COS Town Tidings #25-325

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 Lights, Tunnel, Action! 🎄

📰 Personal, Heartfelt Thank You from Richard! 💟

📰 Trouble Brewing at Kung Fu Tea 🍵

Recipe: 🧆 Maple Apple Breakfast Chicken Meatballs

📆 Local Events + Concerts, 🤶 Holiday Fairs/Festivals

🌤 COS Weather - Partly sunny with wintry mix and cooler temps

Recreation: 🥾 Family-Friendly Nature Escape

What do you call a string of lights that can sing?

👉A choir-dor! 🤣

🎄 Lights, Tunnel, Action!

The glow is back! Magic of Lights returns to Pikes Peak International Raceway starts tonight, inviting families to cozy up in your cars and cruise through 1.5 miles of dazzling holiday displays. With over two million lights, the state’s longest light tunnel, and a walk-through Jolly Holiday Village, this sparkling drive-thru event runs through Jan. 4.

🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries 
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor): 
M-Sat, 9am-6pm

💟 Personal, Heartfelt Thank You from Richard!

During a time when uncertainty filled many households, our Colorado Springs community stepped up in a big way. Poor Richard’s opened its doors—and its heart—to offer free meals to over 900 federal employees and their families during the recent government shutdown.

Thanks to the generosity of locals, including YOU our Town Tidings subscribers, more than $15,500 was raised to fuel this effort. And it didn’t stop there—nearly $5,000 in remaining funds is now being donated to Care and Share Food Bank and Westside Cares, continuing the ripple of kindness. From local businesses to neighbors lending a hand, this city proved once again that compassion is one of our greatest strengths.

🛍 Bargain Box: This Week's Hot Deals! (Through Sat Nov 22)

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor through Nov 22. Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

Located at 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm. (719) 475-1029

• —> 🤲 They Have 5,000 Reasons to Work for Free

🍵 Trouble Brewing at Kung Fu Tea

Health inspectors found some standout performances and a few areas for improvement this week. Kung Fu Tea was flagged with 12 violations and Sacred Grounds Coffee with 11—both requiring re-inspections before they’re in the clear.

🚫 These restaurants need to clean up their act. Failed, re-inspection needed

• Kung Fu Tea
  7489 N Academy Blvd — 12 Violations
  Issues included food storage, surfaces not being properly cleaned, and general cleanliness concerns.

• Sacred Grounds Coffee in the Canyon
  1801 Cheyenne Blvd — 11 Violations
  Inspection noted concerns with food handling practices and sanitation.

🥇 Top Scores! On the bright side, Happy Eats Pasta and Fuji Bistro both impressed with spotless kitchens and perfect scores!

✅ Other High Scores:

• Happy Eats Pasta
  1536 S Nevada Ave — PERFECT SCORE!

• FUJI BISTRO
  6995 Lexington Dr, Ste 100 — PERFECT SCORE!

• Susanna's Comfort Cuisine
  124 N Nevada Ave — Only 5 Violations

• 503 WEST
  503 W Colorado Ave — Only 2 Violations

• MAURICIO'S TACO SHOP
  3659 Austin Bluffs Pkwy — Only 4 Violations

Health inspection results across El Paso County are available online for those wanting to check their favorite spots.

*Note: Most local restaurants take food safety incredibly seriously. In fact, many owners respond to violations swiftly and thoroughly, often making fixes the same day while they wait for reinspection. 

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You’ll be the FIRST to unlock EXCLUSIVE offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events in our area—all delivered straight to your phone. (Click image below to find out WHY I created this for you!) 

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😍 Best HVAC Local Company
🚫 Don’t Let THIS Happen To Your Furnace!

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🧆 Maple Apple Breakfast Chicken Meatballs

Sweet and savory, protein-packed chicken breakfast meatballs mixed with juicy apple, maple syrup, and plenty of herbs and spices. Perfect for serving with your favorite sides like fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, toast, or pancakes! Or make as appetizers. Freeze for later too.

Access the complete recipe with tailored modifications to suit your dietary requirements, along with convenient print options.

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🎉 Events Calendar! (More events including FREE, click here)

Have an event to share? Click on calendar above and add it

📆 Sample Local Events

*Weather permitted

• Nov 21, 9am-5pm: Dog Days at the Zoo @ Cheyenne Mtn Zoo

• Nov 21-23, 1-4 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• Nov 21 (7pm)-23, 2:30pm: A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio @First United Methodist Church, 420 N Nevada $8

• Nov 21-22 (7:30pm) & 23 (2pm): A Doll`s House @The MAT, 1626 S Tejon $26.50

• Nov 21-23, 28-30 - Dec 28: Mary Poppins @ Fine Arts Center, 30 West Dale St $18-$70

• Nov 22, 9am-1pm: Fall break/Thanksgiving Food Drive @ Solid Rock Food Center, 3217 S Academy (Drop off food items)

• Nov 22, 3pm: Hillside Community Potluck @ 925 S. Institute St (Must Register)

• Nov 23, 10am-Noon: Beginner Dot Mandala Painting Workshop @ Treehouse Cafe, 5965 N Academy $50 (5 Seats Left)

• Nov 29, 6-9pm: Murder Mystery, The Hollywood Hit @Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr $79.95 (8 Tickets Left)

• Dec 17, 6-8pm: Pedestal Flip Calendar Class @ Meraki Springs, 2703 W Colorado Ave $40

🎶 Fall Concerts - Weather permitting

• Nov 21, 6:30-9pm: Shivers Concert Fundraiser @ The Antlers Hotel 4 S Cascade $80

• Nov 21-23: The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires Concerts @ Denver Performing Arts Complex FREE for federal employees

• Nov 23, 3pm: 'Tis the Month Before Christmas Concert @ Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave FREE

• Nov 23, 3pm: Chamber Orchestra of Springs: The Knock (A Military Opera) @ Lewis Palmer HS, Monument $27-$37

• Nov 28-30, (2 & 7pm): COS Philharmonic: The Nutcracker @Pikes Peak Center $57-$100

• Nov 29, 7pm: On a Winter's Night - A Christmas Handbell Concert @ St Michael's Episcopal Church, 7400 Tudor Rd FREE

• Dec 3, 4, 9, 6pm: Holly & Ivy concert @ Air Force Academy FREE (must register for ticket)

• Dec 21, 3pm: Pikes Peak Philharmonic: Jazz @ENT Center for the Arts, 5225 N Nevada $14-$20

🤶 Holiday Festivals, Fairs & Activities

• ⛸ Through - Jan 18: Skate In The Park @Acacia Park $15

• 🕯 Through Jan 4, Fri & Sat (5:30-10pm) & Sun - Thurs (5:30-9pm): Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR) $28-$72/vehicle

• 🎄 Nov 28 - Dec 27: Christmas at Forest Bend @ Black Forest, 9525 Burgess Rd $15 (Tickets Sell Out Fast)
   

• Nov 21-23, 10am-4pm: Vintage Market Days @Norris Penrose Event Ctr $12-$17

• Nov 21 & 22, 10am-4pm: Joys of the Season Holiday Home Tour @ 1691 Woodmoor Dr, Monument $30

• Nov 21 & 22, 10am-6pm: Festival of Trees & Hearth & Holly Holiday Market (22nd only) @ Meridian Ranch Rec Ctr, 10301 Angeles Rd, Falcon FREE admission

• Nov 22, 9am-3pm: Craft Fair @ Affinity at Colorado Springs-3755 Tutt Blvd FREE entry

• Nov 22, 9am-4pm: Rampart High School Craft Bazaar @ 8250 Lexington Dr

• Nov 22, 9am-4pm: Holiday Maker's Market @ Surface Gallery, 2752 W Colorado Ave

  • Visit Ivy’s booth: 🎨To design her future, she had to rediscover her past

• Nov 22, 10am-3pm: Holiday Craft & Artisan Fair @ Fountain Creek Nature Ctr FREE admission

• Nov 22, 10am-6pm: Hearth & Holly Holiday Market @ Meridian Ranch Rec Center, Peyton

• Nov 22, 11am-3pm: EADO Christkindl Market @ Mash Mechanix Brewing, 429 Pikes Peak Ave + Toy Drive FREE admission

• Nov 22 & 23 Noon-4pm: Pet Photos with Santa @ Pet Pantry, 6945 Mesa Ridge Pkwy, Fountain $25

• 🦃 Nov 27, 12:30-2:30pm: Community Thanksgiving Dinner @ 828 E Pikes Peak Ave FREE for those who need a meal

• Dec 3, 4, 10-13, 17-20, 26-27, 5:30-8pm: 🎄 2.5-Hour Holiday Lights & Bites Progressive Dinner @ Downtown COS $99

• Dec 4, 5:30-8:30pm: Electric Moonlight @ Cheyenne Mtn Zoo $70-$80

• Dec 5-6 (10am-4pm), 7 (10am-4pm): Holiday Food & Gift Festival @Norris Penrose Event Center 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd $8 (get $1 <coupn code HFGF25> or bring a can food item)

• Dec 6, 3:30-6pm: Christkindl Fest @ Ascension Lutheran Church, 2505 N Circle FREE admission (Must RSVP)

• Dec 7, 11am-Noon: Evergreen Wreath Workshop @ Phelan Gardens, 4955 Austin Bluffs $35 (3 Ticket Left)

• Dec 7, 2:30-4pm: Grinch Mosaic Class @ The Glass Collective, 828 East Fillmore $45 (Going Fast)

• Dec 13, 4-8pm: Holiday Evening @Rock Ledge Ranch $8

• Dec 13 & 27, 6-9pm: Murder Mystery, The Hollywood Hit - Holiday Show @Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr $79.95

🥾 Family-Friendly Nature Escape

Recommended by our friend Heath, founder of Colorado Fan Club. Tucked just west of downtown, Sondermann Park offers a peaceful retreat without ever leaving the city. With seven easy trails, gentle creeks, and stunning views of Pikes Peak, this is perfect for an early morning or evening stroll. It’s family-friendly, nature-filled, and even home to the playful Five Senses Trail, ideal for little explorers. Just remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles so we can all enjoy this natural space for years to come.

Location: 740 W. Caramillo St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

📸 Meet the storyteller turning our state’s hidden past into your next adventure

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