The downtown parking elf is returning for a 10th year this Saturday. Richard Skorman and his sidekicks Sonja and Molly the puppy keep parking meters fed around the 300 block of Tejon St. in downtown Colorado Springs every year the week leading up to Christmas.

If you visit the area in front of Poor Richard's Books and Gifts, Rico's Café and Wine Bar, Little Richard's Toy Store, and Poor Richard's Restaurant from Dec. 14-23 between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you may spot Skorman or Sonja fending off that dreaded flashing red parking meter light.

Also as part of the city encouraging local downtown shopping, Colorado Springs is offering free parking on Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1 in parking garages and surface lots and at on-street meters.

For a list of more free parking around Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs this holiday season read here.