Central City antes up for inter-city bus service

When gal pal and I last headed up the hill, we knew we had to make a choice of “donating” our money to either Black Hawk or Central City casinos in the aftermath of the split between the two towns over shared free bus transportation.

We hemmed and hawed, but ultimately settled on Black Hawk in order to try the new menu at Farraddays’ at Isle Casino Hotel, and lodging at the Lodge Casino (more about that in the next column).

But while we were waiting at the BH bus stop to head to our next casino, we noticed some black mini-buses emblazoned with Central City casino logos.

What the hey? Hadn’t the two towns ended the shared bus system on Dec. 29 when Central City opted not to pay more than 35 percent of the joint transportation cost?

Central City mayor Ron Engels clued me in. “That is the Central City Free Ride, the new shuttle system Central started after Black Hawk pulled out of the Transportation Authority,” Engels said. “The city reallocated our budget line item that was for the Tramway bus, and used the funding to contract with Colorado Coach for this new system.”

The new Central City Free Ride runs between the two gaming towns every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to midnight weekdays, and from 10 a.m. till 2 a.m. weekends.

“Transportation between the two cities is something our gamers have come to expect,” Engels said. “So we’re glad we could make it happen.”

Spring break sans sand. OK, so Central City lacks the sand that Daytona Beach or Mazatlan offer to spring breakers, but that doesn’t mean Colorado gamers can’t have fun in the sun.

Central City’s Spring Break Central on March 26 features bikinis, brats and beer – Colorado style. Jump on the Ramblin’ Express bus at 6:05 p.m. from Lakewood’s Colorado Mills (Door 5, Sports Authority area) for the party express to CC.

Festivities include a tiki bar, live music, karaoke, bikini and Uggs contest, a putting contest and exclusive spring break cash drawings.

Event registration begins at 7 p.m. at Century Casino. Reservations for ages 21 and over can be made by calling 303-571-9382.

Awards galore. You could have knocked Kirk Pittsenbarger over with a casino chip when he was named Team Member of the Year during an awards presentation earlier this month at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk.

Pittsenbarger, pictured, a server in the Centennial Buffet at Ameristar, snagged a $15,000 check for his top-notch service, and admiration of guests and fellow team members. The buffet server, who was chosen from 900 team members, plans to use the 15 grand to go on a dream vacation.

New poker room. Poker is coming to the Isle. The fun and games start April 12.
You can follow their poker room manager Matthew Dodd on Twitter @BlackHawkPoker.

- Penny Parker is a columnist for The Denver Post. She’s always on the prowl for tidbits and tips from Colorado’s gaming communities. Call her at 303-619-5209 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com.