Niwot Fourth of July Celebration a success

Niwot’s Independence Day festivities continue to draw in an increasing number of people.

Dick Piland, Niwot Community Association President, estimated about 2,500 people attended the parade and events throughout the day.

“It was a bit more crowded this year,” Piland said. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger. It was very successful this year. We have a cadre of volunteers that do a great job with this event.”

Piland mentioned specifically Kathy Koehler, Julie Breyer and Kim Hawksworth for their efforts in organizing the even.t

“Those three do an amazing job making everything work,” Piland said. “From setting up everything in the parade and all of that … These people are just outstanding volunteers that make the whole process work.”

Bert Steele, owner of Niwot Market, said that the pancake breakfast crowd was over 800 people and raised over $2,700 with the help of Pat Murphy and the Cookie Moms.

“This was a record amount for our breakfast,” Steele said. “I think this was the most we’ve ever had. I think for the town in general, this was special. I think when people come, they enjoy being here.”

Breyer said that the event truly is a community effort.

“The majority of our volunteers return year after year which helps to make things run so smoothly,” Breyer said. “There are countless hours spent before the parade on each step to be sure that we have proper permits, sheriff coverage, bike decorations, volunteers for parade, bike decorations and pancake breakfast. Many of our participants return each year as well.

“We have an amazing community and group of volunteers. Our parade gets bigger each year and we are fortunate to have so many groups and individuals step up to help. The focus of this parade is families and kids and most importantly celebrating the opportunities and freedoms that living in the United States offers us and the Niwot community comes together each year to make our parade something that we can be proud of.”

Michelle Law, a leader for Boy Scouts Troop 161, also helped with the event, and the scouts marched in the parade with the Honor Guard.

“I would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped out this year not matter how big or small your contribution it is greatly appreciated,” Breyer said. “We couldn’t do what we do without all of you.”

The event did have a few attendees with signs protesting United States Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Another incident involved Barbara Shore, of Niwot, as she was driving a golf cart during morning events, she swerved to miss a child and struck another parade-goer.

No serious injuries were reported, but Shore has been charged by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office with reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and child abuse.