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What's Happening in Golden - Monday, Apr. 20th, 2026

News and events in Golden, Colorado. Monday, Apr. 20th, 2026

,   and  Barb Warden
12 min read
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A Collision of Seasons

Photo by Carol Freza
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What's happening in Golden today?

Events for Monday, Apr. 20th

Golden History Tours
Fit and Energize Exercise Class
Let's Dance - Registration Required

For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar

Another Collision of Seasons

Photo by Holly Thomas

Last Friday, the spiders were enjoying an early spring along the path by the pond--a nice little neighborhood of webs spread around on the grass. Holly Thomas noticed them because a few early snowflakes settled on them, making them visible. As the snow continued, the webs collapsed. The arachnid community will rebuild.

What’s In Bloom Along Golden’s Trails? Field Chickweed!

Figure 1. Field Chickweed — Cerastium arvense L. ssp. strictum Gaudin — near the giant shovel sculpture in New Loveland Mine Park.

By Tom Schweich

The low-growing and spreading sub-shrub with happy little white flowers blooming now in all our open spaces and many parks is “Field Chickweed” — Cerastium arvense L. ssp. strictum Gaudin. It thrives in many different habitats, from the sunny spot in New Loveland Mine Park, to Kinney Run, amongst brush on steep slopes of Mt. Galbraith, and in subalpine fields near Leadville. Field chickweed is easy to recognize because the five white petals are deeply notched, sometimes giving the appearance of having ten petals.

Field chickweed is widely distributed around the world and found in all the mountainous counties of Colorado, though not out on the plains. In Jefferson County, our plant is found

mostly right along the Front Range, with a few collections in the interior of the county, such as one near Deckers. Our local plants are typically called subspecies strictum, although it is unclear whether this name was intended to imply that it is strictly field chickweed, or that the stems are straight.

Plants in the genus Stellaria are commonly called chickweeds, whereas those in the genus Cerastium are commonly called field chickweeds. They are named for their use as a food source for chickens and other birds.

Because field chickweed is found world-wide, there are many different variations in shapes and sizes, resulting in many different variety and subspecies names that have been proposed … and disputed! Our subspecies (strictum) has 54 synonyms, i.e., names that have been proposed but are not currently accepted.

In western America, field chickweed was found first by Lewis & Clark in 1806 on the plains of the Columbia River. Frederick Pursh (1814) gave it the name of Cerastium elongatum in his Flora of North America. While this name has been roundly rejected by the botanic community (Earle & Reveal, 2003), some recent sources (POWO, 2025) suggest that Pursh’s name better describes the plant than the subspecies name we are currently using. So, we may have a name change in our future.

Field chickweed is in a family called the “Pink Family” or sometimes the “Carnation Family.” The scientific name is Caryophyllaceae (kar-ee-oh-fih-LAY-see-ee). It is a large cosmopolitan family of about 2,625 known species that are mostly herbaceous plants of temperate climates, with a few species growing on tropical mountains. Some of the more commonly known members include pinks and carnations (Dianthus), and firepink and campions (Silene). Many species are grown as ornamental plants, and some species are widespread weeds. Most species grow in the Mediterranean and bordering regions of Europe and Asia. The number of species in the Southern Hemisphere is rather small, although the family does contain Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis), which is one of only two flowering plants found in Antarctica.

References

Earle, A. Scott, and James L. Reveal. 2003. Lewis and Clark's Green World: The Expedition and its Plants. Helena, Montana: Farcountry Press, 2003.

POWO. 2025. Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/317382-2

Pursh, Frederick. 1814. Flora Americae Septentrionalis; or, A Systematic Arrangement and Description of the Plants of North America. 1. London: White, Cochrane, and Co., 1814. https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/197761

The Scourge of Myrtle Spurge

They may look inviting, but Myrtle Spurge is no spring flower. The City of Golden is requesting volunteer help with weed pulling of Myrtle Spurge.

Weed pulling starts at 8:00 a.m., on Wednesday April 22. Click to register.

12-4PM Earth Day with Denver Urban Gardens @ The Golden Mill


Celebrate Earth Month with us in partnership with Denver Urban Gardens (DUG), a local nonprofit dedicated to growing community through sustainable urban agriculture. For the second April in a row, The Golden Mill will host a special giveback day where Guests can connect with the DUG team onsite, pick up seeds and resources, and learn how to get involved in community gardening efforts throughout the region. It’s a casual, drop-in event designed to bring together great food, local impact, and a shared commitment to a more sustainable food system.

Join us for a drink, stay for the cause, and help grow something good. A portion of food and beverage sales supports DUG’s work across the Denver metro area.

AND visit The Golden Mill anytime in April, and a portion of the proceeds from your self-pour wall order will support Denver Urban Gardens More information

Location:

Golden Mill
1012 Ford Street   (Map)

2-3PM Virtual: Active Minds Monday - Nuclear Power

At Jefferson County Public Library, we foster continuous learning and connections. Keep your minds engaged every Monday! Be sure to explore our website for additional weekly event options, including call-ins and livestreams.

Today’s topic: Nuclear Power
As society faces increased challenges related to climate change, some experts are arguing that nuclear energy offers a reliable and plentiful source of zero-carbon energy. Nuclear power, however, presents its own challenges, including a history of accidents at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima Daichi. Join us as we evaluate the pros and cons of this controversial source of energy.

Save your spot for this Zoom program

5:30-7PM Downtown Development Authority Meeting @ City Hall Council Chambers

Tonight's Topics:

  • Toad & Co Capital Improvement Grant
    Toad & Co is requesting $8,875 (50% of project cost) to replace and repair the business’ heating, HVAC, and air conditions systems. The estimated cost of the capital improvements is $17,750. (pp. 10-17 of the meeting packet)
  • Confluence Coffee Capital Improvement Grant
    Confluence Coffee is moving into 1205 Cheyenne (map), which was formerly occupied by Pangea Coffee. They are requesting $25,000 to remodel the building, including exterior, electrical, and ADA upgrades. The estimated cost is $52,000. (pp. 19-46 of the meeting packet)
  • Clayworks Schedule
    DDA will discuss Clayworks expenses that will be covered by a TIF agreement. "The project reported approximately $8,610,000 in eligible expenses." Most of the expenses will occur in future years. Staff is proposing that the DDA fund burying the power lines in the Clayworks area.
  • Power Shutdown Relief Effort (pp. 48-55 of the meeting packet)
  • City projects receiving DDA funding
    String lights in Miners Alley
    Refurbish the arch Santa
    Electrical improvements in Parfet Park & Farmers Market lot
    "Gateway" for Hwy 58 and Washington Avenue
    Construction near the City Hall
    14th & Ford Intersection changes
    Prospector Alley from 14th to 15th
    Wayfinding
    Power Resiliency (June 3rd Meeting at Gnarly's)

Location:

City Hall Council Chambers
911 10th Street   (Map)

The Golden Word - 04/20/26

Play now

Golden History: Everything is Better with Beer

Coors Brewery in the 1930s
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93 Years Ago
For many in Golden, the end of Prohibition and the reopening of Coors Brewery meant that the worst of the Great Depression was past. In April of 1933, every issue of the Colorado Transcript brought happy news.

Coors delivery truck, c. 1939 - Golden History Museum Collection

April 6, 1933

  • Brewery Works Three Shifts
  • Coors' Golden Brewery Employing 125 Golden Men to Make Real Bear
  • Ready cash Market for Barley at Top Prices Will Bring Prosperity to Jefferson County Farmers
  • One minute after midnight tomorrow (Friday) morning a Colorado & Southern train of 21 refrigerators cars, loaded to capacity with Coors' real beer, the genuine foaming beverage of 3.2 percent alcoholic content, for distribution to Denvrand other points throughout Colorado, will pull out of the yards at Coors' Golden Brewery. Simultaneously with the departure of the train more than 100 trucks piled high with the eagerly-awaited beverage, will leave Coors' brewery for Denver and other points.

April 13, 1933

Colorado Transcript - April 13, 1933
  • Colorado Notables Were Guests at Coors Brewery Saturday.
  • ADOLPH COORS—A GOLDEN INSTITUTION
    IT is only fitting that Golden people show their appreciation to Adolph Coors Jr., for the way he has co-operated in helping the city to come through the depression. And we are not referring, in particular, to the activities of the past fortnight, pleasing as they are, as much as to the tougher times which preceded the legalization of beer. Because he felt so keenly his responsibility to his home community and his friends and neighbors, Mr. Coors carried on during the depression years. The new malted milk factory, a model of cleanliness and efficiency, was built and equipped during the depression. Although the demand for Coors malted milk fell off, the local plant kept on increasing its output simply because Mr. Coors felt a personal responsibility to buy the milk produced by local farmers. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of malted milk have been stored, in order that the factory could be kept running. The Coors company’s activities in providing livestock feed for the sorely pressed dairymen during the past year is another outstanding example of willingness to accept responsibility. The spirit of Adolph Coors Sr., who loved Golden with his whole heart and soul, and who continually preached the doctrine of the boss’s responsibility to his employees, is carry, ing on at the big factory just east of Golden. It would be a happy moment indeed could the man who founded the group of industries which mean so much to Golden come back today and see his old friends and neighbors, and their sons and grandsons, busily and profitably employed.

April 20, 1933

Local businesses took advantage of Coors' newly-legalized status - Colorado Transcript Ads, April 1933
  • Coors' Brewery Now is Producing Daily 500 Barrels of Beer
  • C. & S. Working Crew of 17 Men Improving Coors’ Brewery Spur
    The Colorado & Southern railroad is employing a maintenance crew of 17 men in extensive improvements on its spur from the Golden switch yards to Coors brewery. Seven carloads of new ties are being set in the spur track and the bridge across Clear creek is being strengthened for heavy traffic from tin* brewery plant. The railroad also has a crew of men at work rehabilitating the track up Clear Creek canon, from Golden to Idaho Springs. The ties are purchased from Jefferson county cutters. Resumption of the manufacture of real beer by Coors brewery has resulted in increased train service on the Colorado & Southern railroad between Golden and Denver. A daily, except Sunday, freight train now is being operated in place of the former semi-weekly service.

April 27, 1933

  • FARMERS ATTENTION!
    Barley Seed—Manchurian or Pedigreed, Certified Wisconsin No. 38; Both Malting Types—Available to Jefferson County Farmers at the Coors' Golden Brewery.
    Adolph Coors Company

Weather

Overnight's Weather

Overnight: Mostly clear. Low around 44, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. West wind around 8 mph.

Monday's Weather

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. East southeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Monday Night's Weather

Monday Night: Mostly clear. Low around 50, with temperatures rising to around 53 overnight. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

Monday Night: Mostly Clear, 50°F

Tuesday: Mostly Sunny, 79°F

Tuesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 54°F

Wednesday: Mostly Sunny, 79°F

Wednesday Night: Mostly Clear, 46°F

Thursday: Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers, 66°F

Thursday Night: Chance Rain Showers then Chance Rain And Snow Showers, 37°F

Friday: Chance Snow Showers then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms, 59°F

Friday Night: Chance Rain Showers then Chance Rain And Snow Showers, 34°F

Saturday: Slight Chance T-storms, 53°F

Saturday Night: Rain And Snow Showers Likely, 36°F

Sunday: Chance Rain And Snow Showers then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely, 53°F

News About Golden - April 20, 2026

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Orediggers enjoy a SnowE-Day at cardboard boat races

By Corinne Westeman
Golden Transcript

Despite Clear Creek being pretty shallow for April 18’s cardboard boat races, the Orediggers decided to give it the ol’ college try... Read more...

Supporters

Many thanks to the people and organizations who support What’s Happening in Golden?  If you would like to support local news, please CLICK HERE!

Sponsors:
($100/month or $1,175/year)
Buffalo Rose, Buglet Battery, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Earth Sweet Boutique, and Colorado Railroad Museum

Friends:
($50-99.99/month or $575/yr)
Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Paul Haseman, Donna Anderson, Carol & Doug Harwood, Stephanie Painter, Greg Poulos, Ann Norton & Jonathan Storer, Mary & Don Parker, Saré Merrigan, The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, Vic DeMaria, Unite Fitness, and Joy Brandt

Supporters:
($25-49.99/month or $285/yr)
Laura King and Scott Wilson, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Forrest Jones, Barry & Liz Bettis, Cheryl & Tom Schweich, Marjorie Sloan, Chris and Joyce Davell, Rick Flint, Forrest Jones, Cynthia Merrill Tamny, Stephen Pero, Meg Van Ness & Steve Kalasz, Steve & Karla Schaefer, Bud Rockhill, Steve Enger, Kristie Brice & Mike Schwartz, The Golden Hotel, Kurt & Janet Siegfried, Ella Lyons & Jeanne Fritch, Robert Thresher, Tonie Mattox, Centennial State Wealth Advisors, Steve & M.L. Richardson, Jeremy & Stephanie Keller, AC Development, and Golden PT & Pilates

Members:
($10-24.99/month or $115/yr)
Brad Miller & Julie Bartos, Holly Thomas, Jim and LouAnne Dale, Ann Pattison, Thomas Hoffman, Carol Abel, Brian Quarnstrom, Sandra Curran, Bobby German and Alison McNally, Kathy Smith, Karen Smith, Carlos & Nancy Bernal, Robert Storrs, Michele Sannes, Elaine Marolla, Dixie Termin & Ron Miller, E Tom Hughes, Crystal M Culbert, Patrick A. Madison, Alice Madison & Jim Kalivas, Deb Goeldner, Christopher Ball, 6th Chair Home Services, Dot & Eric Brownson, Rosemary Coffman, Emeline Paulson, Sandy Schneider, Mark and Cathy Pattridge, Cheryl G Leidich, Jen Rutter, Frani R Bickart, Jennings and Litz, Bill Sedgeley, Nancy Hughes, Justin L Wade, Kathi Eggers, Traci Case, Donna Owen, Leslie D Lutz, Karen Oxman, Catherine Skokan, Ross Fraser & KC Gilliland, Lynne Haigh, Elizabeth Hilliard, Frank Young & Terre Deegan-Young, Kathy Hirons & Jack Markin, Jess & Anthony Monasterio, Heather Duncan, Lee Ann & Pete Horneck, Carol Cameron, Cheryl Williamson, San Daugherty, Jim Garner, John and Carol McEncroe, the Golden Welcome Center, the Golden Transcript, Koshare Eagle, Ken and Colleen Krantz, Traci Neuman Lacey, Jo Barber, Jamie Cookinham, Kermit Shields, Meridee Cecil, Colleen & Michael Ramey, Nancy & Pete Torpey, Jax Baker, Simon Maybury, Rose McLaughlin, Cameron Chambers, Joyce Gravina, Patrick Klein, Barb Robie, Richard Caldwell, Janice Waring, Sam & Marilyn Baron, Carmen Johnson, Mary Eiberger, Kevin Nichols, Ed & Carol Freza, Laura and Curtis Moore, Ruth Hund, Shelley & Jerry Devitt, Eileen Masterson, Kate Olivier, Amy Korengut, Pam Logan, Clare Shier, Wendy Weiman, Marge Frueh. Nannette Johnson, Edgar Walker, Bivy Beer Bar, Nancy Cooper, Jane & Mike Templeton, and Vicki Greivel

Followers:
($5-9.99/month or $55/year)
Golden Community Garden, Lora Haimes, Mariane Erickson, J.J. Fraser, Mel Perkins, Bob Hamilton, Steve Stevens, Vicki Olson, Emily Kurzinski, Nanette Johnson, Peyton Gibson, Sally Berger, Kristen Morgan, Joyce Sutton, Mary Rains, Craig Champlin, Stan Swisher, Bill Way, Chris Toney, Alicia Zimmerman, Tamara Feucht, and Carie Chimbel

Highlights