High Altitude Happy Hour on the Cog Railway Friday

Hold onto the last, lazy days of summer just a little bit longer with a jaunt to the top of Pikes Peak during the 3rd Annual High Altitude Happy Hour. Slated for Friday, September 10, the collaboratively sponsored event promises to be an entertaining and scenic evening on Manitou’s historic Cog Railway.

"The High Altitude Happy Hour is hosted by all of the support groups for businesses in Manitou Springs (The Economic Development Council, The Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, and The Business Improvement District) and proceeds from this event will be used to promote iManitou, which will consolidate the functions of both the EDC and Chamber beginning in 2011,” said Tim Haas, President of the EDC Board. “This consolidation will provide a streamlined approach to both economic development and destination marketing, and seek to better integrate the business community with the overall Manitou Springs community.”

Registration runs from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m., where participants can enjoy pre-boarding hors d’oeuvres from The Stagecoach and Craftwood Inn and samples from D’Vine Wine of Manitou Springs, three of the event’s sponsors. The High Altitude Happy Hour train will depart from the Cog Railway Station at 4:45 and arrive back at the station at 7:45. “We’re excited to host the High Altitude Happy Hour for the third year,” said Spencer Wren, General Manager of the Cog Railway. “It gives us the opportunity to show off Manitou Springs and our beautiful mountain, and there’s no better way to do it than from one of our historic cog trains.”

A fundraiser, proceeds from the High Altitude Happy Hour will benefit economic development in Manitou Springs. “This event is a fun evening and a chance for participants to mingle, meet new people and to support Manitou Springs,” said Leslie Lewis, Executive Director of the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve all worked hard to nurture and revitalize Manitou and it shows in the progress we’ve made.” Door prizes will also be drawn during the train’s journey to the summit.

After the Happy Hour, participants are encouraged to extend their evening in Manitou at the historic Cliff House Hotel’s Red Mountain Bar and Grill. This newest addition to the Cliff House Hotel includes an outdoor fire pit and live music. A relaxed atmosphere and casual dining menu is offered. Tickets for the High Altitude Happy Hour are $50 per person and can be purchased at www.80829.com. Tickets day of the event are $60. Advanced reservations for the special Cog train ride are recommended (call 719-685-9741) or purchased the day of the event, depending on availability. Because this event is a fundraiser, all tickets purchased may be taken as a tax deduction. Manitou Springs has its roots as a health resort and an artists’ colony and boasts a diverse population as well as support for the culinary, holistic, visual, literary and performing arts; and a colorful history. Lauded as one of the coolest small towns in the country by Budget Travel magazine, Manitou lives up to its reputation with diverse and eclectic shopping and dining opportunities. Check out www.manitousprings.org for more information. It is the purpose of iManitou to be a strong collaboration of business, government and community.

For more information, call Floyd O’Neil at 719-685-5089 or email him at Floyd@manitouchamber.com. ~Manitou Chamber Release