Paradox Cycle and Flying Bear Pizzeria at Naturita Bicycle Company are teaming up for a holiday extravaganza in Naturita. Both bike shops are partnering with local photographer Punky Linville, who owns and operates Punkatures, to offer an attractive scene for Christmas portraits. Santa Claus and the The Grinch will be on site for the photos.
All children and pets — dogs and cats — are welcome, and the extravaganza, called a West End Family Christmas, is a fundraiser for Hoof & Paw, the local animal rescue and shelter. Cost is $10, and photographs will be printed.
“For everyone that participates in the photoshoot, Flying Bear has free pup cups and free hot cocoa,” Brock Benson, owner of Paradox Cycle, said.
He added his shop will offer free popcorn, plus give away toys, like bike lights and other small things for children.
To ensure everyone stays warm at the West End Family Christmas, the event will feature propane heaters and burn barrels. It all begins at 3 p.m., and at the ending, approximately 6 p.m., there will be a small parade for the kids and pets to walk through.
Benson said he personally loves the winter holidays. He wanted to do something specific at Paradox Cycle, only he was busy on Elfin Eve, playing Santa for the Nucla-Naturita Area Chamber of Commerce, something he truly loves to do. Now, though, he wants to host people in his own shop and continue the holiday celebrations. He added there’s a fun pocket of local businesses at his end of the street, including Wild Gal’s Market.
“I hope we have a successful event and show some love to Hoof & Paw,” he said.
Virginia Ericson, co-owner of Flying Bear Pizzeria at Naturita Bicycle Company, said afterward there will also be an open mic session, courtesy of N3, the local arts collaboration. Youth are invited to come and sing or play an instrument.
"At 6:30 p.m., "the N3 youth theatre and music club will have a holiday showcase in the cozy tavern, surrounded by our piano and holiday tree at the Flying Bear,” she said. “There will be tree decorating, crafts, hot cocoa and pup cups. It’s a live concert featuring N3.”
Additionally, Benson told the Forum that people likely know The Grinch also appeared at Elfin Eve at the Nucla Community Center, where he ran through the building unexpectedly while Santa Claus was greeting young children.
Benson said The Grinch is actually making house calls too. He’s in town now through the holidays and can support families with children who are misbehaving, or simply add excitement to holiday parties.
Benson said hiring The Grinch does require a consultation, in order to assess the scene and choreograph the entrance. Families decide how much interaction will happen. He wants the work to be done safely, without traumatization.
Benson, who holds a bachelor’s degree in acting, agreed the work is actually “renegade theater” in a small town. Anyone who’d like to reach him to hire The Grinch should call 970-275-8310.
