Slow-moving traveler causes Renaissance Festival traffic jam

LARKSPUR, Colo. (KXRM) — While getting to the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur sometimes causes headaches for drivers on Interstate 25, things were even more jammed up on the interstate this weekend, in part, because of one slow-moving traveler.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office posted a video to its X page on Monday morning to explain why. And, while it may not have been your first guess, the slower-than-usual moving traffic was due to a hard-shelled, four-legged reptile trying to cross Perry Park Avenue.

In the video posted by DCSO and timestamped as Saturday just after 6 p.m., deputies were seen helping an adventurous tortoise out of their cruiser as they waited for animal control to arrive.

It’s unconfirmed if the tortoise was trying to partake in the summer fair festivities.

Before the events captured in the video, deputies said they spotted a good Samaritan helping the tortoise off the street and eventually bringing the reptile to safety. “If you are missing your hard-shelled friend, contact Douglas County Animal Services or the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center,” wrote DCSO on X.

The Renaissance Festival is currently celebrating its 47th season which began on Saturday, June 15, and runs every weekend through Aug. 4. Tickets can be purchased online ; children under five are free and parking is also free.

The festival is located at 650 Perry Park Avenue, which is just west of I-25 and south of Castle Rock.

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