And The “Why I Love Sloan’s Lake” Winners Are…
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By Basha Cohen
What I didn’t expect when we hosted a Sloan’s Lake photo competition with The Denver North Star is that I would end up bawling my eyes out—literally for days.
As a lifelong resident of Sloan’s Lake, I was deeply touched by the community’s love and outpouring of support for the waters through mind-bogglingly beautiful imagery and heartfelt sentiments about “Why I Love Sloan’s Lake.”
Nothing could be a more fitting kick-off for the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation annual fundraiser, Jamming on the Jetty, and its mission to #SaveSloansLake than this love letter to old Farmer Sloan, whose well became the lake we all hold near and dear to our hearts.
As Lauren Conley, one of our winners said, “Thank you @sloanslakeparkfoundation for taking precious care of this magical place for all.”
For everyone who sent in an image and sentiment, they claimed it as “my lake.” The beauty of the lake and park is reflected in the people that use it, and it mirrors the soul of this special neighborhood. From sunrises that cracked the morning skies and downtown skyline to the grandeur of glorious sunsets painted in vibrant pastels, fire-bomb oranges, and turbulent greys; the statuesque pelicans who reflect the beginning of Spring, the chattering ducks, in-flight geese; the ancient gnarly tree near our “Lady of the Lake” Middle School and the grand “Oak” near 20th Avenue and Stuart Street that were two favorite giving trees captured in every season; paddle-boards and kayaks and dragon boats gliding; children skipping and skipping rocks; bubbles and bikes amidst walkers and runners and strollers; windswept, cracked ice, snowy footsteps, and fog rising from a wintry lake. And, of course, pooches posing and playing with glee.
Choosing five winners out of hundreds of submissions was almost as heart-wrenching as watching a lake whose depth was once 12-18 feet, now diminishing to an average of 3 feet.
We were so impressed that we added five additional “special mention” gifts. A gigantic thank you to all of our wonderful merchants in the community for lavishing love through these special prizes! The truth is everyone was a winner, for sharing their beauty.
To see all of the photos follow @sloanslakeparkfoundation on Instagram and join us at Jamming on the Jetty, Sept. 17 at our Sloan’s Lake Photo Gallery at The Denver North Star tent.
First Place: Diane Allison
Prize: Weekend Getaway in Breckenridge AirBNB, courtesy of The Denver North Star and Meghan Nutting
each unique and beautiful!” — Diane Allison
pure bliss.” — Diane Allison
Second Place: Lauren Conley
Prize: The Rose Lady bouquets for a year
Third Place: Marc Piscotty
Prize: Odell’s Brewing Co. Picnic Party Pack and a Little Man Ice Cream Factory social for four
Fourth Place: Arturo Juardo
Prize: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema $250 gift certificate
at Sloan’s Lake. I have many beautiful memories of growing
up around this area. Now when I visit the park, I always take
a camera.” — Arturo Juardo
some are breathtaking. It is so beautiful with the mountains
in the background.” — Arturo Juardo
Fifth Place: Ryan White
Prize: Duality double fitness five-pack for treadmill-based circuit, heated resistance and conditioning, or power yoga
Special Mentions
Justin Chipman PRIZE: Central City Opera House 2023 Season-Two Tickets
Elaina Hernandez Lechuga
Prize: Edgewater Public Market gift basket
Brian Deardorff
PRIZE: Edgewater Beer Garden gift card
David Bassett
PRIZE: Sloan’s Bar & Grill gift card
Brian Quigley
Prize: Yogasix & Row House one free week of classes at both locations
it offers me a new perspective on life.” — Brian Quigley