Annual event growth reflects Colorado’s distilleries
By David Josselyn
On Saturday, June 27, the City of Central and the Business Improvement District hosted the third annual Stills in the Hills event attracting large crowds to Central’s once barren Main Street. Two years ago, Doc Holliday Casino shut its doors on June 13, 2013, a major closing in a series of failed casinos that left the City government trying to squeeze blood out of nonexistent turnips to make up the deficit in device fee revenue. That same year, Stills in the Hills was born, bringing thirteen regional distillers to the street offering samples of their lovingly distilled spirits. This event; along with other summer events, cosmetic changes along Main Street, creative leasing to utilize empty spaces, the rebirth of the Main Street Commission, and the intergovernmental pursuit of historic buildings too far behind on taxes, has helped re-energize this town and see a resurgence of visitors and good spirits. Speaking of good spirits, the Stills event has more than doubled its size bringing 25 distilleries plus one start-up distiller yet to open. Joe Behm, Executive Director of the Business Improvement District, exclaimed, “This is the biggest ever; we have four more distilleries (than last year) and sold more tickets.” In describing the event and speaking off the cuff, Joe said “It’s going to be a party: debutants, distilleries, and debauchery.” Behm immediately corrected that last word and said there will be no debauchery; the word just flowed with the others. The event is more of a civilized affair. This year’s event coincides with the annual Yellow Rose Ball and Flower Girl Presentation that kicks off the Opera season. Just as the number of distillers has grown for this event, Colorado distilleries have exploded from a mere eighteen (estimated) in 2011 to more than 50 today.
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