part of your Friday with us. If you liked what you read, pass it along to a friend or family member to help us grow the Bucket List community one reader at a time. Your support keeps this work going and ensures local voices are heard, so please contribute. Enjoy the golden leaves and the start of fall festivities this weekend. We’ll be back next Friday with more hyperlocal stories that matter, reported by our team of young journalists. Have a great weekend!
Warmest Regards,
Kathryn Cronin
Editorial Intern/Bucket List Community News
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