CHEAP CHECKLIST:
Free events and deals around town
FIRE DRILL
The Denver Firefighters Museum (1326 Tremont Place) is offering free admission to all Colorado residents on Oct. 14. Museum galleries showcase firefighting paraphernalia, the history of fire alarm technology, firefighter training, historic photographs and more. Many exhibits have hands-on components, including the Kids Korner gallery with fire prevention messages via computer kiosks, puppet theater, a reading center and videos. Special familyfriendly activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including the chance to ask active-duty firefighters all of your burning questions about the profession. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s no onsite parking, so your best options are meters on both sides of the street throughout the immediate area. They cost $1 per hour with a two-hour limit. denverfirefightersmuseum.org
GRAZIE!
First responders can never be shown enough appreciation for their tireless efforts. To show its support, Romano’s Macaroni Grill is serving up a dish of gratitude for the community heroes. Through Oct. 31, first responders get a free order of Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs and Spaghetti. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and all hospital medical staff members just need to show their credentials to get the free meal for lunch or dinner. The offer is only valid in-restaurant during normal business hours. In the metro area, there are locations in Aurora, Lakewood, Greenwood Village and Westminster. macaronigrill.com
DECK THE HALLS
For bargain hunters, it’s never too early to plan for the holidays, when it means saving big bucks. From Oct. 13 to 22, Hallmark Gold Crown is holding its annual Holiday Stock-Up Event at area stores. During the sale, holiday greeting cards, boxed cards, stationery and gift wrap, Hallmark calendars, Crafters & Co. hand cream and lip balm, gift ornaments and Toe of a Kind socks are all buyone-get-one free. Savings range from $2.99 to $24.99. No mixing between products and the free item must be of equal or lesser value. The sale is also available online, but orders under $50 will incur shipping charges. hallmark.com
FIESTA TIME
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina started serving Mexican food in October 1982. In honor of its birthday month, the restaurant is offering a frugal fiesta for two from Oct. 16 to 26. For $19.82, get one bowl of queso with chips, two orders of chicken fajitas (lunch portions) and full order of sopapillas for dine-in only. There are partici- pating locations in Aurora, Denver and Highlands Ranch. ontheborder.com
FRUGAL FAMILY FOOD
Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard is making parents happy with its new expanded kids menu focusing on all-natural core ingredients. For a limited time, kids (12 and under) can chomp on one of the meals for just $3. Choose a burger, cheeseburger, chicken tenders, mac & cheese, mini corn dogs or grilled cheese sandwich; fries or applesauce; and milk, juice or soda. Even sweeter, every meal comes with a wooden coin redeemable for a free scoop of custard. goodtimesburger.com
Every Saturday, Laura Daily and Bryan K. Chavez at MileHighOn TheCheap.com compile Cheap Checklist to help smart shoppers find freebies, discounts and deals. Send tips to info@ milehighonthecheap.com 10 to 14 days in advance.