Young Democrats from around the state gathered under the viaduct on Dec. 19 to celebrate the holidays, collect donations for the needy and honor volunteers and elected officials.

Despite a fast-moving afternoon snowstorm that left roads slick and the air chilly, more than 200 revelers made their way to Mile High Station, just west of downtown Denver on the surface streets under Colfax, for a star-studded evening of holiday cheer. Among the event’s hosts were U.S. Sen. Mark Udall – another host, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, was stuck in Washington – and dozens of state lawmakers, county and municipal leaders, party officials and a number of recently announced candidates.

Jefferson County Democratic Party chairman Chris Kennedy was named Young Democrat of the Year. House Minority Leader Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, got the Young Elected of the Year honors. And ubiquitous campaign worker Andrew Byars – demonstrating that GOP-heavy Douglas County boasts at least one Democrat – was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year.

Noting that he still has two years left as a young Dem – until he turns 36 – Ferrandino said Young Democrats across the state have an important role to play next year. Recalling the very Blue year of 2008, Ferrandino said, “The reason that Obama won Colorado and Democrats did so well is because young people came out to vote, so the work you do to make young people get out to vote is so important in this next election.”

The party was sponsored by the statewide Young Democrats and groups from Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Jefferson and Weld counties. Organizers collected donations for the Colfax Community Network.

– Ernest@coloradostatesman.com