Did someone say party? Residents of all ages came out for the 2016 Party in the Park. You are invited once again to partake of the food, fun and fireworks at this annual community event.

By Terri Wiebold; courtesy photos

Brought to you by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, The Castle Pines Connection and the City of Castle Pines and back for its second year, Party in the Pines is the must-attend celebration of the summer! This three-day event held August 25-27 promises something for everyone:

Friday, August 25 kicks of the weekend with Vino in the Village: A Wine and Whiskey Walk. This exclusive, adults-only event in The Village at Castle Pines (located at the corner of Santa Fe and Happy Canyon Road) runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Gather your friends and neighbors and come sample more than 50 celebrated wines paired with delicious bites of cuisine from local restaurants and caterers. Not a fan of wine? We have added two whiskey pairings this year, and the atmosphere and entertainment by Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra musicians alone are worth the trip.

Limited tickets can be purchased at www.cppartyinthepines.com and sell for $40 each or two for $70 and include a commemorative wine glass.

On Saturday, August 26, bring your lawn chairs and the whole family for an evening of fun from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at “Party in the Park.” Taking place in Elk Ridge Park in the heart of the City of Castle Pines, this FREE event features live music by Style Band – pop music and hits of the 80s, 90s and 2000s, games and fun activities for kids, a charity chalk event (see page 19), a pet corner for your furry friends and booths from local businesses. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase. Hamburger meal deals include chips and a cookie for $10 or a hot dog meal deal for $8. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase as well, and water is free. Top that all off with a truly amazing fireworks show at dusk (fire restrictions permitting), and enjoy a perfect night!

After indulging in all of the fun, food and drinks, work it off back at Elk Ridge Park on Sunday, August 27 at 8 a.m. for “Run Wild!” Now in its sixth year, this run offers something for all ability levels: Participate in the 9-mile run dubbed “Colorado’s original ¾ half marathon” for a chance to win the men’s and women’s $500 bounty buster prize; tackle the 4-mile course as a nice way to begin to build up your endurance from the standard 5K on your way to that 10K race; or run (or walk) the 1-mile “Color Me Wild” family fun run. Stick around after the run and enjoy a pancake breakfast, bouncy house, sponsor expo, beer garden and more. Register at www.racewildcolorado.com/run-wild.

If you are interested in all three events, check out the Passport, which allows access to all of the weekend activities. The Passport sells for $60 and includes one ticket to Vino in the Village, two drink tickets for Party in the Park and one race day registration in either the 9-mile or 4-mile run. To purchase tickets to any/all of the events or learn more, visit www.cppartyinthepines.com.

The “Color Me Wild” run focuses less on speed and more on fun with family and friends. Wear your favorite (or least favorite) white shirt and volunteers will douse you in a variety of safe, biodegradable colors. Proceeds from this race will go to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Y.E.S.S. (Youth Education and Safety in Schools) program.