All Local, All The Time
All Local, All The Time
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Dancing Under the Stars opened up its 2024 season on June 28 in Cottonwood Square in front of The Little Shop and WiNot Coffee Company. The event brought together dance enthusiasts and curious newcomers for an evening of dancing. While weather threatened to disrupt the night, a thunderstorm quickly moved through Niwot at the very beginning of the evening, leaving the crowd with a cloud-covered sky and an occasional sprinkle, a much-needed cool-off for those on the dance floor. The night began...
The Niwot Jazz Festival, held on June 22 in Cottonwood Square, once again brought a symphony of sounds and community spirit to the Niwot community. As the third iteration of this beloved event, the festival showcased a remarkable lineup of talented musicians, drawing in jazz enthusiasts from as near as local areas and as far away as North Carolina. With an estimated 300 to 400 attendees, the festival reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Niwot's cultural calendar. The festival kicked off with...
Dancing Under the Stars is back and ready to light up the night on Friday, June 28. The festive tradition, now its fifth year in Niwot, promises an enchanting evening of salsa dancing under the stars in Cottonwood Square from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Originally founded by Tom Masterson in the early 1980s, the event "started at the University of Colorado's Memorial Center and was very popular," said Masterson. "We had over 100 people dancing with us, and it has always been a completely free program,...
In the wake of 1914 House’s announcement that it will close as of July 7, 2024, Tony Santelli, a respected business professional and former president of the Niwot Business Association, has voiced his concerns about Boulder County's Minimum Wage Ordinance 2023-4. Santelli, who is a former site manager of IBM’s Boulder facility and a former owner of the Niwot Tavern, fears that this ordinance, if not addressed, could lead to significant financial strain on small businesses in Niwot and other areas of unincorporated Boulder County. Niwot's cur...
We are sad to share that Dallas Plese passed away at home on May 14, 2024. A rare Colorado native, Dallas was born July 17, 1941, in Pueblo, Colorado, to Theodore and Christine Plese. Christine died shortly after childbirth and Theodore died two years later during training for WWII. Dallas was then adopted by an aunt and uncle in Pueblo where he grew up with two sisters, numerous cousins, and lifelong friends. Dallas attended Pueblo Catholic High School (PCH) where he was the definitive Big Man...
Although Pawxatawney Phil has determined spring is right around the corner, based on last weekend's storm, winter seems determined to hang around. One upcoming event might offer some relief: Let's Wine About Winter in Niwot. Sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association, the annual Let's Wine About Winter event is planned for Saturday, Feb. 24 to welcome community members in from the cold with wine, art, food and hospitality. Kristin Alger, who is co-chair of the event with Anne Postle,...
Local musician Kevin Dooley was asked to perform six days before the Bert Steele memorial bench dedication ceremony. He responded, "I would be honored to do that. Bert was a dear friend and it would mean a lot to me to be there." Steele, the owner of Niwot Market and beloved community supporter, passed away suddenly last August after a short illness. A special bench surrounded by flagstones with many of Steele's philosophical sayings was unveiled at the memorial dedication in front of the...
Last weekend, Niwot and the entire Front Range was blanketed by more than 4 inches of heavy, wet snow. The large flakes quickly accumulated, making driving a slush-filled challenge for anyone who ventured outside, especially later in the afternoon. Anyone staying inside was able to see a frosted, snow-globe effect to anything beyond the panes of their window. We went to Old Town and Cottonwood Square to talk to community members about their snowy experience. The snow didn't deter visitors....
As one of two main hubs of small businesses in Niwot, Cottonwood Square brings together a variety of retail stores. Businesses range from restaurants to clothing stores, and from florists to fitness studios. A surprisingly high number of these enterprises are run, either in whole or in part, by women. Many owners have several things in common. They enjoy the Niwot community and the support it gives local businesses. They also share a "give back" or "pay-it-forward" attitude. "I feel like Niwot i...
Abo's Pizza in Niwot's Cottonwood Square has been closed ever since a fire broke out in the oven at the business on August 10, 2022. Since then, the popular restaurant's reopening has been delayed multiple times by insurance issues, building permit delays, asbestos mitigation requirements and electrical issues related to the oven. Jeff Riegel, who purchased the business from Tom Smathers in 2020, operated the pizza business for two years before an early morning fire shut it down. Smathers, who...
You don't have to leave Niwot or Gunbarrel to enjoy New Year's Eve. Whether you're looking for drinks and good company at midnight or a special celebratory dinner, you can find what you need without leaving the area. Here are a few suggestions for New Year's Eve. Niwot New Year's Eve Gala at the Left Hand Grange 195 2nd Avenue The Left Hand Grange is inviting the community to its inaugural New Year's Eve gala, with dinner and dancing from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The evening includes a welcome cocktail...
Believe it or not, one of the most frequently asked questions on social media about the Niwot area is about local happy hours. We were happy (pun intended) to do a little research and provide the answer. As it turns out, there is no shortage of places in Niwot and Gunbarrel to enjoy discounts on quality food and drinks while relaxing after work. A few notable watering holes: Cottonwood Square Niwot Tavern 7960 Niwot Road Time/Day: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. daily A longstanding and traditional community...
Voting is open for the 2023 Window Decorating Competition sponsored by the Niwot Business Association. Many participating Niwot businesses have decorated their windows for the holidays, adding to a festive holiday shopping experience. You can vote for your favorite festive window online through this form, or visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zib9XbYN5L1gWzCQaPrLUbUGNHzYWPe1vNUFzB-rulA/viewform?edit_requested=true. Turn in your ballot online for a chance to win a prize. Participating businesses include: •2nd Nature Hair Lounge •Belle Ter...
Catherine McHale is the recipient of the Left Hand Valley Courier’s Left Hand Laurel for her volunteer work in Niwot, most notably establishing the popular event, “Dancing Under the Stars.” McHale owns Power & Purpose Marketing in Niwot, and has been a member of the Niwot community for about 13 years. She was Niwot’s Economic Development Director for a number of years, leading efforts to fill Niwot’s commercial spaces. She started getting involved in the community as a business owner. “After a...
The air is starting to cool and summer is firmly a thing of the past. That can only mean that it's time for Niwot residents to break out their lederhosen and raise a stein or two. Oktoberfest is returning to Niwot. The event, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), is slated for Saturday, Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will feature German beer from local brewery Fritz Family Brewers, known for their German lagers including pilsners, a kolsch or two and marzens, which are...
As we transition into autumn, one of the most popular events in Niwot is coming to a close – the weekly "Dancing Under the Stars" event. A free dance lesson of varying genres followed by a public dance takes place every Friday during the warm summer evenings from June to the end of September. Originally scheduled to end Sept. 22, a "rain date" has extended the season through Sept. 29 with contra dance. Dancing Under the Stars started out in Boulder at the University of Colorado, but when C...
The Jared Music Foundation's (https://jaredmusic.org/) annual RISE Concert on Sept. 7 had the concert's highest turnout ever with an estimated 1,000 people attending the performance in Whistle Stop Park. The Jared Music Foundation is dedicated to helping children interested in music by granting scholarships and providing instruments to help aid young musicians follow their passion. RISE is the Foundation's main annual fundraiser. The money raised will go towards scholarships for children and...
The Niwot community turned out to honor the life and memory of Bert Steele Saturday, Aug. 26, in Cottonwood Square shopping center. What was originally planned to be a "thank you" to the Niwot community for supporting local retail businesses, and helping the merchants survive the pandemic shutdown, morphed into a tribute to the late Bert Steele, who brought The Niwot Market to life over 20 years ago. Stacy Szydiek, co-owner of The Niwot Tavern, spearheaded the effort to put the afternoon and eve...
Hundreds of people turned out for the Celebration of Life for Bert Steele on Aug. 20 at the Knaus Farm on Nimbus Road, with a bluegrass band providing background music both before and after remarks and remembrances by family and friends. The much-loved principal owner of The Niwot Market died Aug. 7 after a short illness. But the tributes to Steele, focusing on how he treated people and how he served the community, haven't ended. On Saturday, Aug. 26, Bluegrass for Bert will be held in...
The annual Jared Music Foundation RISE Concert fundraiser comes to Whistle Stop Park Thursday, Sept. 7, at 5 p.m. The concert will begin with Mojomama, a funky blues Rock & Rails favorite, followed by Soul School, a crowd-pleasing multi-genre band that plays anything from soul to country to pop. Donations will provide young musicians from Boulder to Niwot to Longmont with scholarships and instruments to continue pursuing their love of music. The concert is free. Dancing is encouraged. Food...
The Niwot Tavern is hosting a music festival at Cottonwood Square on Aug. 26 from 2-9 p.m., in honor of Bert Steele, co-owner of Niwot Market, who died Aug. 7 after a short illness. The free event, "Bluegrass for Bert," is funded by the owners of Niwot Tavern, with financial assistance from the Niwot Local Improvement District and the Niwot Business Association. "The whole event is for Bert, because he's the heart of Niwot," said Stacy Szydlek, co-owner of the Niwot Tavern. Szydlek and Tara...
Dancing Under the Stars, an event that has been thriving in Niwot for four years, is still going strong. Every Friday night in the summer, a stage is set up in the parking lot of Cottonwood Square located at Niwot Road and 79th Street. Free dance lessons begin at 7:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m., and then the dance floor overflows until 9:30 p.m., well after the stars have started to shine. The DJ plays the genre of the week including salsa, swing, and Cuban salsa and the lessons get everyone ready...
Niwot High School golfer Mina O'Dell wanted to do something to help animals and settled on a charity golf tournament as the best avenue. Her efforts paid off when she delivered a check to the Longmont Humane Society on June 30 for $5,120. The tournament, held at Twin Peaks Golf Course June 24, was a 4-person best-ball scramble. "We all had so much fun golfing and laughing," O'Dell said. "After playing 18-holes of golf, we served an all you can eat taco bar lunch catered by Marco's Tacos. The...
Dark skies and the threat of rain didn't deter a large crowd from enjoying the second Rock & Rails concert of the season on Thursday, June 8. The music kicked off at 5:00 p.m. with Dean Himes, a local country artist. Himes wowed the crowd with a combination of his original songs and well-loved covers. Himes is no stranger to Niwot having played at the Niwot Tavern, First Friday Art Walks and Rock & Rails in the past. Himes was inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame in 2022. Headli...
ACROSS 4. Niwot 5. Jones 6. cars 7. track 9. female 11. Wise 14. Carnegie 15. three 17. Tavern 18. cool 19. Stepside 20. Sculpture 21. basketball 22. art DOWN 1. Himes 2. lobsters 3. kindness 6. cowbell 8. deer 10. art 12. ebikes 13. membership 14. cornet 16. trumpet 17. tip...
Niwot Market's own Bert Steele has been hosting a local car show since 2020 that helped keep restaurants alive during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the restaurants near the Niwot Market struggled to stay in business during the height of the coronavirus, Steele felt there had to be something that someone could do to bring attention to Niwot's businesses and bring people together. Steele worked with multiple other business owners and prominent community members to brainstorm ideas on how to...
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,...
A Colorado native, this month's Left Hand Laurel recipient, Kristin Alger, grew up following her parents' advice to "always be a volunteer." Now a half century later, this long-time employee of the international medical device firm, Medtronic, volunteers more than ever, and is an inspiration to her many friends and neighbors in Niwot. A familiar face in Niwot – "Everyone knows my dog," she says, "he's a friendly and gregarious mutt named Maxwell," Alger was born in Green Mountain near Red R...
Niwot High golfer and International Baccalaureate (IB) student Mina O'Dell was looking for a CAS project (Creativity, Activity, Service) that would benefit a local worthy cause. "I'm an animal person, and I also play golf," O'Dell said. "I thought I would combine the two." O'Dell decided to organize a charity golf tournament, which will be held Saturday, June 24, at Twin Peaks Golf Course in Longmont. The funds raised will benefit the Longmont Humane Society. "We got our cat there, eleven years...
Blue skies and a warm early spring day set the stage last Saturday for Lucky Niwot Day festivities held on 2nd Avenue and at Cottonwood Square. As part of the event, families and groups of friends dressed in green walked between stations and into shops, filled tables at restaurant patios and made lines at coffee shops. Street musicians performed at stations along the street and Irish dancers performed in front of Inkberry Books. Individual retailers gave away a range of delicious food fit for...
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...
Let's Wine About Winter, sponsored by the Niwot Cultural Arts Association (NCAA), returns Feb. 11 after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The walk-about event begins at 1 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m., with businesses offering beverage samples, refreshments, and live music for participants in Cottonwood Square and the downtown business district. Several businesses are pairing up for the event, with a total of 31 shops, restaurants and offices participating. To purchase a ticket and become a me...
Well, I'll start by saying that I interview other people, so I don't have to talk about myself...So this is a little rough, but here goes. A Colorado native, I grew up near Red Rocks and have lived in Denver, Colorado Springs and Durango. A five-year stint in Detroit made me realize how fabulous our state (and its weather) is and I returned, settling in Niwot where my dad and step-mother still reside. I always thought I'd be here for a few years before returning to the "big city." That was 17...
It's not too late to vote for your favorite Niwot holiday window. The annual window decorating contest deadline has been extended to Sunday, Dec. 11, to make sure everybody has time to admire all of the holiday-themed decor. If you haven't voted yet, just stop by one of the participating businesses and pick up your ballot. Make your way around town to see all the entries and have your ballot stamped by at least six businesses, then pick your favorite. Turn your ballot in to any of the...
A fun, treat-filled Great Pumpkin Party was had by all on Saturday.. With one of the most beautiful and temperate fall seasons in many years, people turned out in huge numbers this year. Folks worried about Covid and crowds seemed a distant memory. The sun was blasting and families with their candy scavengers in tow, and others being dragged to and fro by their costume-decorated dogs, were all wearing huge smiles as they walked through town to attend the various activities. Along with all of...
People who looked forward to Friday evenings on the makeshift dance floor in Cottonwood Square will be looking for something else to do until next June. "The final Dancing Under the Stars (DUTS) event for 2022 saw record numbers," Catherine McHale said, referring to the Sept. 23 closing night. McHale is the organizer of DUTS and the director and owner of Power & Purpose Marketing. She is also Niwot's Economic Development Director and is focused on improving economic development and marketing...
When you buy a business, you expect a reasonable number of "hiccups." But owners, Tara Shaheen and Stacy Szydlek, who were part of Niwot Tavern restaurant staff, got more than they bargained for. "We bought the restaurant in January of 2020," said Shaheen. "In February, there was a fire in the kitchen and in March, well you know, everything shut down." But despite some tough going, the restaurant has not only survived, but thrived. Szydlek said that the former owners, Tony Santelli and Bob Russe...
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...
Business is anything but "as usual" in Niwot's business district. A nationwide worker shortage has left businesses everywhere struggling to maintain their typical working hours and functionalities, and many of the staple establishments in downtown Niwot have been affected by the shortage as well. At 1914 House, the worker shortage has affected all levels of employment, but the restaurant has been very fortunate to have had enough staff on hand thus far. Head Chef Justin Hirshfield shared his ins...
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."...
Proving the event has staying power, the Second Annual Niwot Jazz Festival wrapped up Saturday night, June 25, 2022. Approximately 650 people were in attendance throughout the afternoon and evening and enjoyed almost perfect weather and an even better jazz lineup. Keith Waters, the Jazz Festival's Musical Director, as well as CU Music Professor and Inkberry Books co-owner said, "We were really delighted with the way it turned out." Musicians from as far away as New York and Washington, DC,...
Get ready for fun summer nights, because Dancing Under the Stars has returned. Opening night took place on June 24, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Cottonwood Square Shopping Center. If you have not heard of Dancing Under the Stars, it is a free dance event that takes place every Friday through Sept. 23, except on Labor Day weekend. Dancing Under the Stars originated in Boulder in 1982, organized by Tom Materson at the UMC Rooftop Terrace. The event later moved to Dushanbe Tea House, then to Niwot...
Jazz fans, put on your fedora, because the Niwot Jazz Festival is happening on Saturday, June 25, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Janis Siegel, Grammy award-winner and band member of the Manhattan Transfer, is the featured performer of the day. All the entertainment will take place at Cottonwood Square. Six other individual artists and bands will be performing: Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra from 3-4:15 p.m.; Andres Orco (solo guitar) from 4:15-4:45 p.m.; Three Tenors with Rich Chiaraluce, Pete Lewis, and...
Niwot's historic connection to Native Americans will take on a new look with the installation of four murals in Cottonwood Square shopping center. The Niwot Local Improvement District advisory committee recommended approval of a funding request from the owners of Cottonwood Square and the Jerry Sinor Building that provides for the LID to cover 75% of the $12,900 cost of the murals. The request was approved June 7 by LID members Eric Bergeson, Mary Coonce, Jeff Knight and Scott Firle. The...
Life is better when you dance...so get your dancing shoes on. Dancing Under the Stars is back and the season is now extended! Starting Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m., Dancing Under The Stars will kick off its third season in Niwot. Located outside some of Cottonwood Squares independent stores, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, this coveted event continues all summer long, with plenty of free parking in the shopping center and surrounding areas. Dancing Under the Stars started in Boulder, offering...
The Friday night summer car shows outside of Niwot Market return Friday, May 27. Bert Steele, owner of Niwot Market, will park his classic red pickup in the parking lot, and invites other car enthusiasts to display their classic vehicles from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the past, the event has attracted vehicles and their owners from various communities in Colorado. The public is invited to inspect the vehicles, listen to the stories behind the vehicles, and reminisce. Vehicle owners can pick up a...
Cimmini's was packed last Tuesday for the monthly Niwot Business Association meeting. It might have had something to do with the refreshments provided by the popular Italian restaurant, and it might have had something to do with the speaker for the evening. NBA president Eric Bergeson began by welcoming new NBA members, including Lisa Nesper with Cross Country Mortgage in Niwot Square and Kristin Dura with Una Vida in Cottonwood Square. Bergeson then shifted to announcements and a number of...
When the community's "Small Town Big Heart" fundraising campaign to help Marshall fire victims kicked off during Apres Ski Weekend at the end of January, coordinator and NBA Vice-President Deborah Read Fowler expected that it could take through the summer to reach an ultimate goal of $100,000. But thanks to the generosity of area residents, the effort is getting closer much earlier than that. So far, the campaign has raised $62,468, including a single $10,000 contribution from an anonymous...
Deborah Read Fowler, NBA vice-president and chief architect of Niwot's Small Town/Big Heart fundraising effort to assist victims of the Marshall Fire, reported that the fund is now at $60,160.75 as of March 16. The Niwot Business Association's goal is to raise $100,000 from the Niwot community. Several Niwot businesses have hosted fundraising events, and students at Niwot High School have joined the effort. Donations are being administered by the Community Foundation for Boulder County, and so...
Top of the mornin' to ya, laddies. I hope you're excited for Saint Patrick's Day, because a festival is coming up, known as Lucky Niwot Day. It will take place on March 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square. Among the lively festivi include live music, Irish dancing (outside of Blessings Day Spa at Cottonwood Square), a magic show and brunch at the Niwot Wheel Works, an Irish poetry reading and green tea service at Inkberry Books, free carriage rides (wait on second...
