DENVER — Despite the chill in the air Friday night, it’s quite heated at auditions for the 2013 Colorado Firefighter Calendar in Denver.

This is the calendar’s first major event since a financial scandal last fall forced the former organizer to step down.

The screams firefighters hear are usually for help–not this–ladies screaming and squealing with delight.

And usually firefighters battle smoke and flames–not each other.

“Whether I make it or whether I don’t, just being asked to do it is a great honor,” says Eric Pingel from Buckley AFB Fire Department.

These professional firefighters compete for one of 14 coveted spots in the 2013 Colorado Firefighter Calendar.

“Firefighters are all about helping people. If we can use our role as firefighters to promote fire safety and help Children’s Hospital, I think any of us would take advantage of the opportunity,” says Matt Zavala with Boulder Fire Department.

On May 8, 2012, The Douglas County Board of Commissioners Reinstated Ordinance No. O-003-001, an ordinance restricting open fires and open burning in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. 

DENVER – Kids rejoice. Elitch Gardens, the Denver area’s largest amusement park, opens for its 122nd season this weekend.

The park is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

To compliment classic thrill rides like Mind Eraser, Boomerang and Twister II, the park is debuting two new rides at KiddieLand this year: Rockin’ Tug and Tike Bikes.

“Kids and their parents will enjoy Rockin’ Tug. It’s our sea faring ride that simulates gentle ocean waves,” says Elitch Gardens spokeswoman Erica Boniface. “It’s just a cute boat ride that even blows bubbles when guests are aboard.”

There is also a new stage at KiddieLand featuring an interactive show called “Rock School for Kids.”

Boniface says they’re also putting the “gardens” back in Elitch Gardens this season with 25,000 new annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees throughout the park.