The Great Pumpkin Party…a Niwot tradition

Deeply rooted as one of Niwot’s most enjoyable seasonal festivals, The Great Pumpkin Party is once again ready to roll into town. This year marks more than 20 years of trick-or-treating excitement for children, parents and even four-footed furry family members.

The celebration of Halloween is from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m, Saturday, Oct 28. Businesses in Cottonwood Square and along 2nd Ave. will be handing out candy and other goodies to children and entertainment abounds in both commercial areas. All activities are free and open to the public.

There will be an assembly of participants at 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Niwot Road and 2nd Avenue (in front of Niwot Liquor) to enjoy songs performed by the Niwot Elementary School Cougar Choir followed by the procession of the annual Halloween parade. Everyone, in costume or not, is invited to walk the route that heads down 2nd Avenue. Fall decorations, including hundreds of donated pumpkins from a pumpkin patch owned by Charlie and Melanie Nygren, will line the festive areas.

Pat Murphy, organizer and one of the founders of the event, said, “Rain, snow or shine, the day is always fun.” Her favorite part is seeing all of the happy children. Murphy’s business, Niwot Real Estate, will be hosting a petting zoo outside their office at 7915 Niwot Rd. Isaiah Solomon will be providing musical entertainment at the real estate office also.

The event is put on by the Niwot Business Association, and Niwot’s Local Improvement District provides the majority of financial support. Second Avenue is closed to automobile traffic from Niwot Road to Murray Street during the event (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) for safety reasons. During this time, nostalgic hayrides will be boarding passengers at Franklin and 2nd Avenue.

Left Hand Animal Hospital brings back the highly popular dog costume contest again this year. A panel of hometown judges will select three winning dogs. Awards for the strutting pooches and their people are hefty baskets filled with a variety of wonderful gift items and services donated by Niwot businesses.

Last year, over two dozen dogs donned costumes along with their families in such clever themes as, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” and an entire pack of superheroes. Canine contestants should assemble immediately following the parade where the sidewalk widens in front of Old Oak Coffeehouse at 136 2nd Avenue.

Another contest will be taking place as well. Participating businesses will display their artfully carved pumpkins and the public is asked to vote for their favorites in three categories: best dressed pumpkin, most creative pumpkin, and the pumpkin that best represents what the business does.

Along with all of the well-loved traditions of the event, two new entertainment features are being introduced this year. A professional magic, comedy, and juggling act performed by Ann Lincoln will take place at Cottonwood Square. Performances start at 10:15 a.m., with additional shows at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Each show runs for 20 minutes.

In addition, the Niwot High Key Club, a student community service club, will be hosting their inaugural Niwot Great Pumpkin Party Haunted House. The spooky venue will be located at 280 2nd Avenue and will be open from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Niwot’s historical Fire House Museum will also have its doors open for visitors. Donations are encouraged for the upcoming museum restoration project, and can be given during the event.

A highly treasured event that only a big-hearted, small town can call its own, Niwot’s Great Pumpkin Party invites everyone to conjure up the perfect costume and enjoy the spectacle of Halloween!

The Great Pumpkin Party events schedule:

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Trick-or-treating at businesses in Cottonwood Square and along 2nd Avenue

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Haunted House at 280 2nd Avenue

10:15 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Magic show performed at Cottonwood Square

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Petting Zoo and music at Niwot Realty, 7915 Niwot Rd

10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Hayrides boarded at Franklin and 2nd Avenue

11:30 a.m. Assembly for the Niwot Cougar Choir followed by the Halloween parade procession at the corner of Niwot Rd and 2nd Avenue, in front of Niwot Liquors

Immediately following the parade - dog costume contest in front of Old Oak Coffeehouse