#denver tourism

[gentlyrowan]

DINOSAUR RIDGE

Bones, Tracks, and Even Ripple Marks from an Ancient Sea Make This a Very Special Place

The location paleontologists have ranked as the #1 dinosaur tracksite in America is home to hundreds of irreplaceable trace and bone fossils preserved in situ on a section of the Dakota hogback in Morrison, Colorado known as Dinosaur Ridge. dinoridge.org

There are several bus and walking tour options at Dinosaur Ridge. Fees help support the work needed to preserve this paleontologically important site.

Since the nonprofit Friends of Dinosaur Ridge was founded in 1989, mapping has shown a loss of at least 50 dinosaur footprints caused by erosion. dinorindge.org

I know your inner 6-year-old wants more, so I'll be back to this fascinating location next week!

Post 2 of 6 from Dinosaur Ridge

See Part 1 here: I Hear You All Enjoy Robot Dinosaurs...

See Part 3 here: I Found a Tallneck!

NORA SACRED LAND

DINOSAUR RIDGE, NEAR DENVER

(Devil's Grief), COLORADO, USA

[maelwife]

I’m being a little bitch about it but I kinda hate seeing meow wolf expand nationwide. They were such a unique attraction for Santa Fe and such a cool reason to visit NM and now you can just give that tourism money to wealthy cities Vegas or Denver or Dallas instead. Which like. I’m sure a lot of people will do, who wants to go to Santa Fe when vegas has so much more to see🥺

[cashfire2003]

Recent pic from Garden of the Gods.

[420stays]

The Importance of Cedrick Davis Brevard County Employee Counseling for Workplace Wellness

The mental health of employees must be top priority for businesses in the hectic and demanding work conditions. Workplace counseling is one efficient approach to accomplish this. Cedrick Davis Brevard County claims that employee counseling, whether it is provided via a regular health insurance policy, mental health program, or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), is a helpful tool for people guiding both personal and professional obstacles.

[chaletnz]

Farewell Central America

Again I woke up early and went for a painful, stone cold shower to start my day. I gave the hostel cat a little pat good morning and then headed out for a walk around Barrio Escalante to see the Santa Teresita church and some street art. I ended up walking past a large train station and into a park, so I figured I had reached the city centre by this point and I was ready to turn around and head back. The entire walk I'd been searching for a post box to send off a few post cards but hadn't had any luck. I dropped by the museum and a lady there tried to direct me to a post office but it was going to be way too far out of the way so I resigned to sending them from home in Colorado. My final meal was french toast and a flat white at Cafeoteca which was delightful but a little bit too much food for me pre-flight. Nonetheless it was relaxing to sit there in the garden and recover from my walk before returning to the hostel to pack up my bag and check out. I took my second Uber trip ever (the first was in South Africa with Elinor) and Alex arrived right on time in his Kia Picanto to drive me to the airport. He spoke English well and seemed chatty, he told me about how Covid had affected tourism and as a local of San Jose's east side he was happy to be able to see tourists returning to the country. We struck a bit of traffic on the highway and ended up crawling along for a few minutes. Opportunistic street vendors were walking between the traffic with racks of plantain chips, bags of drinks, and ice blocks that were somehow still frozen despite being in 28 degree heat. After this busy stretch it was a smooth journey to the airport and I arrived to the airport well ahead of time. I tipped Alex the rest of my local currency bills and then headed into the terminal where there conveniently was a post box! I spent some time browsing the souvenirs but nothing had a price sticker on it. I approached the coffee area where a very pushy salesman was trying to get me to buy 4 bags for the price of 3, I led him on a bit to get some free samples and finally got to try the sloth blend that I'd been eyeing up in other souvenir shops around the country. It was nice but not worth the $14.50 - I could buy cheaper and better coffee (imported) in the US. My flight ended up being delayed for about an hour since they said the airport in Texas or wherever was closed due to weather currently. I'd had a bad feeling about this flight from the moment I booked it, since they had changed the times at least 3 times since I booked. But I made it to Dallas with a baby behind me all the way. The connection was tight, but I made it through the immigration and security and then took a little train to the right terminal. I saw the sign flashing for final call as I was running up and I slipped in just in time - there were even people behind me still faffing around trying to open their mobile boarding pass. I arrived in Denver very late, and spent the night in a hostel there, making my way back up to the familiar elevation of Copper Mountain the next day.

[gentlyrowan]

I heard you all enjoy robot dinosaurs...

Might I also interest you in the real creatures who walked Aloy's homeland long before the time of the Old Ones?

NORA SACRED LAND

DINOSAUR RIDGE, NEAR DENVER

(Devil's Grief), COLORADO, USA

Fifteen miles west of Denver is a natural wonderland called DINOSAUR RIDGE!

Did we know what that was before we went? No. We let curiosity lead us.

I feel like that's very much in keeping with the spirit of Horizon Zero Dawn.

Post 1 of 6 from Dinosaur Ridge

See Part 2 here: Dinosaur Ridge: Bones, Tracks, and Even Ripple Marks from an Ancient Sea Make This a Very Special Place

I don't have great pictures of Denver for you, because I spent most of my Denver time outside the city. I think you'll agree, I made the cool (read: nerdy) choice.

[cool-denver-co]

Ideal Modern Living

Carraway offers studio and one-bedroom apartments that perfectly blend comfort and community in Platt Park. The building boasts a hospitality lounge and garden, providing a peaceful retreat for residents to relax and socialize. For those who work from home, Carraway offers quiet co-working spaces designed for focus and productivity, along with collaboration areas for creative meetings or group projects. Residents looking for studio apartments for rent in Platt Park will find that Carraway not only provides a stylish living space but also fosters a sense of community with its thoughtfully designed amenities. With these features, Carraway ensures modern living meets convenience and comfort.

The Economy of Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado, has a strong and diverse economy, offering residents good job opportunities and a strong financial outlook. The city is a hub for industries like technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. Many tech companies have set up offices in Denver, bringing new job opportunities. The healthcare sector is also growing, with hospitals and medical centers providing many jobs. Denver is known for its connection to the energy industry, especially oil and natural gas. Tourism is another important part of the economy, as visitors come to enjoy the nearby Rocky Mountains, ski resorts, and outdoor adventures. The city's central location in the U.S. makes it a major transportation and distribution hub.

Denver Art Museum in Denver, CO

The Denver Art Museum is a great place to explore art from all around the world. Located in downtown Denver, it has a huge collection of more than 70,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The museum is known for its impressive Native American art collection and contemporary pieces. Visitors can also see art from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. The building itself is a work of art, with its modern design and unique architecture. The museum offers fun, interactive spaces where kids and families can create their own art. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year, bringing in famous works from across the globe. The Denver Art Museum is perfect for art lovers and anyone looking for inspiration.

Justin Timberlake Announces 2025 Tour, Denver Concert

Justin Timberlake recently announced a 2025 tour, including a concert in Denver. Timberlake has been a successful singer, dancer, and actor for many years, starting with his time in the boy band NSYNC before going solo. His music, like hits “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” and “Cry Me a River,” is loved by fans around the world. Even after so many years in the spotlight, people are excited to see him perform live. His concerts are known for great music, dancing, and fun energy. With his 2025 tour coming up, it’s clear that Justin Timberlake’s popularity is still strong, and fans can’t wait to see him in Denver and beyond.

Link to Map Driving Direction

Denver Art Museum 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204, United States

Head southeast on W 14th Ave 0.1 mi

Turn right onto N Broadway 0.9 mi

Use the 2nd from the left lane to turn left onto E 6th Ave 344 ft

Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto E Speer Blvd 0.3 mi

Turn right onto Logan St 1.8 mi

Turn left onto Buchtel Blvd S 0.1 mi

Turn right onto S Pennsylvania St Destination will be on the left 213 ft

Carraway 1190 S Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80210, United States

[thatstormygeek]

Every single Olympic Games since 1960 has gone over budget. The estimated budget for the L.A. Olympics has already increased at least twice. There is no enforcement against the International Olympic Committee [IOC] going over budget, and the public is on the hook every single time. And spending will continue to increase as the environment gets worse, as civil unrest continues in the U.S. and across the world. Every major metropolis has intractable issues that won’t be solved with the coming of an Olympics. And host cities have the same playbook of hosting this party for the global elite: gentrify, clean out space for the Olympic Village, spectators, and events, and worry about everything after. Citations and increased jailing of unhoused people are part and parcel of the project. In Atlanta in 1996 and in L.A. in 1984, cops had blank citations of "African-American” and “homeless" to lock up people just to get them off the street. In Brazil, homes in the favelas were completely razed. In London, rents doubled.  More people go to jail, and police are militarized in order to secure that. These are called “national special security events,” which means police departments get direct aid and cooperate with national agencies like ICE, the U.S. military, border patrol, and the DEA. ... We can trace a lot of L.A.’s problems back to the 1984 Olympics. There’s a direct line between Rodney King and the 1992 uprisings and the 1984 Games. Police chief Daryl Gates proudly said [the Games] would be the event to make the LAPD what we know it as today – the helicopters, the size and scope and spending, the militarization. They will clean up, at any expense, for weeks of this party to look as nice as possible, no matter how many years the aftershock is felt. ... Black, brown, and poor communities are relying on the economies created by tourism here. But every host city’s tourism has gone down because these cities are not equipped to handle these events. 

We want to cancel the games. This Olympics was approved by 15 city council people, most of whom are no longer in office. Multiple of them have been federally indicted for pay-to-play bribery. The mayor who ushered in the bid, Eric Garcetti, is already gone. And by 2028, zero of them will be in office. The 1984 Olympics are largely considered a triumph because they were famously the games that turned a profit. But that profit created something called the LA84 Foundation, which today is increasing the displacement, privatization, and destruction of public space. The LA84 Foundation is heavily invested in Blackstone, the largest landlord in the country. Their forward facing mission is getting kids into youth sports, but an audit showed that about 3 percent of that money was spent on youth sports.  ... Our primary job is to show people that this is an effort of the global investing class; to familiarize people with the means, mechanisms, people, and modes of power that they accomplish this by; and to then bring this fight to people. Our job is to show people that this thing seemingly written in stone by the word of Zeus is actually very flimsy and fake. ... There are so many ways to honor and appreciate these sports. But it would start with removing the authority of these institutions which are historically abusive and obsessed with profit. And I refuse to believe that the only way to allow these sports to flourish is to displace people every two, four years. ... If the Olympics was truly this magical thing that goes from city to city creating all these benefits and making the world a more joyous place, why don’t cities want this? There was a referendum as early as Denver in 1972 and as recently as in Calgary in 2018. When this actually gets up to people, they don't really want it.

[nanas-45]

Colorado Unveiled: From Ancient Trails to Modern Marvels

Nestled in the heart of the Mountain West, Colorado is a landlocked gem of the United States. Bordered by Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, and even meeting Arizona at the Four Corners, this state is renowned for its diverse and stunning landscape. From towering mountains and expansive high plains to deep canyons and serene deserts, Colorado’s natural beauty is nothing short of spectacular. As the eighth-largest state and the 21st most populous, Colorado is a vibrant tapestry of natural wonders and historical richness. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state's population was approximately 5.88 million as of mid-2023, reflecting steady growth.

A Glimpse into Colorado’s Ancient Roots

The rich history of Colorado stretches back over 13,500 years, with evidence suggesting even longer habitation. The eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains was a significant migration route for early peoples across the Americas. Native American cultures, such as the Ancient Puebloans and the Ute Nation, thrived in the area long before European settlers arrived. The state's historical narrative includes fascinating chapters from the Spanish Empire's claim on the region to the turbulent times of exploration and territorial expansion by the United States.

From Spanish Claims to Statehood

In the early 1800s, Colorado's fate took shape through complex negotiations and territorial claims. The Spanish Empire once laid claim to the region as part of Nuevo México. Later, the U.S. acquired the area through the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent treaties. The Pike's Peak Gold Rush of 1858–1862 drew settlers in droves, dramatically shaping the state's development. Officially, Colorado became a U.S. state on August 1, 1876, under President Ulysses S. Grant, marking its entry into the Union as the 38th state, a century after the Declaration of Independence.

A State of Dynamic Growth

Today, Colorado is known for its thriving cities, with Denver as the bustling capital and Colorado Springs as a significant urban center. The state's economy is diverse, encompassing government, defense, mining, agriculture, and tourism. With the challenges posed by climate change, including rising temperatures and decreasing water availability, Colorado's industries are adapting to ensure sustainability.

Cultural and Linguistic Highlights

Colorado's cultural heritage is as rich as its history. The name "Colorado" itself derives from Spanish, meaning "colored red," a nod to the state’s vibrant landscape. The nickname "Centennial State" commemorates its statehood centennial. The residents, known as Coloradans, experience a unique blend of history and modernity in their daily lives.

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to the scenic vistas, the historical depth, or the dynamic culture, Colorado offers a multifaceted experience. From ancient Native American civilizations to the modern economic landscape, this state continues to evolve while celebrating its profound heritage.

[miss-sapphicana]

The Economy (Taylor’s Version)

See how much money Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour actually made

Posted October 13, 2023 - The Washington Post

Call it a gold rush: Taylor Swift is adding billions to the U.S. economy.

Swift’s record-shattering Eras Tour is set to be the most lucrative concert run in American history. But the massive production not only provided a jolt of money to sold-out stadiums — it also infused the American economy with a trickle-down flow of cash.

Now, as the show heads to movie theaters this weekend, millions more will experience — and shell out cold, hard cash for — a moment with Swift.

As she hits the silver screen, here’s a look at The Economy (Taylor’s Version).

The biggest windfall is headed straight to Swift, who stands to make as much as $4.1 billion from the Eras Tour, according to estimates from Peter Cohan, an associate professor of management at Babson College.

Ranking in the dollars

$4.1 billion - Estimated personal earnings from the Eras Tour.

That’s assuming the pop star ends up keeping the standard artist’s share of roughly 85 percent of her tour’s revenue, with average ticket prices of $456. Swift’s earnings would be the most from a single tour for any musical act to date — and more than the yearly economic output of 42 countries, including Liberia, which has more than 5 million people.

But the impact of the Eras Tour extends far beyond what Swift takes home. In one of the few efforts to assess spending by concertgoers, software company QuestionPro quizzed 592 Swifties who responded to an opt-in online survey. Based on their answers and average concert attendance, the company estimates that Swift’s fans spent about $93 million per show — yes, on tickets, but also on merchandise, travel, hotels, food and outfits.

Add all that up, and by the end of the U.S. tour, you’ve got a $5.7 billionboost to the country’s economy. That’s enough to give $440 to each person in Swift’s home state of Pennsylvania. Or almost enough to send every American a $20 bill.

(Technically $17.10 per person)

(Sorry, we don’t know how many cats personally received a $20 bill from Taylor. But it’s enough to give each of her three cats $1.9 billion.)

...Ready for it?

The mania began months before the March kickoff of the Eras Tour. Presale tickets went on sale in November — sending millions of fans into a frenzy and causing Ticketmaster to crash. A class-action lawsuit and a congressional inquiry followed, as did the ire of many Swifties.

Tickets, which started at $49, sold for many multiples of their face value on resale sites like SeatGeek.

$1,611 - Average ticket resale price on SeatGeek.

That burst of spending has revived the entertainment industry after a years-long pandemic slump.

“Swift and her ‘Eras’ tour have redefined entertainment economics,” said Chris Leyden, director of growth marketing at SeatGeek.

The loudest woman these towns have ever seen

The tour’s economic boost spread far past the walls of Swift’s stadium venues, as fans traveled from near and far to any show they could get their hands on. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia even put the Swift effect in a report — saying concertgoers provided a sizable boost to hotel revenue in May.

Hotels, restaurants and shops around the country felt the upswing, with millions of dollars flowing into the 20 U.S. cities Swift visited this summer. Cincinnati estimated that it would see about $48 million in additional economic impact, according to Visit Cincy and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Center for Research and Data.

Cincinnati $48 million

Denver $148 million

Los Angeles $320 million

Kansas City $48 million

In Los Angeles, where Swift performed six shows, the California Center for Jobs and the Economy predicted a $320 million boost to the county. Kansas City tourism organization Visit KC said the region got an estimated $48 million impact from the tour’s July stop.The Common Sense Institute, which studies the state of Colorado’s economy, predicted the boom from Swift’s Denver performances would add up to $140 million statewide.

“The [Eras Tour] was a shot in the arm to a part of the regional economy that’s really been lagging,” said Mike Kahoe, chief economist for the California center. “It brought some much-needed dollars to the tourism industry.”

Hotel analytics group STR calculated tour cities produceda $208 million bump in hotel room revenue, over and above normal seasonal levels.

$208 million - Estimated additional room revenue

In Seattle, Swift set a record for single-day revenue for downtown hotels — notching $7.4 million, about $2 million more than the record set during a Major League BaseballAll-Star Game earlier the same month, according to Visit Seattle and STR.

“To put the impact into context, $208 million is basically the combined room revenue generated in New York City and Philadelphia in one week,” STR senior research analyst M. Brian Riley wrote. And that’s just for the actual nights of the tour, not including fans who arrived early orstayed longer.

Best believe they bejeweled

Swift’s fans want to embody their favorite Era — and that means splurging on elaborate outfits and costumes.

“Is there anyone here who put a lot of work, thought and preparation into lyric memorization and/or what you were going to wear?” Swift asked the crowd to loud cheers at a Los Angeles show in August.

A core accessory for any Swiftie is a few — or a few dozen — friendship bracelets to grace their wrists and to trade at shows. The jewelry, inspired by a lyric in Swift’s song “You’re On Your Own Kid,” is often handmade or bought online and boasts popular Swift lyrics.

Three million dollars in friendship bracelets sold on Etsy between April and August

One Etsy seller, Kara White, started making the bracelets with her mom earlier this year, when the tour began. They got orders for 1,500 bracelets in a single day as fans prepared for the Los Angeles shows. White and her mom have made about $15,000 this year selling bracelets.

“It just shows how much she makes her fans go crazy,” White said.

Coveted tour merchandise that were hard to nab had fans turning to internet resale sites. One of the most popular items: a $65 blue crewneck with the Eras Tour logo.

1,600% increase in blue Eras crewnecks sold on eBay from March to July

At the venues, merch lines were long — inside and at trucks parked outside. Justin Paul, a DJ, producer and creative director who teaches music business courses at UCLA Extension, came up with a conservative estimate — $864,000 for each show — for Swift’s merch sales inside venues by using the number of people at each show and an average of how much concertgoers typically spend on merch. Still, Swift is a special case.

$1,279 - Average amount each Eras Tour attendee spent:

Food/drinks: $106

Tickets: $396

Travel/lodging: $384

Merch: $159

Outfits: $234

“You look at how much consumers are spending to see Taylor Swift, and it is quite an astonishing amount,” said Dan Fleetwood, president of research and insights at QuestionPro. “And not only are they spending this money, but in a lot of cases, they’re saying they would gladly do it again.”

Judging by the QuestionPro survey respondents, the average fan spent nearly $1,300 on outfits, travel, tickets and extras for the concert.

One for the money, two for the show

All of that Swiftie spending meant restaurants, shops and security firms had to keep up. One solution: hiring temporary workers while the tour is in town.

“When Taylor Swift comes to town, she brings a surge of economic activity,” said Daniel Altman, chief economist at Instawork, which allows businesses to employ workers by the hour.

1,000% increase in demand for hourly workers within a half-mile of Swift’s Boston-area shows

Not only are there more jobs in and around Eras stadiums, butthey pay better, too: The average hourly rate offered on Instawork within a five-mile radius of Swift’s May 13 show in Philadelphia was $20.57, $2 higher than usual.

There have been longer-term lifts in employment, too. In Los Angeles, Swift’s six-day stop was estimated to generate enough revenue to fund 3,300 new jobs, according to the California Center for Jobs and the Economy. That would be enough to staff every bookstore and news stand in the L.A. area.

3,300 jobs enough to staff every bookstore and news stand in L.A.

Swift also passed on some of that karma — and cash — to her employees.

She gave every truck driver on the tour an extra $100,000 this summer, and she gifted bonuses to sound technicians, caterers, dancers and other staff, People magazine reported in August.

$55 million in bonuses to Eras Tour workers, including dancers, sound technicians and caterers

Look what Swift made them do

Swift may have been the main event, but fans shelled out for days of related festivities, with plenty of small businesses happy to bask in her afterglow. There were tour-inspired ice cream flavors in Pennsylvania, bonbons in Colorado and lattes in New Hampshire.

In Washington state, Neko Cat Cafe hosted feline-friendly “Taylor listening parties” at its two locations to commemorate the tour’s arrival. The small business made over $3,000 from the event, with ticket sales at its Bellingham location — almost 90 miles north of Seattle — 140 percent higher than on a typical Friday night.

Forty cats, all available for adoption, wore Swift-themed bandanas while humans drank glittery wine and ate “Lover”-themed cookies. Tickets, at $40 a pop, promptly sold out.

140% increase in ticket sales at Neko Cat Cafe in Bellingham, Wash.

That Midas touch extended around the country: In California, Susie Cakes sold $50,000 worth of Swift-themed cupcakes. Seattle’s Japonessa Sushi Cocina dished out $10,000 in “Reputation” sushi rolls and glitter-filled cocktails. And in Kansas City, Donutology filled orders for 20,000 Eras-themed donuts, which became a staple at “Tayl-gating” parties in the parking lot before Swift hit the stage.

In Minneapolis, Inbound Brew Co. racked up twice as much money than on a normal weekend when it hosted three nights of Eras-related festivities this summer, including trivia games, live-band karaoke and a dance party, according to general manager Emily Elmer.

“This was bigger for us than when the Super Bowl came to town in 2018,” she said.

If this was a movie

The first leg of her North American tour may be over, but Swift can’t stop, won’t stop moving … this time into movie theaters and football stadiums (when athletes are actually on the field). She has become a recognizable figure at Kansas City Chiefs games to watch her rumored paramour, tight end Travis Kelce. Her appearances have caused sales of Kelce’s jersey to jump and,in at least one case, NFL ticket prices to rise after rumors Swift would be in attendance, according to NPR.

$37 million in tickets sold for the Eras Tour concert film in the first day of pre-sales at AMC, Regal and Cinemark theaters

Eras, too, is onto its next phase. In November, the pop star will take her 146-show tour international, with stops in South America, Asia, Australia and Europe. But first, Swift heads to the movies — where global pre-sales have already surpassed $100 million, according to AMC. Fans, the movie chain said, are turning up “from the largest cities to the smallest towns.”

Long story short: Swift’s economic dominance is about to begin again.

About this story:

The following songs are referenced in this story:

gold rush - The Man - ...Ready For It? - the last great american dynasty - Bejeweled - You're On Your Own, Kid - champagne problems - Karma - Look What You Made Me Do - If This Was a Movie (Taylor's Version) - Shake It Off - long story short - Afterglow - Begin Again (Taylor's Version).

Abha Bhattarai became a Swiftie during the pandemic, when she listened to “Evermore” and “Folklore” on repeat.

Rachel Lerman managed to get tickets for Swift’s Munich show, where she will be embracing her “1989” era.

Emily Sabens became a Swiftie at age 10 while performing songs from the debut album in her basement with her cousin. She was blessed with “Haunted” as a surprise song at the Eras Tour in Detroit.

Editing by Karly Domb Sadof (who is still trying to get her Eras Tour tickets), Betty Chavarria (who has a song named after her), Jennifer Liberto (mom of a Swiftie), Mike Madden (who is not a Swiftie — yet), Paola Ruano (who is going to the Eras Tour for a second time in London) and Haley Hamblin (who promises to finally listen to 1989 soon).

[qnewsau]

Victorian minister brutally sledges Perth's Gay Games bid

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/victorian-minister-brutally-sledges-perths-gay-games-bid/

Victorian minister brutally sledges Perth's Gay Games bid

Victoria’s tourism minister has fired a shot at Perth as Melbourne and the WA capital both compete to host the 2030 Gay Games.

Every four years since 1982, the Gay Games has drawn thousands of athletes and spectators to host cities worldwide for a tournament of inclusive sport.

Perth and Melbourne are on a shortlist of seven cities in the running for the 2030 event. The shortlist also includes Auckland, Cape Town, Denver, Taipei in Taiwan and Edmonton in Canada.

Victoria’s Sports, Events and Tourism Minister Steve Dimopoulous said on social policy and LGBTQIA+ equality, Melbourne was the clear leader.

“We are far ahead of any other city in this country. We are far ahead of Sydney, which often gets the glory in terms of the Mardi Gras,” he said.

Dimopoulos added of Melbourne’s WA rival, “I love Perth, but seriously – it’s Perth. There is no comparison, Melbourne is a global city.”

The minister said Melbourne and Victoria has “the best venues, the best workforce and the best arts and culture, hospitality”.

“We are a city that people want to come to,” he said.

Political fight over hosting the Gay Games

But the Victorian government has faced a political backlash after Melbourne made the shortlist for the event.

Victorian Liberals slammed the Gay Games bid. They pointed to the Labor government pulling out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games last year at a cost of $589 million.

Steve Dimopoulos claimed the government was approached about hosting the event, rather than actively pursuing a bid.

“This is something that is in the early stages. This is something that the Gay Games themselves have curated a list of cities around the world that they are interested in,” he said.

It’s understood Melbourne Gay Games advocates, including local councillors and tourism executives, met with Dimopoulos’ team about the Gay Games proposal earlier in the year.

Dimopoulous said the government is “always interested in talking to people who want to have an event in this great state”.

Shadow Tourism and Events Minister Sam Groth told News Corp, “After wasting $600 million on the Commonwealth Games debacle, how can any Victorian have confidence Labor can deliver this event?”

Deputy opposition leader David Southwick added, “Before we do anything, I think Victorians deserve to see what’s the business case.

“Victoria was the internationally recognised events capital of the world — and now we couldn’t deliver a chook raffle.”

A Victorian Government spokesperson responded, “As Australia’s major events capital, we’re always looking at new opportunities and events for our calendar.”

2030 host city announced in November 2025

Meanwhile, Pride WA, who is leading Perth’s bid, said the city is excited and ready to host. The state has more LGBTQIA+ sports clubs than ever before.

This month, the Federation of Gay Games confirmed each shortlisted city had submitted “bid books” outlining their preliminary hosting proposal.

Soon, representatives from the cities will present their bids in-person at the Federation’s AGM in Washington DC in October.

The FGG will announce three finalist cities in December 2024. The host city will be announced in November 2025.

Hong Kong and Guadalajara, Mexico co-hosted the last Gay Games in November 2023. Sydney was the last Australian city to host in 2002.

The next Gay Games will be held in Valencia, Spain in 2026.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[ancestorsalive]

Ellen Elliott, known as Captain Jack, was a remarkable figure in Colorado's pioneer history. Born on November 4, 1842, in New Lentern, Nottingham, England, she faced significant hardships, including the death of her husband, Charles E. Jack, in 1872, and the loss of three children. These tragedies drove her to seek a new beginning in the American West around 1880.

In Colorado, Captain Jack made her mark by establishing a boarding house and investing in the Black Queen Mine in the Gunnison area, following a brief stay in Denver. Her eccentric personality and adventurous spirit earned her a reputation, and she often carried pistols and a pick-ax, ready for any challenges.

Captain Jack's autobiography, "Fate of a Fairy or Twenty-seven Years in the Far West," is filled with tales that mix fact and fiction, including stories of Gypsies and mountain adventures. By 1900, she moved to Cripple Creek and then to Colorado Springs in 1903, where she embraced the burgeoning automobile tourism industry. She established rental cabins and a tourist attraction featuring exotic pets and embellished stories of her life.

Despite facing competition from Nora "Ma" Gaines, Captain Jack continued her endeavors, even as her financial situation worsened. She claimed to have found a hidden cave to attract tourists, but her business was devastated by a flood in 1920. Ellen Elliott passed away on June 16, 1921, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy marked by resilience and adventure. Her tombstone in Evergreen Cemetery overlooks the High Drive, a testament to her adventurous life, even as her former competitor, "Ma" Gaines, took over her tourist property and prospered.

[airsimplicityco]

Unlocking the Secrets to Successful Vacation Rental Management in Denver

Discover how Air Simplicity transforms the challenges of vacation rental management in Denver into opportunities. Our blog article highlights our comprehensive services, from marketing and guest communication to maintenance and legal compliance. Learn how our local market insights and data-driven strategies can help you maximize rental income and achieve stress-free success in Denver’s booming tourism market.