Nostalgia Day 2010 A Very Successful Day
BY LIZ EMMETT-MATTOX
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Organized by a small, dedicated group of volunteers, Nostalgia Day is the biggest community event put on by the NCA. Anderson said, “Of all the local festivals and fairs around, we think Nostalgia Day is really special because it has such a local focus and builds on the cohesiveness of the community.
In addition to providing an occasion for people to get out and see their friends and neighbors, part of the purpose of Nostalgia Day is to give residents an opportunity to get a better sense of what Niwot has to offer in terms of local shops and restaurants.
This year, Nostalgia Day turned out to be one of those beautiful late summer days that make Colorado the envy of all. The morning was a bit cool, stoking the appetites of those eager to get an early start on the day’s activities with the traditional pancake breakfast outside Niwot Market. Helped by Rotarians and other volunteers, Bert Steele and his crew supplied a breakfast hearty enough to sustain folks for the busy day to come.
Parade Marshals
This year’s parade was led by members of the board, coaches and participants (past and present) of Niwot Youth Sports.
In choosing the marshals for the parade, Anderson said the NCA wanted to highlight a Niwot group that made a significant contribution to the community. Niwot Youth Sports certainly qualifies, having provided, “endless opportunities for Niwot kids to participate in summer and winter sports through the years.”
Mark Lamach, president of NYS, said that the organization was honored to be recognized in this way. As for marching in the parade, he said, “It was exciting for the kids. They really enjoyed it, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Tree Dedication
Once again, Niwot welcomed members of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming to participate in the dedication of the second tree sculpture, “Eagle Catcher.” A ceremony full of prayer, song, dance and drumming gave present day Niwotians a glimpse of the culture of the Native peoples who still feel a deep connection to Niwot as their homeland.
Anderson said, “The dedication ceremony and the tree carvings themselves serve the purpose of bringing our communities together to celebrate our joint heritage.”
Dianne Atwood took the stage to present a challenge to the women of Niwot. Noting that she loved the sculptures that were already completed, she suggested that there was something missing, namely some representation of women. She suggested that the next sculpture not only represent a woman, but also be funded by women. With that, she handed out envelopes for donations for this purpose. Atwood made the first donation of $500 on behalf of the Niwot Ladies Club, sponsor of the Lobster Bashes.
Women in the audience responded eagerly to this challenge, taking the envelopes. Atwood and Liz Darling said that they were very pleased with how the women of Niwot have immediately responded to this challenge. Tax deductible donations are being collected by Ni-Wot Prairie Productions, and can be earmarked for this particular sculpture.
Duck Race
This year’s duck race was more successful than ever. Sponsored by the Left Hand Valley Courier, donations this year benefited the Niwot Historical Society. With Niwot Historical Society President Laura Skaggs leading the way, members of the NHS took to the streets, the concerts and the shops to collect duck race donations. Their efforts paid off in a big way and the NHS will receive a check from the Courier in the amount of $3335.
Jeannine Dyche won first prize which was the traditional duck dinner for four catered by Chef Dale Lamb. Volker Heillman won the second prize, a $50 gift certificate to Niwot Tavern and a quacking duck wastebasket. Third Prize went to Brian Burrell, a $25 gift certificate to Happy Hounds Day Care and two duck yard-ornaments from the Berry Patch.
For the first time this year, there was a prize to the last duck to cross the finish line. Dana Guadagnoli won a $20 gift certificate to Niwot Jewelry, five rolls of colorful duck (duct) tape and a copy of the movie Duck Soup.
The Courier would like to thank everyone who donated prizes and all those who purchased ducks to support the Niwot Historical Society.
Evening Concert
The whole idea behind Nostalgia Day is to celebrate the Niwot community, but nowhere is this more evident than the concert and dance party at the end of the day. Anderson estimated that between 800 and 1000 people came and filled the tables with everything from BBQ and brats from the nearby vendors, to sushi and sandwiches from Niwot Market, to picnics from home.
“Having all the food vendors out, and the excellent music really makes for a great party,” Anderson said. Opening act Bassline powered through a hard-rocking set that deftly mixed cover tunes with a number of originals. When the Nacho Men took the stage, the crowd didn’t need much persuading to hit the dance floor.
In addition to all the Niwot businesses that support Nostalgia Day, Anderson expressed his appreciation for all the volunteers who help make Nostalgia Day run so smoothly.
Photo by Gail Ludwig
Duck race winner Jeannine Dyche with Chef Dale Lamb who donated the duck dinner prize.
