It’s hard to miss the Palmer Lake Star, but do you know its history? If you said no, Jim Sawatzki intends to change that.
Local videographer Jim Sawatzki wants more than just admiration for the Palmer Lake Star: he wants awareness. That’s why the Emmy nominated director chose to feature the star in his newest documentary “Star on Sundance,” which is set to air on Rocky Mountain PBS in early 2017.
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The Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Dept. has been the designated caretaker of the star since 1937.[/caption]
“Star on Sundance” features drone area footage, work from other artists, and history reenactments. The documentary has already premiered in Palmer with a relatively large turnout and nothing but positive reviews. Both the documentary and its premiere were sponsored in part by the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department, who has a long standing history with the star.
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Statue of Dizzy, the German Shepherd who helped transport supplies to workers on the mountain.[/caption]
As the largest illuminated star in the world, Sawatzki says the Palmer Lake Star is more than deserving of the spotlight. The star dates back to 1935, when B.E. Jack dreamt up the idea as a holiday tradition for those passing through the Colorado Springs highway. It took hundreds of hours, a close-knit community, and one very special German Shepherd to complete the star, which sits on a 60 percent slope. 81 years later, the Palmer Lake Star lives on.
A date for the documentary has yet to be set, but we're definitely keeping our eyes peeled! To enjoy the star in person, visit Palmer Lake any evening in December for some great photo ops.
