"(Discover Denver) started at the request of the community asking for things to do within the borough at a Visionary meeting," reported Sandy Flory, one of the organizers of the event. Flory noted that the first Discover Denver day was held in 2018.

This year's Discover Denver, which is designed to promote and encourage visits to local businesses and organizations, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a variety of activities taking place around town.

The ninth annual Jan's Daisy Dash 5K Run/Walk will kick off the day at Cocalico High School stadium, 650 S. 6th St., Denver, at 9 a.m. Day-of registration will begin at 8 a.m. Medals and prizes will be awarded to male and female top finishers, and medals will be presented to winners in eight age groups. Funds raised by the run benefit Jan's Circle of Friends, a group that provides assistance to community children affected by domestic violence or parental loss. Interested runners may register at http://www.janscircleoffriends.org or http://www.pretzelcitysports.com.

Between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., the 300 block of Main Street will be closed, and at 9 a.m. Main Street businesses will open. A scavenger hunt involving painted rocks with the Discover Denver logo on one side will be held. The back side of each rock will contain a word or a series of words participants can use to form a message or a phrase. A pumpkin painting contest in memory of Caroline Schannauer will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the street in front of the Courtyard Cafe on Main, and Burns Weaver, a performer from Lititz, will entertain until 11 a.m.

At 11 a.m., events will begin in the Denver Memorial Park, 801-A Main St., Denver. Joe Lerman and Paul, a duo, will entertain from the stage, and a chili cook-off will be held for the second time. According to Flory, the cook-off is limited to 15 contestants, and the deadline to enter is Saturday, Oct. 1. Prizes will be awarded in both People's Choice and Judge's Choice categories. "It's free for people to taste and vote," Flory said. The dog parade, which will be led by Eagle Scout Blake McGowan, who proposed adding a dog park to the venue, will begin at the dog park. Dogs will be judged in two categories - best costume and the dog the judges would most like to take home.

Other events will include a virtual Walk Through Denver, presented by entertainer Kel Lee, who will encourage people to talk about things in town. People will also be able to decorate kindness rocks. "This is an activity for anyone of any age," said Flory, who noted that paints, brushes, and rocks will be provided. A former Eagle Scout will man the Frisbee golf course, handing out Frisbees donated by Blue Ridge Communications to give attendees a chance to try the sport. Likewise, the pickleball court will be open and paddles will be available for people to try their hand at pickleball. The skatepark will be open for demonstrations and for children to learn skateboard moves, and the Denver Fire Company will benefit from holding a fundraiser food truck event featuring several trucks, including one selling Mexican food.

Readers who would like to know more may visit https://denverboro.net/2299/Discover-Denver, search for "Discover Denver" on Facebook, or email discoverdenverinfo@gmail.com.