Joe Califano and Pete Ferro threw a grand opening party July 14 for the new hotel at Wildwood Casino and Hotel in Cripple Creek. Guests included public officials, media representatives and county residents.

“We’re so excited about this,” Califano said. “The more people we bring up here to the mountains, I think, is an equal benefit to the community.”

In welcoming the guests, Califano noted the length of time it took to complete the $14 million project — more than two years from the groundbreaking ceremony April 2, 2019, to the opening in July. “Perseverance paid off,” he said.