Castle Rock Star has been a shining symbol of hope since 1936

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — One of the biggest stars in Colorado is ready to shine once again.

The Town of Castle Rock will relight its iconic star for the holiday season this weekend.

A starlighting ceremony will be held Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m. in downtown Castle Rock. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The lighting of the Star is expected around 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by fireworks.

Saturday’s free event will be hosted by 9NEWS anchors Gary Shapiro and Corey Rose.

> ABOVE VIDEO: Castle Rock relights star in March 2020 during the pandemic

The star was first set up in 1936 as a symbol of hope during the Great Depression. Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce has hosted the starlighting event since 1962.

Equipped with 100 bulbs, the 40-foot star was constructed by Castle Rock Hose Co. No. 1. It’s still kept shining bright by Castle Rock Fire and Rescue.

“The star was originally put up by the Castle Rock Fire Department who still maintains it,” said History Colorado’s Shaun Boyd. “They actually go up there every year, change out all the light bulbs, make sure the wiring’s correct.”

Traditionally lit throughout the holiday season, the star was relit during the pandemic in March 2020 “as a reminder that Castle Rock is a strong and united community that will persevere,” according the Castle Rock Town Council.

The star was also lit at the end of World War II. It wasn’t shaped like a star, though. The lights formed a “V” for victory.

It was lit again after Sept. 11, 2001. It’s also been relit to celebrate Colorado’s big sports moments, too, like when the Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl in 1998 and 2015.

The star will turn off for the season at the end of the National Western Stock Show in January.

“When we’re experiencing something out of the ordinary, I think people look for things that are hopeful and celebratory, for a lack of a better word, that bring everybody together,” Boyd said.

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