Golden Retrievers Take Over Colorado Town for a Heartwarming Holiday Celebration

Every year, the city of Golden, Colorado, becomes a haven for golden retrievers and their owners in celebration of National Golden Retriever Day. This unique event, known as Goldens in Golden, has been shining brightly since it was first held in 2019. On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the streets of Downtown were filled with retrievers and their humans, ready to celebrate their love for the iconic breed.

A Community-Oriented Event

Goldens in Golden is not just a celebration of retrievers, but a fun way for the community to come together, enjoy the company of adorable dogs, and support local businesses. The event was created to encourage visitors to explore during the slower winter months, boosting the local economy. As Robin Fleischmann, the city’s economic development manager, explained to Denver 7, the event brings a “wonderful convergence of people and dogs,” offering both joy and increased business for the small businesses in the area.

“Goldens in not only brings joy to the community, but it also introduces people to it, a town that may be a little quieter at this time of year,” Fleischmann added.

Dog Lovers’ Dream: The Group Picture

The highlight of Goldens in the group picture under the city’s iconic Welcome to Golden Arch. The arch, with its cheerful “Howdy folks!” sign, creates the perfect backdrop for dog lovers and their pets to capture the spirit of the event. Photos show a vibrant sea of golden retrievers and their proud owners posing together in front of the arch, celebrating the bond between humans and their four-legged friends.

To make sure everyone had the chance to take part, the group shot was scheduled in three different sessions—11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 12:30 p.m. Visitors were asked to attend just one of the sessions, helping to manage the large turnout and ensuring that no one missed the chance to be part of this memorable moment.

A Nationwide Gathering

It in attracts attendees from all over the country. Many dog owners travel long distances to join the celebration. Eric and Pam Schorsch, from Tennessee, made the journey to with their new four-month-old puppy. The puppy, a gift for their daughter, was part of the reason they decided to celebrate Pam’s birthday at the event. “We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by bringing our new puppy out here to it,” Eric said. He was impressed by the sense of community, saying, “It’s amazing to see a community come together like this. We’ve never seen anything like it.”

More Than Just a Photo Op

While the group picture was the star attraction, there was so much more to enjoy at Goldens in Golden. Visitors had the chance to purchase locally made, official in merchandise, adding to the festivities. Additionally, the Mill, a popular local hangout, hosted a pre-party featuring a campfire cocktail bar and delicious breakfast burritos.

Local Tradition and Inclusivity
Even though in was created to honor the beloved golden retriever, the event is open to all well-behaved, friendly dogs. The city made it clear that “nobody is ‘checking IDs'” for dog breeds, ensuring that all dog lovers could join in on the fun. The only requirement was that the dogs must be leashed, trained, and friendly, keeping the event safe and enjoyable for all.

A Long-Standing Tradition

For many, it in has become an annual tradition. J.J. Rounds, who made the trek from Summit County with her two retrievers, expressed her excitement about attending for the third year in a row. “We just love it. It’s so fun. We like seeing all of the markets and the different people from everywhere that come out,” she shared. “There are people from all towns and states.”

Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity for Golden

Goldens in it has become a must-attend event for retriever lovers, showcasing the deep bond between people and their dogs, while bringing economic benefits to the community. It’s not just about the retrievers—it’s about celebrating the spirit of togetherness and supporting small businesses. For anyone looking to enjoy a heartwarming and fun-filled day, in is a shining example of how community, culture, and dogs can come together to create something truly special.