Niwot Celebrates 35th Annual Niwot Nostalgia Day Saturday Sept 8th
BY LIZ EMMETT-MATTOX
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There are big changes for the 2012 Niwot Nostalgia Day.
The biggest change is that aside from the Pancake Breakfast and concert by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, which will happen in its traditional location in Cottonwood Square, everything else, including the evening concert, will happen on Second Avenue.
The other significant change that residents should note is that the parade will start at 3:30 p.m., right after the Left Hand Valley Courier Duck Race.
According to NCA board members Terry Larson and Kathy Koehler, the changes are designed to streamline the event, making it more cost-efficient, and easier on the volunteers.
Larsen said, “The businesses in Niwot are struggling, so there’s not as much sponsorship funding to run the event. Moving the event from Cottonwood Square to Second Avenue and back again each year was exhausting. We’re hoping that by keeping things all in one place it will be easier on the volunteers.”
What has not changed is the emphasis on Nostalgia Day as a community celebration. “We think of it as an end of summer party and a chance to give back to the Niwot community,” said Larsen.
The day will begin as usual with a pancake breakfast provided by Bert Steele and the crew at Niwot Market from 7 to 10 a.m. Beginning at 9 a.m,, diners will enjoy a concert by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band.
At 10 a.m., the action moves to Second Avenue. The First Annual Niwot Crusin’ Classic Car Show organized by the Niwot Rotary will showcase classic cars along the west side of Murray Street.
Starting at 11 a.m., booths featuring food, drink, crafts and other vendors will be open along Second Avenue. These will remain open until 10 p.m. This year there will be a beer tent which the NCA hopes will help provide some much-needed revenue. Outside alcohol will not be permitted.
At 2 p.m., the Left Hand Valley Courier staff will release the ducks for the Sixth Annual Duck Race. This year, proceeds from the duck race will be given to the Niwot Cultural Arts Association to help pay for the children’s park.
Once again, there are some fantastic prizes donated by the Niwot community. First place is a duck dinner for four prepared by Chef Dale Lamb. Other prizes include gift cards to Niwot Jewelry, Niwot Market, Niwot Florist, and Little Bird.
This year, the parade will reflect the Wild West theme by including a number of equestrian performers. Staging for the parade will begin at 3 p.m. and the parade itself will begin at 3:30 p.m. with Tim and Carrie Wise serving as the Grand Marshals.
During the day, businesses along Second Avenue will be open as will the Firehouse Museum run by the Niwot Historical Society. From 4:30 to 6 p.m,, the Niwot Historical Society will present artifacts from the Boulder History Museum’s exhibit on Chief Left Hand. They will also have children’s games in the grassy area near the Hitching Post in the old Rev Taylor’s building.
There will be entertainment on the Second Avenue stage throughout the day, and at 7 p.m., Jockamo will take the stage for the traditional dance party to close out the day.
Larsen and Koehler say that organizing Nostalgia Day is lots of work and that they wanted to acknowledge all the volunteers who help make the day such a success.
In addition to the many individuals that volunteer, the NCA wishes to recognize The Niwot High School Environmental Club which will be on hand to help out with the Zero Waste stations and the NHS Band members who will help with the cleanup efforts.
Koehler said that the NCA would especially like to appreciate the Niwot Rotary for their sponsorship of the event. “They are a like-minded organization and it’s been great to work with them.”
Larsen and Koehler also agree that putting on Nostalgia Day is a lot of fun and encourage anyone who is interested to contact the NCA. Koehler said, “The more involved you are, the more fun you have and the more people you get to know.”
To volunteer with Nostalgia Day, email
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. For more information on the Niwot Community Association see www.niwot.org.
For more information about the Niwot Rotary, see www.niwotrotary.org.
