Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Springs magazine revealed the People’s Choice Award winners presented by Gold Hill—local residents cast nearly 23,000 votes across 90 categories to honor top businesses, schools, restaurants and service providers that help shape Colorado Springs.

Staff and students in Fort Carson District 8 worked with police and local volunteers to collect food items and exceeded their turkey goal by gathering 550 for Thanksgiving baskets.

Free food and turkeys were delivered on Thursday at Fort Carson High School — helping local families prepare for the holiday.

True Spirit Baptist Church in Colorado Springs provided free groceries to 100 families still feeling the effects of the government shutdown—using raised funds from its congregation at a drive-thru event along Astrozon Boulevard— and will continue its support with a weekly food program every Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This December, the heart of Old Colorado City will host its first Christkindlmarket at Bancroft Park — featuring ten wooden huts with local and European crafts, German food, and live entertainment; the market will officially open on Dec.

12 at 5:30 p.m. and run through Dec. 14 and Dec. 18–23, aiming to celebrate heritage and support a new holiday tradition in Colorado Springs.

Terra Ferma will open a new LiFi manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs that will create 120 new jobs with an average wage of $68,108.

The company will invest $1.3 million to build the facility — a project chosen for its proximity to Department of Defense assets — and the new roles will include sales, engineering, and warehousing supported by local and state incentives.

El Paso County school districts signed a memorandum of understanding at Weidner Field's McDivitt Premier Club last Thursday to boost career education by linking students with local high-demand industries.

The agreement led by Innovate Pikes Peak will add new industry-sponsored projects in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to strengthen workforce skills.

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services said nominations for the Veteran of the Year Award opened yesterday and will be accepted until April 1 (giving local Veterans a chance to be honored for their military and community service).

The annual award recognizes a Veteran who has served honorably and continues to support fellow Veterans (eligibility is for those honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces).

The El Paso County Division of Veterans Services announced nominations for the 2025 Veteran of the Year Award — the award honors a local veteran for exemplary military service and community support — and will accept nominations through April 1.

The City of Colorado Springs completed renovations on Rampart Community Park playground and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Thursday - Councilmember Tom Bailey and Parks Director Britt Haley gave remarks as the new playground added climbing structures, slides, a shade structure and an ADA ramp for better accessibility.

DoubleDave’s Pizzaworks at 4232 Austin Bluffs Parkway offers build-your-own pizzas with a long list of fresh toppings, along with salads, apps, and specialty pies—serving dine-in, carryout, and delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday to Saturday.

The pizzeria, set in a strip mall next to a mega retailer, feels like a neighborhood spot with friendly, busy staff.

Colorado Springs restaurants now offer pre-made Thanksgiving meals to help families avoid cooking stress with options that include turkey, ham, and sides — many meals require heating and must be ordered soon as supplies are limited.

Prices vary and some orders need to be placed ahead of time.

The Washington Nationals added Pine Creek grad Riley Cornelio to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft and boost his path to the majors.

The 25-year-old posted a breakthrough season with a 3.28 ERA across three minor league levels—earning him a Minor League Pitcher of the Year title.

Ice Fishing 101 Seminar

6-7:30 p.m. — Angler's Covey — Free entry — Learn the essentials of ice fishing in the Pikes Peak region from an experienced guide.

Warm Deep Stretch Yoga

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Praxis Yoga — $20 drop in or included in membership — Engage in a meditative practice focusing on deep stretching in a cozy candlelit atmosphere.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages and craft brews in a chill atmosphere.

Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and compete for prizes while enjoying great beer.

Wednesday Night Comedy Open Mic

6-10 p.m. — Lulu's Downtown — Free entry — Experience an exciting evening of comedy where both seasoned performers and first-timers showcase their talent.

Thanksgiving Potluck and Jam Session

3-6 p.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — Bring a dish to share — Enjoy a cozy Thanksgiving meal with turkey and live music afterward.

Taproom Sessions: Chinaflower Suncats

5-7 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Chinaflower Suncats while savoring craft beers in a vibrant atmosphere.

Arts and Crafts Winter Market

11 AM – 4 PM — Old Colorado City Historical Society & History Center — Free entry — Celebrate the season with local artisans, handmade gifts, and a festive atmosphere.

Holiday Market & Photos with Santa

11 AM – 3 PM — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy holiday shopping, local crafts, and festive photos with Santa.

Mellow Mondays Coloring Night

4-9 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring pages while sipping a pint at a local brewery.