Feeling like a shaggy dog? No time to take care of your ‘do during the holidays? Need some pampering?

Look no further than this column for a chance to win a blowout and haircut (value $100) from Kacie DeJesus at Mikael Padilla Salon (300 Fillmore St.).

One prize package will be awarded to veteran subscribers to this column, and an additional prize will be given to a new subscriber. If you’re a newbie, sign up to subscribe by Thursday (Dec. 26) to be eligible to win. Winners will be announced in Friday’s column.

To sign up, go to www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker.

To celebrate her arrival in Denver, DeJesus is also running a contest. Whoever brings in the most referrals between now and March 31, will win haircuts for life.

About DeJesus:
A salon owner and dedicated North American educator, DeJesus strives to connect with the stylists she trains while continuing her own learning. She has trained at the Institute of Courage, taken numerous advanced salon courses, and participated in webinars.

As a professional hairdresser, she has compiled an impressive list of credits – her work has been seen on fashion runways, MTV Europe, and multiple photo shoots. DeJesus also designed hair and makeup for the cast of “Rent” in its first year off-Broadway, as well as fulfilling continued requests for her work at Hollywood awards shows.

She recently attended Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2013 in New York styling hair for designer Charlotte Ronson.

Kacie DeJesus, a hair designer for Mikael Padilla Salon, is offering a free blowout and haircut as part of a subscriber contest for Penny Parker’s On The Town column. Subscribe at www.blacktie-colorado.com/pennyparker and win. (Mikael Padilla Salon photo)

Eavesdropping on a woman: “If you can’t say anything nice, get away from me!”

When you have 26 breweries in your downtown, one free New Year’s Eve party is not going to be enough. So, The Mile High City throws two.

Denver’s 16th Street Mall, a mile long pedestrian promenade lined with 42 outdoor cafes, becomes ground zero as tens of thousands of people gather for two firework displays at 9 p.m. and midnight. This year’s show is even bigger and brighter than ever with a grand finale that will include more than 125 “thunderous salutes,” and DJ’s spinning music along the street.

RTD Light Rail trains will not cross the 16th Street Mall between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., and the free Mall Ride shuttles will be suspended during the two fireworks shows. For full details go to www.rtd-denver.com.

Be safe in 2014 and take advantage of New Year’s Eve packages and deals at some of Denver’s finest hotels, ranging from the luxurious to the budget friendly.

And don’t forget to make a dinner reservation to soak up the festive atmosphere and fine fare. Load of local eateries are offering special menus (too many to list here). Your best bet is to check out availability, menus and prices at www.opentable.com.

Still stumped? VisitDenver, the city’s big booster, has compiled a countdown list of 10 other ways to ring in the New Year, Mile High style. Even more ideas can be found at www.MileHighHolidays.com.

10. Noon Year’s Eve

All the fun of New Year’s Eve without the late bedtime. The Children’s Museum of Denver is ringing in New Year’s Eve just like Times Square with five ball drops every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., children of all ages can yell the countdown, watch colorful confetti splash the plaza and make fireworks with their feet when they jump on massive sheets of bubble wrap. Free with admission.

9. Night in Vienna

Colorado Symphony Orchestra keeps New Year’s Eve classy at Boettcher Concert Hall, with a Vienna-themed selection of the beloved waltzes, polkas and classics. The show starts early at 6:30 p.m., and ends in time for you to catch the first downtown fireworks display on the Mall at 9 p.m., just two blocks away. Tickets: $25 – $88.

8. Once Upon A Time: New Year’s Fairy Tale Ball

Watch the hands of the clock turn to midnight from the inside of Denver’s historic Daniels & Fisher Clocktower, high above the 16th Street Mall at Arapahoe Street. The 1909 Clocktower is hosting the magical Once Upon A Time: New Year’s Fairy Tale Ball, where guests will receive truly royal treatment with DJs, three open bars, food and eye-level views of the exploding rooftop fireworks shows. Tickets: $175.

7. Bunk With The Beasts: Zoo Year’s Eve at the Denver Zoo

It’s a win-win situation. Kids spend the holiday at the zoo exploring Zoo Lights, learning about animals and celebrating sleepover-style in a safe and fun environment. Parents get a night out on the town. Price includes a pizza dinner, evening snack and a full breakfast. Tickets: $65 per member; $75 per non-member.

6. Denver’s Grandest New Year’s Eve Party

At downtown’s Grand Hyatt Denver, enjoy the open bar with premium pour, buffet supper, champagne toast at midnight, party hats, favors and balloon drops galore. Revel in three parties in one as you move from one ballroom to another, just one block from the 16th Street Mall fireworks. Tickets: $139 – $429.

5. Party with a Purpose New Year’s Eve Ball

Give back at this year’s first ever “Party with a Purpose” New Year’s Eve Ball at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. Ring in the new year with an array of delicious cuisine while partying with Colorado’s funk sensation Funkiphino with proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross and its Colorado relief funds. Tickets: $149.

4. Decadence New Years

Get decadent! Enter the sparkling Colorado Convention Center and indulge in two lavish rooms offering two acres of music, diamond-clad decor and over-the-top entertainers, all to the backdrop of some of the most amazing acts dance music has to offer. Tickets: $75 – $230.

3. NYE Block Party

NYE Block Party features the complete takeover of the Crowne Plaza Convention Center and hotel rooms at four nearby hotels. Step into a 2014-themed New Years Eve party providing a truly interactive experience including futuristic actors, performers, dancers, festival quality lighting and laser displays, confetti explosions, cryogenic blasts and many other surprises. Tickets: $89.

2. NYE 13: Hangar 6

Spend New Year’s Eve at the Wings Over The Rockies Museum’s giant airplane hangar. Expect high quality, locally crafted libations, great live music and all the glitz and glamour that comes with the NYE feel, complete with champagne toasts amidst life-size historic airplanes. All proceeds go towards SOUL Uganda. Tickets: $90 – $150.

1. Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Cheer on the Avalanche at the Pepsi Center for this special New Year’s Eve hockey game. Then stroll  over to the 16th Street Mall to join the countdown and see the fireworks. Tickets: $21 – $217.

Skoops Eatery, a family-owned sandwich and ice cream shop at 1209 E. Ninth Ave. in Capitol Hill, is slated to close its doors at 9 p.m. Dec. 23. The owners are planning an appreciation party for family, friends and loyal customers that evening. Food and beverages will be served to celebrate an ending and new beginnings for the owners in the future.

“We are sad that our time at this location has come to an end,” said Tim Hamann, who owns Skoops with partner, Eddie Horn. “Our customers have truly become our friends. We strove to build a unique and friendly shop, and we like to believe that our devoted clientele proves that we achieved that.”

But if you read through the store’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skoops-Ice-Cream-and-More/197809026915916), you’ll see posts about disputes with the landlord, who for unclear reasons opted not to renew the lease.

Nonetheless, Hamann and Horn say they have a passion for food and a desire to remain in the industry. Though no definitive relocation has been determined, the business partners are investigating future restaurant opportunities. A Kickstarter campaign is slated to start this week as the duo look for support from customers, friends and family to help fund their next venture.

“We love our customers and deeply appreciate the amazing relationships that have developed,” Hamann said. “More and different people began to frequent the block, creating a whole new atmosphere over the years. We are surprised and humbled by the community support.”

For further information about Hamann’s and Horn’s upcoming plans, visit Skoops Facebook page.

Cherry Creek North is giving away free parking during the Saturday Scavenger Hunt starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Twenty-five $5 ParkSmart cards will be hidden throughout Cherry Creek North (between First and Third Avenues and University and Steele streets). Find a card, or multiple, and you also will receive a Cherry Creek North gift card for the equal dollar value. Cherry Creek North gift cards are accepted at more than 200 restaurants, spas, boutiques, art galleries and more. It’s even accepted at parking meters.

Park with a purchase at Larimer Square. Ask the store where you’re shopping about the free program that enables shoppers to park for free in the Larimer Square garage on 14th and Market streets.

LoDo is running a pilot pop-up taxi stand program between 11 p.m. and 3 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21. The stands will be located at 14th Street between Market and Larimer.

Southlands shopping center and Autism Society of Colorado have joined hands this holiday to host a special Santa Claus experience for children with sensory processing disorders and autism from 8 to 10 a.m. Monday at the Santa Photo location in Southlands Town Square next to Ted’s Montana Grill at E-470 and Smoky Hill Road.

“Our sensory-friendly Santa environment will allow these children to experience the same enjoyment as others except in a much quieter, less intimidating setting,” said Joyce Rocha, director of marketing.

For so many children with autism and sensory processing disorders, visiting Santa Claus can create an enormous amount of anxiety.  Southlands will provide a dimly lit Santa surrounding to give children a private, one-on-one meet and greet with St. Nick to share their holiday wishes and take photos in a noise-reduced environment.

“Families affected by autism like to do the same things that typical families like to do. Visiting Santa is no exception. This is an amazing opportunity for the Colorado autism community and the Autism Society of Colorado is thrilled to collaborate with partners like Southlands,” said Kim Tenure, program and policy director, Autism Society of Colorado.

For more information, visit www.shopsouthlands.com.

Moe’s Original Bar B Que & Bowling has expanded its empire to a new spot in Aurora.

Located in an old Walgreen’s at 2727 S. Parker Road (corner of Yale and Parker; my old  Aurora ‘hood), the spanking new Moe’s opened on Dec. 12.

Besides the flavorful barbecue, Moe’s has eight bowling lanes, an upstairs arcade and a large bar.

Moe’s now has four locations: The original at 3295 S. Broadway in Englewood; 530 Broadway in Denver and 2589 S. Lewis Way in Lakewood. More info at www.moesdenver.com.

Alamo Drafthouse, 7301 Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton, will have a one-time screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the iconic 1946 Frank Capra feel-good Christmas film starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, at 10 a.m. Saturday. More information: http://drafthouse.com/blog/entry/its-a-wonderful-life-for-the-alamo-drafthouse-littleton-and-the-denver-film.

Radio man, restaurateur and former Denver Post sports writer Jim Armstrong lunching at City Pub and Burger with owner Rich Salturelli discussing new menu items at Bender’s Bar & Grill, a sports bar and eatery in Westminster that Armstrong manages.