Starlighting Chili Supper

On November 22nd, 2025 the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce kicked off the 2025 Holiday Season with the annual Starlighting festivities which also included the Castle Rock Fire & Rescue Department Professional Firefighters annual “Chili Supper” at Station 51 . The event officially started with crowds filling the streets hours earlier. Community members were treated to food trucks, hot chocolate while nonprofit booths, strolling entertainers, and live bands provided entertainment. The Starlighting took place and was immediately followed by fireworks. The Castle Rock Police Department, Colorado State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and others also participated in the event. All though the official ceremony was not yet established, the tradition of the star itself dates back to 1936, when it was first lit as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. The annual Castle Rock Starlighting ceremony began in 1962. Castle Rock Hose Company Number 1 (the original name of the Castle Rock Fire Department) volunteered to cart the construction material up to the top of the Rock. The Town Council provided financial aid, and the Castle Rock Motor Co. donated the gas for welding. The owner of Schweiger Motor Co., William Sloan, did much of the design and welding. George P. Stewart donated the land, and Mountain States Telephone donated used electrical wire for the project. Additional information provided by Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce and Castle Rock website – crgov.com