All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Gillian Marie Finnell, a well known local illustrator, has been a Niwot resident for 17 years having moved from Seattle. Her mother taught Finnell and her siblings how to draw when she was very young, and she has been drawing her whole life. Finnell was an art teacher for quite a while in Colorado before she started doing her own illustrations and went back to school to study scientific illustration at California State University Monterey Bay. You might know her best as simply "Gillian Marie,"...
REVENUE Revenues from the 1% sales tax in the Niwot Local Improvement District is down 8.8% compared to a year ago through July, but the percentage of decrease actually dropped a full percentage point, from 9.8%, since June. LID Treasurer Mary Coonce reported that retail sales are down 7.4%, while accommodations and food are up 6.7% year-to-date compared to 2023. The largest percentage decrease is in a category of "Other and Wholesale," which is down 35% year-to-date. Four funding requests were...
With an uncertain, unpredictable forecast leading up to Lobsterfest on Saturday, June 8, the weather cooperated and good times were had by all at this year's event at Whistle Stop Park in Niwot. Deb Fowler, one of three head organizers of the event from the Niwot Business Association (NBA) along with Mary Coonce and Linda Klueber, reported 140 tickets sold for this year. "[Lobsterfest] is a fun, signature event for Niwot to kick off the summer," Fowler said. "It's a great opportunity to build...
An open house was held Friday, June 7, for DRF Real Estate in partnership with Slifer Smith & Frampton at their 2nd Avenue offices in Niwot. The open house was held to celebrate the switching of office spaces between the two real-estate office locations, and to commemorate their continued partnership. Deborah Fowler has been a real estate agent in the Niwot area, with offices located in the back office space of the Niwot Emporium building at 136 Second Avenue for the past eight years. In that...
The annual Lobsterfest event is returning to Niwot Saturday, June 8, for the fourth year since its return after a long hiatus. Lobsterfest began at the direction of former Niwot business owner Diane Atwood several years ago. Its reincarnation draws people from near and far as a charitable, fun, community event at Whistle Stop Park. "Every year, the funds are raised at this event for different charities," said organizer Deb Fowler of the Niwot Business Association (NBA). Previous funds have been...
Around the World Day is returning to Niwot for the fourth year in a row on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with 26 businesses participating in spreading cultural exposure and celebration. Around the World Day is Niwot's one-day version of the World Showcase in EPCOT. "We started the event in 2020," said Deb Fowler, one of the organizers of Around the World Day. "It was a good way to get people outdoors to socialize safely and bring people to the businesses during that time."...
Minimum wage, master plan, housing costs, Highway 119 underpass, key priorities. Those are the topics Niwot's Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) members hope to take up with the Boulder County Commissioners when the two boards meet at the Left Hand Grange on Thursday, April 18 at 3:30 p.m. The annual meeting between the three county commissioners, who govern Niwot as well as the rest of unincorporated Boulder County, and the members of Niwot's most active advisory board, all of...
At her daughter-in-law's suggestion, Niwot's Amy Klein found a way to combine her love for kids with her love for baking. The result is the fastest growing chapter of Cake4Kids in the country. For her volunteer efforts, Klein is the April 2024 recipient of a Left Hand Laurel. "My daughter-in-law moved to California and told me about it four years ago," Klein recalled. The non-profit organization is based in California, but has chapters all over the country, but Klein discovered that Colorado...
Saturday Feb. 24 marked the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's annual Let's Wine About Winter Event across both Second Avenue and Cottonwood Square. However, it wasn't very wintery at 60 degrees, but it was windy. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful day to be outdoors to sample wine and culinary delights as well as support local businesses. Twenty-six businesses participated this year across the two primary hubs of Niwot's shopping district. Approximately 500 tickets were sold this year according...
The House Blend Band is back for a fourth summer of concerts on Second Avenue. The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) approved funding for the popular concerts, now known as 2nd Avenue Concert Series, based on an application from the Niwot Business Association, presented by Michael Tomich and Patty Machen of The Old Oak Coffeehouse. Tomich explained that there would be five concerts this summer beginning May 18, an increase of one over last year. The headliner for the...
Niwot is known for its great small-town feel and numerous community events. The inaugural WinterFest event on Saturday, Jan. 27, did not disappoint. WinterFest brought food, games and carriage rides from Cottonwood Square to 2nd Avenue. Vendors, musicians, and activities were scattered through Niwot including Nothing Bundt Cakes in Cottonwood Square and Sweet Maple Cotton Candy at the Emporium on 2nd Avenue. A steady flow of attendees participated throughout town. However, the real hit was the...
In years past, the Niwot hosted Apres Ski Day, a fun winter event that included winter treats and activities around town. This year, the revamped event has changed its name to "WinterFest" and will be held on Jan. 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The name was changed to better celebrate the season and let the community know that no one needs to go skiing before enjoying all the activities. WinterFest is sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA) with most of the funding coming from the Niwot...
On Saturday, Dec. 16, some 200 Niwotians gathered in front of the Niwot Market for the unveiling of a bench dedicated to the memory of beloved community member Bert Steele. It was a touching final farewell to Steele, who died Aug. 7, 2023, after a short illness. Born on Oct. 16, 1950, Steele founded Niwot Market in 2002. A hard worker and passionate business owner, he cultivated a commercial space that has become truly integral to the community of Niwot. Niwot Market is frequently at the center...
Bert Steele was a beloved member of the Niwot community for over twenty years as the face of the Niwot Market in the Cottonwood Square shopping center. Steele, who died last summer after a short illness, was known for his friendly down-home demeanor, and made friends wherever he went. Steele and his family turned the Niwot Market into a successful business that also hosts several other small businesses within its doors. Steele was also involved in most of Niwot's many community events,...
Temperatures in the low 20s and light snow did not keep the crowds away from Niwot's Enchanted Evening Nov. 24, nor the Holiday Parade the next morning on Nov. 25. ENCHANTED EVENING The annual tree-lighting ceremony in Niwot began with an abbreviated concert by what one band member referred to as the Niwot Community "Semi-Freezing" Free Grange Band. Niwot Inn & Spa proprietor Cornelia Sawle opened up her conference room to allow band members to "warm-up," a term that took on a dual meaning on...
In an uncertain world, Niwot's annual Holiday Magic events provide traditions, nostalgia and hope for the future. Holiday Magic in Niwot is comprised of four main events: Enchanted Evening on Nov. 24, the Friday after Thanksgiving; the Holiday Parade on the following day, Nov. 25; and then two Holiday Market days at the Left Hand Grange on the first two Saturdays in December, Dec. 2 and 9. During this magical time, there are several opportunities for children to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the...
Historically in the United States, a wooden nickel was not typically legal tender, but instead more of a novelty coin often issued by merchants as part of a promotion. Wooden nickels became popular in the 1930s, though they may date back to the 1880s. Niwot has had its own share of wooden nickels through the years, issued by local businesses. Thanks to local Niwotians such as Adam Robinson and Tim and Carrie Wise, the idea of re-introducing a new wooden Niwot Nickel was born. The Niwot Business...
The Niwot Pumpkin Walk which took place during the month of October was a big success. Shoppers picked up a Pumpkin Pass from Deborah Fowler Real Estate, and then visited Niwot shops to get them stamped. After making at legends ast four purchases, participants were entered into a grand drawing to receive gift cards from Niwot businesses. The event was sponsored by Deborah Read Fowler Real Estate-Slifer Smith & Frampton, and the Niwot Business Association, with additional funding provided by the...
An informal committee met with Alison Steele and Seth Steele last week to plan a memorial to their late father, Bert Steele, Niwot Market owner who died last summer after a short illness. The committee was organized by Vicky Dorvee, and included Selene Luna, Deb Fowler, Karen Edwards, Kamla Chopra, and Biff Warren. Everyone was in agreement that a proposed memorial bench with a red Chevrolet tailgate would be an appropriate remembrance of the man who was a beloved fixture in the community for the past 20 years. Steele was known for driving a...
Whether you love them or fear them, insects make up approximately 80% of animals found on earth, and make up the majority of pollinators. This weekend, Niwot celebrated one of the most well-known and well-loved species of pollinators – bees. The over 900 species of bees found in Colorado play an integral part to the farming culture Niwot was built upon. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.16, 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square were taken over by various small businesses, artisans, and b...
The third annual Niwot Honey Bee Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, has something for everyone. Just a sampling of festival features are listed here....be sure to visit www.Niwot.com to view the complete festival schedule. The festival includes over 50 vendors both downtown on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square Shopping Center. In addition to honey and apiary products, festival visitors can purchase artisan jewelry, pottery made by a couple from Ukraine, Colorado-made skin care products,...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) met Tuesday, Sept. 5, at the Niwot Inn, and approved six out of seven funding requests, all submitted by the Niwot Business Association. Kate Head of Pebble Art Jewelry presented a funding request for Out and About, a one-day event, now in its second year, designed to allow "all businesses to showcase their services and products in a fun way all around town," according to the application. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept....
Approximately 35 people attended the Scout Troop 161 Fundraiser Trivia Night at The Wheel House in Niwot on Monday, June 12. The event was a fundraiser for Niwot's Scout Troops 161-B and 161-G. "We raised $2,465 through the ticket sales and silent auction," Scout Kyrie Moorman said. "We thank all of our silent auction donors, The Wheel House, Niwot Market, and of course Deb Fowler for setting everything up." The event brought together a diverse group of participants of all ages who were ready...
It was a fun-filled "Saturday in the Park" on June 3 as the Niwot Business Association held its Third Annual Lobsterfest at Whistle Stop Park in Niwot. The rainy skies cleared for this sunny charity event filled with over 150 friends, neighbors and family members which Deborah Fowler, an event organizer said raised over $3,000 to benefit the Niwot Sculpture Park, which is restoring the tree carvings created by Eddie Running Wolf. In addition to Fowler, the event was organized by Linda Klueber...
Saturday May 20 was a busy day in Niwot starting with the Niwot Community Association's annual Clean-Up Day, followed by the Niwot Business Association's Around the World Day, and concluding with an open house at the Left Hand Grange and a street concert by the House Blend Band on 2nd Avenue. Around the World Day, which began during the pandemic as the brainchild of NBA vice-president Deb Fowler as a way to bring shoppers to Niwot, provided the community with a reason to enjoy the spring...
Pat Murphy and the crew at Niwot Real Estate - Compass hosted the May meeting of the Niwot Business Association May 9. NBA president Eric Bergeson introduced Angela Hudgins, who has been contracted to serve as the new Administrative Coordinator for the NBA and other non-profit organizations. He also discussed the recent transition of the www.niwot.com website to a new format. Bergeson noted that an NBA focus group has been formed to look at the website, headed by NBA vice-president Deb Fowler. N...
Niwot's Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) approved funding requests for six events in Niwot from May to September, including several beloved Niwot events as well as a new music event. The May 2 meeting included annual requests from the Niwot Business Association (NBA), Niwot Community Association (NCA) and Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), and a request from a local restaurant. Cottonwood Concert Among the funding requests approved was a new event, a Cottonwood Concert,...
Niwot’s Local Improvement Advisory Committee (LID) approved two funding requests from the Niwot Business Association that represent major shifts in the NBA’s administrative and marketing plans. Niwot Administrative Coordinator The NBA presented a request for funding for a new Niwot Administrative Coordinator position, asking for $14,400 through the end of the year. “This part-time contract position is responsible for coordinating and executing various activities and tasks required to properly develop, maintain and promote the Niwot busin...
The Niwot community is home to artists of all sorts. The area's painters, writers, dancers, musicians, potters, sculptors and others enrich Niwot and do what they can to give back to the town. Niwot resident and woodworker Jeff Wolcott exemplifies this inclination. He not only appreciates living here, but he answered the call when he was asked to be part of the effort to restore Spear Lodge Man, and the other iconic Native American tree carvings that are located on Niwot Road near the...
The Niwot Local Improvement District Advisory Committee (LID) welcomed its newest member, Sarah Cioni of Belle Terre, to the March 7 meeting. Cioni was appointed to fill the business position vacated by Bruce Raberler, who did not seek reappointment. Cioni said, "Speaking as a business member, the LID is such a gift to us." Mary Coonce was selected to serve as treasurer of the LID, a position Rabeler previously held. A reception to honor Rabeler and recognize his contributions is planned for a f...
Lucky Niwot Day celebrates St. Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., courtesy of the Niwot Business Association, with live music, games, Irish food and face painting for the whole family. See if you can spot the leprechaun wandering our streets. Start the day with an Irish breakfast at the Niwot Market, treat yourself to cookies at Little Bird, Cimmini's, and Few of a Kind Vintage + Mercantile, and lemonade at The Niwot Inn. Get your face painted at Blessings Day Spa, find...
Deb Fowler, vice-president of the NBA, was pleased with the results of the Pumpkin Walk, an NBA event held throughout October which was funded by the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID). Fowler reported to members of the LID on Jan. 10, that the Pumpkin Walk marketing program was a success. Pumpkin Walk passes and a list of 15 participating businesses were distributed to the first 100 shoppers who stopped in to Fowler's real estate office. Each business stamped the passes and provided a...
The Niwot Business Association's Holiday Magic events on the day after Thanksgiving and the first two Saturdays of December produced increased attendance and raised almost $2,000 for charity. Deb Fowler, NBA vice-president and champion of the events, reported to the Niwot Local Improvement District, which provided funding for the event. The festivities began with Enchanted Evening, on what is known elsewhere as Black Friday, with Linda Klueber organizing the annual Christmas tree lighting, a...
With 16 Niwot businesses participating, the Niwot Business Association's inaugural Tannenbaum Charity Trail silent auction raised almost $2,000 for various charities. Each participating business decorated a miniature Christmas tree, and many included gift certificates to their business. The trees were displayed at Niwot Market from Dec. 3 to Dec. 10. A tree decorated and donated by Niwot Eye Care & Vision was the top fundraiser, with a winning bid of $300 to benefit the Humane Society. Belle...
The Holiday Market opened in Niwot Dec. 3, with live music on the streets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as crafts and art vendors throughout town and in the Left Hand Grange. The Holiday Market featured multiple craft vendors at the Grange, including the Women's International Club Niwot (WINC), which previously put on the craft fair. This year the event is sponsored by the Niwot Business Association, and organized by NBA Vice-President Deb Fowler. "We've had over 740 people, which is a new...
On Sunday, Nov. 6, approximately 100 members of the Niwot community came together in Cottonwood Square to honor military veterans at the fourth annual Veterans Banner ceremony. The event, jointly sponsored by the Niwot Community Association (NCA) and the Niwot Business Association (NBA) began at 1:30 p.m. with a patriotic concert by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band. The colors were presented by Niwot Boy Scout troop 161 followed by the National Anthem performed by the band....
Many Niwot residents and long-time customers of 1914 House gathered on Oct. 5 for the Grand Finale fundraiser event for the Niwot Small Town Big Heart - Marshall Fire Fund. The event put the fund over the goal of raising $100,000 for victims of the Marshall Fire. The event was sponsored by 1914 House, the Slifer Smith and Frampton Niwot office, Seven Wealth, and DRF Real Estate. Guests enjoyed a welcome cocktail, great food, live music by Tim Stiles, and an opportunity to participate in an...
Niwot Business Association President Eric Bergeson of The Wheel House led a discussion among NBA members regarding what projects should be a priority for the NBA in the coming year. Bergeson noted that the NBA was working with the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and Cottonwood Park West Homeowners Association to expand and enhance the sculpture park along Niwot Road. He noted that the Niwot Future League had met with Jim Fudge, president of the HOA, about a possible opportunity to return the...
Revenues for Niwot's Local Improvement District (LID), which collects a 1% sales tax within the Niwot business district, continue to grow, with the July 2022 report showing a 48% increase in revenue over the same period in 2021. Collections for July totaled $26,346.68, compared to $17,780.17 for the same period a year ago, when the pandemic was still raging. Year-to-date revenues for 2022 are up by 21.48% over 2021, when a total of $269,286.08 was collected by the end of the year. At that rate,...
The Niwot Business Association is sponsoring the Pumpkin Walk for the second year in a row. Niwot realtor and NBA Vice-President Deb Fowler, who is spearheading the event said, “As we approach the colder months, it is even more critical to ensure we support the local restaurants and stores so they continue to stay in business.” The concept is simple - you check in and pick up your pumpkin pass and empty swag bag, one per household, at DRF Real Estate - Slifer Smith and Frampton. located in Suite E behind (not next to) The Old Oak Cof...
The Garden Gate Cafe's dining room was packed Friday, Aug. 14 for Brisket & Bingo, a fundraising event hosted by The Garden Gate Cafe, A Few of a Kind Vintage + Mercantile and Deborah Fowler - DRF Real Estate to benefit Niwot's Marshall Fire Fund. "It was fun, the numbers were good, people seemed to enjoy themselves and the food," said Steve Gaibler, owner of the Garden Gate. "I think it's really important to give back to the community." The event consisted of six bingo games and a silent...
Revenues of the Niwot Local Improvement District keep climbing, with the latest report showing $24,878.21 collected in May from the LID’s 1% sales tax, which was more than 25% higher than May 2021 collections. Overall, the year-to-date collections are up by 18.29% over the same period a year ago. Treasurer Bruce Rabeler reported that the LID’s reserve fund at the end of 2021 was estimated to be $307,356. By previous resolution, the LID has a policy of keeping a reserve amount of at least $60,000 to guard against a downturn in the economy. The f...
The Small Town Big Heart Marshall Fire Fund is into its last group of events in an effort to get to the $100,000 finish line. Headed by Niwot Business Association President Deb Fowler, the effort began shortly after the first of the year to show victims of the fire that other communities cared. "I couldn't be more delighted," Fowler said. "The support from the local businesses, some Niwot clubs and residents joining in, has been overwhelming and the next few events are going to be so much fun."...
Niwot Youth Sports (NYS) is hosting a series of events to raise money for the Monarch Improvement Project. NYS, which was originally formed in 1972 as Gunbarrel Lefthand Valley Boys Baseball, Inc, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing exceptional recreational and competitive sports experiences for kids ages 4 to 18 in the Niwot-Gunbarrel area. These programs, which include baseball, softball, basketball, flag football & soccer, provide children with the opportunity to participate i...
With seven members present, the NIwot Local Improvement District advisory committee recommended approval of three funding requests at its regular meeting July 5 at the Niwot Inn. The LID collects a 1% sales tax in Niwot’s business district and makes recommendations to the Boulder County Commissioners for expenditures which benefit the business district. Chair Scott Firle was joined by Vice-Chair Eric Bergeson, Treasurer Bruce Rabeler, Mary Coonce, Lisa Rivard, Keith Waters and Cornelia Sawle. Mark Ruzzin was the liaison from Boulder County. T...
When The St. Vrain Rotary Club of Longmont merged with the Rotary Club of Niwot 18 months ago, in addition to members uniting - their fundraising events also combined. One of those events was the annual duck race in Longmont which was the main fundraiser of the former St. Vrain club. Now the duck race is being organized by The Rotary Club of Niwot and will take place on July 9th at 6 p.m. at Longmont's annual Rhythm on the River festival where thousands of little rubber ducks float down the rive...
Niwot's "Around the World Day", on Saturday, May 14, integrated dozens of cultures at this special event, back for its second year after a Covid-inspired debut in 2021. Twenty-three countries were represented by 32 local businesses through live music, specialty food and drinks, crafts, and costumes. Pedestrians were charmed by the Vikings' weapons display in "Scandinavia" on Second Avenue; bands and solo artists performing with African drums, celtic instruments, accordions, Spanish guitars, and...
