The legend of Pumpkinhead Jack begins something like this: A teenager lying on his bed, like any teenager contemplating his place in the world, tosses a ball of socks to the ceiling fan in a game by himself.“Ahh, yes,” says the reminiscing Pumpkinhead Jack, otherwise known as Adam Buchanan.You see, on a Friday night, there was not much else to do for the boy who would become Pumpkinhead Jack, the creature of lore seen sweeping the streets of Colorado Springs every October, posing for pictures and handing out candy from a bulky bag strapped around his shoulders, as if the weight of the pumpkin weren’t enough already. (His Walmart receipt for the sweets this month read $442.28.)That’s one question he gets: Isn’t the pumpkin heavy? The answer: Yes, about 10 pounds. Also: Doesn’t it smell? Yes, it smells like pumpkin.Some conversations go like this:What company do you work for? None!Oh. Well, will you come to my party? Yes!What’s your charge? … [Read more...] about Meet Pumpkinhead Jack, the friendly Colorado Springs creature out for Halloween
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Dining review: Longtime Colorado Springs favorite Leon Gessi irresistible for more than pizza
The busy intersection of Union and Palmer Park boulevards is no place to keep a secret, which could explain why Leon Gessi New York Pizza is so popular. It’s a neighborhood joint that attracts people from all over Colorado Springs.For more than 44 years, Leon Gessi has been serving thin-crust, high-quality pizza with homemade touches that keep people coming.The restaurant’s most distinguishing physical aspect is its oblong shape. As soon as you open the door, you’ll likely find yourself in line to place an order at the counter. This is also where beer, wine and salads are picked up. Entrees are brought to the table. The two dining areas, plus a small patio, are nothing special. It’s all about the food here. Lifestyle Dining review: Broken Bones BBQ's success goes beyond the smoked meats RobinIntemann The menu is composed of pizzas, by the slice or whole pies, calzones, subs and salads. A few starters are offered, but we started with house salads. They … [Read more...] about Dining review: Longtime Colorado Springs favorite Leon Gessi irresistible for more than pizza
Current system sees Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Seattle meet with little on the line
Wednesday’s match at Seattle Sounders 2 will be Switchbacks FC’s 2018 finale and the third game the local club has only pride and future prospects to play for, but that could be changing.The United Soccer League’s rebranding and restructuring will eventually make promotion and relegation possible, a system that would see the top teams from lower divisions move up and replace the bottom teams from the tier above at season’s end.It’s a system Colorado Springs forward Marty Maybin knows well after growing up in Northern Ireland and playing for Carrick Rangers in the Northern Ireland Football League’s top flight last season before returning to the Switchbacks after the club was relegated.“I think over here, soccer is more business oriented where Europe, other places like that, it’s more results based,” Maybin said. “So if relegation and promotion is in place, there’s a little bit more added incentive for everybody. I think … [Read more...] about Current system sees Colorado Springs Switchbacks, Seattle meet with little on the line
In an age of big-box stores, small retail projects thrive in Colorado Springs
Small retail projects are becoming a big part of Colorado Springs' shopping scene.At prominent intersections and along some high-profile corridors, developers have opted against large-scale shopping centers anchored by department stores, groceries and other big boxes and instead are thinking small.Big-box anchored projects remain popular with shoppers and aren't going away. Among the area's more recent large-scale developments, a King Soopers shopping center opened a year ago at Constitution Avenue and Marksheffel Road on the Springs' east edge and a Walmart Supercenter and Sam's Club in Fountain debuted in 2015.Likewise, smaller strip centers always have been part of the retail landscape, lining Academy Boulevard, Fillmore Street, Austin Bluffs Parkway and other major Colorado Springs roadways. Premium Amazon hiring 300 for Colorado Springs warehouse-fulfillment center Wayne Heilman, Rich Laden But as large national retailers shutter brick-and-mortar stores and even go out … [Read more...] about In an age of big-box stores, small retail projects thrive in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs businessman finds his niche in restaurant ownership
Sometimes it just takes a dare to start a restaurant.“Inez (his wife) and I had a very disappointing dinner at a nice restaurant,” said Sean Fitzgerald. “We left, but I continued to complain about the place, and finally she said, ‘If you can do better, open your own.’”Forty days later, he signed a lease for the first Wobbly Olive. That was in 2013. Fitzgerald since has made a name for himself in the local hospitality scene. He and his partners opened The Collective, a second Wobbly Olive in Old Colorado City and Sakura Speakeasy, which has been operated inside a downtown eatery but whose future is uncertain.“We’re wrapping up Sakura,” he said. “It was a really cool place. We may move it to a new place or let it die on the vine.”Such is Fitzgerald’s attitude and style. He’s not afraid to be out there trying new ideas and moving on if they don’t gel. But most of his impulsive decisions have worked. With … [Read more...] about Colorado Springs businessman finds his niche in restaurant ownership