December Morning on the Billy Drew Bridge
Photo by Richard Luckin
Click to enlarge
What's happening in Golden today?
Events for Sunday, Dec. 21st
- 2PM - Stocking Stuffers
- 2:30-4:30PM - Textile Society @ The Library
- 5-9PM - Board Game Night
- 6PM - Holiday Performance by Spinphony Electric String Quartet @ Buffalo Rose
- 7-9PM - Stand-up Comedy - Kris Shaw
For more information, click the item above or visit the Golden Today Calendar
We're Back
According to the City website, most--if not all--of Golden has power again. The Community Center will be open today and they expect City offices to be open tomorrow.
Many businesses and residents have spoiled or questionable food. In addition to your usual trash pickup service, the City will place dumpsters in the Splash and Clear Creek Parking lots.
Complaints
The City wants to remind us that this wasn't their fault--it was Xcel's. They have posted a list of places you can register complaints with Xcel, the State of Colorado, and the Public Utilities Commission.
Winter Solstice
Photo by Jen Rutter
Today is the winter solstice--the shortest day of the year. The sun will rise at 7:17AM and set at 4:38PM, giving us 9 hours, 21 minutes, and 14 seconds of daylight.
Tomorrow, we'll have an extra 2 seconds of daylight!
Golden's Stores are Open!
If you need any gifts (for yourself or others), make an effort to buy them in Golden. Anyone can buy stuff from Amazon...we have so many more interesting options from our home-owned local merchants.
2:30-4:30PM Textile Society @ The Library
Spin a yarn at Golden Library's drop-in fiber arts program. Relax with your craft for a few hours while fiber enthusiasts help you through difficult patterns or simply explain a new-to-you technique. All skill levels welcome. More information
Location:
Golden Library
1019 10th Street (Map)
7PM Kris Shaw Stand Up Comedy @ Gnarlys
Get ready, Golden — Kris Shaw hits the Gnarly’s stage on December 21st at 7PM!
With quick bursts of razor-sharp wit, perfectly timed pauses, and a style that’s equal parts lovable and slightly unhinged, Kris keeps audiences locked in from the very first setup to the final punchline. His comedy blends everyday observations, real-life chaos, and tough topics delivered with charm, edge, and heart.
You’ve heard him on Kevin Hart’s LOL Radio Network on Sirius/XM, and you can watch his brand-new Open Bar Comedy Special now streaming on YouTube — but nothing beats seeing him LIVE at Gnarly’s. More info.
Location:
Gnarly's
1224 Washington Avenue (Map)
The Golden Word - 12/21/25
Live Music for Sunday, Dec. 21st
- 4:30-7:30PM Matt Golden @ The Buffalo Rose
- More Live Music
4-7PM Chuck Grossman @ Columbine Cafe
8PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Live Music for Saturday, Dec. 20th
These are the live music events that are planned, but all are dependent on the availability of power at the venues.
- 5:30-8:30PM Eric Peterson & Jeff Bird @ Buffalo Rose
Buffalo Rose (Sky Bar Stage) - More Live Music
4-6PM The One & Only Jon Ham @ Cannonball Creek
5-8PM Live Music @ Eddy Taproom
7-10PM Captain Insano DJ Set @ Etta Jeanne
9PM Karaoke @ Ace Hi Tavern
For more information, visit the Golden Today Calendar
Golden History: Visions of Sugar Beets
Jim Mannon with First Tractor – c. 1920s Golden History Museum Collection- click to enlarge Black and white photograph of Jim Mannon seated on his first tractor, a 1924 Titan, at the Mannon family farm in Golden, CO. Jim’s son Clyde Mannon is standing in front of the rear wheel. North and South Table Mountains are in the background.
Click to enlarge
In the early 20th century–particularly 1910-1920–Colorado was in the throes of a sugar rush. While sugar cane from the Caribbean islands had long been the source for sugar, after the Civil and Spanish American Wars, the U.S. became interested in developing a domestic source. Sugar beets filled the bill.
The western states–Colorado, Utah, Nebraska–were well-suited for growing sugar beets, and capitalists were eager to invest in the infrastructure needed to refine the beets into sugar. Colorado had been rapidly expanding in beet production for a number of years, and sugar refining factories had been built in Grand Junction, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and several other towns around the state.
In 1916, the sugar industry began encouraging Jefferson County farmers to start raising beets. They waged a strong PR campaign, telling farmers what a good cash crop beets were, and how much farmers in other parts of the state were making from beets. There was great interest, and by 1917, many Jeffco farmers had decided to try beets. County leaders hoped that local production would encourage the sugar companies to build a factory in Jefferson County–possibly in Arvada.
Beets need to be processed quickly after they reach peak sugar in the fields, so speedy transportation is important. At that time, most farmers drove their produce to Denver by horse-drawn wagon. To speed the process, the Tramway company offered to install “beet dumps” along their three rail lines in Jefferson County (one went to Leyden and two to Golden–one via Arvada and the other via Lakewood). These beet dumps would allow farmers to bring their produce to a stop along the Tramway line, weigh it, and have their beets delivered to Denver quickly by rail. There were hopes that dozens of dump sites would be needed, but the first year they built only three.
All went well for a few years. Farmers formed co-ops and negotiated high prices from the sugar companies. By 1919, it was one of the largest crops in Jefferson County:
In the fall of 1920, Great Western Sugar Company announced plans to build new plants in Johnstown and in Minatare Nebraska. However, there were a lot of moving parts in the sugar industry.
In late fall, 1920, the price of cane sugar suddenly dropped and producers of beet sugar were left with millions of pounds of refined sugar that they had to sell below cost. The December 23rd, 1920 Colorado Transcript announced that the Johnstown and Minitare plants would not be built. Credit markets were tight at that time, and Great Western decided to slow their expansion and operate with what they already had.
The sugar beet industry continued in Colorado, but the early, speculative sugar rush days were over. Farmers gave up the temptation to grow only beets and the sugar industry slowed down on building new plants.
During World War I, housewives were encouraged to plant a few beets to produce their own sugar. I found a modern-day description of the process, and it does not sound easy–which may be why I found no such references during World War II.
Beets did find new fans during Prohibition, as bootleggers discovered they could be used to produce alcohol.
Weather
Overnight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. West southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 60, with temperatures falling to around 56 in the afternoon. West wind 6 to 9 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly cloudy. Low around 46, with temperatures rising to around 48 overnight. West wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Sunday Night: Partly Cloudy, 46°F
Monday: Sunny, 68°F
Monday Night: Partly Cloudy, 42°F
Tuesday: Partly Sunny, 64°F
Tuesday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 43°F
Wednesday: Sunny, 66°F
Wednesday Night: Partly Cloudy, 47°F
Christmas Day: Mostly Sunny, 66°F
Thursday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 44°F
Friday: Partly Sunny, 61°F
Friday Night: Mostly Cloudy, 37°F
Saturday: Partly Sunny, 51°F
News About Golden - December 21, 2025
CITY UNDER STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
City of Golden
In coordination with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office due to a High Wind Watch and Low Relative Humidity values, the City of Golden shall initiate a Stage 1 Fire Restriction effective immediately and indefinitely at this time... Read more...
Golden businesses feel impact of power shutoffs during busy holiday weekend
By Richard Butler
Denver Channel 7
GOLDEN, Colo. – Several small businesses in Golden on Washington Avenue say preventative power shutoffs during strong winds are cutting into what is typically their busiest shopping weekend of the year, forcing owners to get creative to stay open while bracing for lost revenue... Read more...
Why aren’t more power lines buried in Colorado?
By Gabrielle Franklin
Fox 31
GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — With many Coloradans still in the dark Friday evening, some have been asking why Xcel Energy is shutting off power and why aren’t more power lines buried underground here in Colorado? Experts say it is easier said than done.
Most businesses in Golden closed up shop Friday... Read more...
19th Street Closure - NEW dates - Dec 29 - Jan 10
Neighbors,19th Street will be closed in both directions between Elm Street and Illinois Street December 29 through January 10. During closure vehicle traffic will detour to Elm Street, 17th Street, and Illinois Street. (See map below.) Please use caution during these closures as safety is our top priority. Regards,Traci CaseChief of StaffInfrastructure and OperationsColorado School of Mines.
Power outage doesn’t stop Colorado School of Mines graduation
By Rhea Jha
9News
GOLDEN, Colo. — Despite a widespread power outage caused by extreme winds, the Colorado School of Mines went ahead with its graduation ceremony on Friday, running the event entirely on emergency generators... Read more...
Chemical Engineering PhD wins Fall 2025 Rath Research Award at Graduate Commencement
By Emilie Rusch
Colorado School of Mines Newsroom
Xue Wang, PhD in chemical engineering, is the Fall 2025 winner of the Dr. Bhakta Rath and Sushama Rath Research Award.
The honor, which recognizes the Colorado School of Mines doctoral graduate whose thesis demonstrates the greatest potential for societal impact, was presented during 2025 Midyear Graduate Commencement on Dec. 19. At the ceremony, Mines awarded 96 doctorates and 301 master’s degrees to December and August graduates... Read more...
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Buffalo Rose, Buglet Solar, Foothills Art Center, Golden Cultural Alliance, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center, The Golden Mill, Golden Chamber of Commerce, Golden History Tours, Miners Saloon, Golden Hayride Outpost, Unite Fitness, Clothilde Elingbow, Michael Mason, Goosetown Station, and Earth Sweet Boutique
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Tall Pines Painting, Baby Doe’s Clothing, Goozell Yogurt & Coffee 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, and Vic DeMaria
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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, and Steve & M.L. Richardson
Members:
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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, Vicki Olson, 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, and Wendy Weiman
Followers:
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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
