Organizers of Discover Denver, an event first held in 2018, are excited to be celebrating the day during Denver's 125th anniversary. To emphasize the history of the second-largest "Denver" in the country, local entertainer Kel Lee will roam the streets offering information about Denver's roots. "He will walk through (the town's) history," said Sandy Flory, one of the organizers of the event. "(Lee) is a huge historian. He grew up in town, and he likes to talk to people." The anniversary will also be celebrated by organizers of the event at a welcome table near Unruh Insurance at 335 Main St., Denver. Free memorabilia from past years, such as Christmas decorations, plates, decorative houses resembling Denver buildings, and T-shirts with the 125th anniversary logo on the front will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More than 120 seedlings will be given away as well. Food items, which attendees are invited to bring to donate to a local food pantry, will be accepted at the welcome table.

This year's Discover Denver, which is designed to promote and encourage visits to local businesses and nonprofit organizations, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a variety of activities taking place around town. The 300 block of Main Street will be closed from the train tracks near Unruh Insurance to the traffic light at Fourth Street, beginning at 9 a.m. Flory reported that more than 50 area businesses and nonprofits will participate in this year's event.

Food items for sale at Discover Denver will be offered by Pappy's BBQ. Milkshakes and empanadas will also be sold. Courtyard Cafe will be open throughout the event, and Castaneda's will give away slushies.

The scarecrow competition has become a staple of the fall event. "We have done the scarecrow competition for a couple of years," noted Flory, who explained that the contest is open to businesses, individuals, and nonprofits. The scarecrows are located throughout town, and attendees may pick up ballots to vote. Scarecrow competition voting will begin at 10 a.m. Pumpkin painting and judging will also be held.

Rooftop musical entertainment will be provided by DJ Willz. "He will be right up there on top of the Unruh building at 10 a.m.," said Flory, gesturing to the top of the nearby business.

A bounce house, sponsored by Reinholds VFW, will be located at 339 Main St.

Lighthouse Community Center, located at 239 Main St., will be the site of the fifth annual chili cook-off and tasting. The competition will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The pet parade, which will feature leashed pets, will line up at Main and Fourth Streets and begin at noon.

At 1:30 p.m., winners for the chili and scarecrow competitions and the pet parade will be announced.

Readers who have questions may call 717-538-9299 or email discoverdenverinfo@gmail.com. More information may be found by searching for "Discover Denver" on Facebook or @discoverdenverinfo on Instagram.