Parker: VIPs galore, but new Macy's is star of Cherry Creek soiree

By Penny Parker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published September 9, 2006 at midnight

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Gov. Bill Owens said he'll be shopping at the brand new Macy's in the Cherry Creek mall soon.

"I got a $50 gift card," he said during the VIP opening party where society and political figures met and mingled in the store formerly occupied by Foley's on Friday night. He was referring to the goodie bag the VIPs snagged as they exited the party.

Mayor John Hickenlooper echoed Owens' shopping sentiment.

"I want one of everything in the men's fashion accessories," he said, showing me his well-worn belt and shoes that are coming apart at the seams.

"I've worn them every day since the beginning of the campaign."

Owens and Hickenlooper each gave Bob Mettler, chairman and CEO of Macy's West a warm Colorado/Denver welcome. And why wouldn't they? After all, Macy's will bring a ton o' dollars into the city and state.

"I can be even more enthusiastic than the governor because we get the lion's share of the tax revenues," Hickenlooper told the tony crowd of roughly 300 who showed for the pretty people party.

Printing pro Barry Hirschfeld eyed the neat rows of merchandise lining the well-stocked store. Are you going to shop here for your signature bow ties, I asked him.

"Either bow ties or Botox," he quipped.

Mettler, a former board member for National Jewish Medical and Research Center, said it was good to be coming to Denver now for his "day job." He gave major props to the governor and mayor for attending the event.

"I don't know what they put in the water here, but these guys are 12 years old, right? They're both young, slim, and they work out."

Ruining any diet, Epicurean Catering laid out a lavish raw bar buffet complete with a caviar bar. The cheese and fruit station overflowed with fab food.

Seen at the soiree: The Imhoffs, Robinsons, Baders, Gelfonds, Hirschfelds, Golds, Shapiros, Bensons, Tausiggs, Marks, Owenses (the guv and Frances), Nancy Anschutz minus Phil, Lisa Herz-lich, Nick LeMasters, Jeff Hovorka, Jen Schiavone and Nancy Rebek, Sylvia Atencio and Ginnie Kontnik.

CLOSET CLEANING: When Historic Preservations Inc. in Golden cleans its closets, it comes up with some cool stuff. To make more room, HPI director Greg Raymer is willing to part with some trinkets and memorabilia in exchange for a donation to his organization.

Up for grabs:

• A cowboy hat, baseball and metal cups autographed by late Denver TV personality Pete Smythe.

• A Harry Caray-signed baseball, with "Holy Cow" also written on the ball by the late, great baseball announcer.

• An autograph from Gregorio Fuentes, Ernest Hemingway's boat captain and partial character inspiration for The Old Man And The Sea.

• A popcorn popper circa 1946 that still works.

• A piece of coal recovered from the Titanic.

To claim any of these treasures, call Raymer at 303-949-5964 or e-mail keywester61@yahoo.com.

REAL TOUR: Are you wondering what The -Real World Denver digs really look like? The Denver Art, Culture & Film Foundation is inviting all looky-loos to tour the house at 1920 Market St. from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.

The $50 tour ticket (available next door at Mattie's House of Mirrors, 1946 Market St.) includes snacks and sips beginning at 6:30 p.m. Cash or check only, and no photographs allowed. The tour includes a meet-and-greet with cast members of the show that airs this winter.

EAVESDROPPING on a man at the Macy's party: "It's kind of fun having a party in the children's clothing department."

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday through Saturday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-AM (630). Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail parkerp@RockyMountainNews.com.

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