It’s a catchy headline, but I’ve been saying that ever since I moved to Boulder, Co in 1993.  Boulder has a unique culture, I guess is one way to describe it.   I tell people that someone could walk down Pearl St. naked and no one would bat an eyelash.   They did just do that as hundreds of nude runners took the streets with the Naked Pumpkin run this past Halloween.   It’s an annual event that takes place every halloween and not one that you would take your children to.    Boulder did have a Munchkin Masquerade on the Pearl Street mall  for the children that was held during the day.

On November 21, the Boulder Ice rink at One Boulder Plaza will open.  You can enjoy outdoor skating and the cafes and shopping that surround this area. 

Friday, November 28th is the annual lighting of the star on Flagstaff Mountain.  It’s always fun to see the lighted star after returning to Boulder from a Thanksgiving holiday.  There will also be a ceremony to switch on the downtown holiday lights at 5:45 pm at the County Courthouse on Pearl Street.  After the illumination of Pearl Street mall you can head over to One Boulder Plaza ice rink for a Light Up the Ice Show.  Does anyone know the history behind the lighted star on Flagstaff Mountain?  It’s always lit each year as far as I can remember.

I make it an annual tradition to visit the Hotel Boulderado to see the fabulous holiday tree that is erected in the lobby each year, the tree is at least two stories tall and completely decorated.  You can enjoy a cup of tea on the beautiful Mezzanine of the Hotel.  On Dec. 13 and 20th you can mingle with costumed characters and enjoy music of the Nutcracker Ballet.    

On Saturday, December 6th at 6:00 pm, downtown Boulder’s lights of December parade will take place.  The parade starts at 15th and Pearl St.  There are many floats decorated by local businesses and you will see Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops dressed in costumes.  There will be four marching bands, three lit fire engines, and carolers.  Of course we all know the grand finale is Santa Claus. This year’s parade  kicks off Boulder’s 2009 Sesquicentennial theme.   What does that mean?  It means the recognition of the 150th birthday of Boulder!  Happy Birthday Boulder.

If you are heading downtown Boulder on a Saturday or Sunday during the holidays, remember that parking is FREE in any one of the city’s five parking structures.  If you chose to park on the streets, find a pay station which accepts coins or credit cards and be sure to display your ticket stub on your dashboard.  Also note that you can move anywhere on the streets of downtown during this allotted time.  Parking on the streets is always free on Sundays but is enforced Monday – Saturdays 9 am – 7 pm and believe me, it’s enforced!  This applys to sleighs and reindeer as well.     

With all these festivities, is anyone buying or selling houses?  You bet they are.