Paint the Town Gold & Blue

Though only a handful would be selected, everyone clearly answered the burning question: Can you feel it?

Nearly 100 people representing their school, business or organization submitted essays of 50 words or less promoting themselves as the biggest Nuggets fans in Colorado. In the end, two elementary schools, a senior assistance center and The Children’s Hospital were chosen as the winners.

Rocky, the Nuggets Dancers, and Community Ambassadors Ervin Johnson and Mark Randall visited Bennett Elementary School and The Children’s Hospital on Oct. 26. They went to Senior Housing Options at The Barth Hotel and Gust Elementary School on Oct. 27.

``It is so amazing to see the wonderful support for the Nuggets throughout the state, and to be able to build on the excitement by bringing our dancers, Rocky and community ambassadors to our fans’’ said senior manager of fan development Doug Fulton.

Students at Bennett and Gust took part in a rowdy Nuggets-themed assembly at their schools, while residents at The Barth Hotel enjoyed refreshments, received autographs and took pictures with Rocky, the dancers and community ambassadors.

``(Rocky) had people laughing that barely smile once a week – it was amazing,’’ wrote Barth Hotel activity directly Joy Scutero. ``Your group touched our hearts and made people that have somehow drawn the short straw in life feel good and, if even for only one day … be just `one of the guys.’’’

Rocky and his crew also brought smiles to patients at The Children’s Hospital.

``We love to bring the excitement and energy of what is going on out in the community inside for our patients to experience during their stay with us,’’ the hospital’s essay said. ``Any positive distraction for them is a good one!’’

The good vibes produced by the Paint the Town events evidently extended to the Nuggets, who started the season 4-0 for the first time in 24 years.