Stamp out the winter doldrums with the Shop Niwot Love Niwot Passport

A big part of Niwot's charm lies in its unique retail and dining options, which consistently deliver an experience unlike any other in Boulder County. An oasis amidst the large neighboring cities of Boulder and Longmont, Niwot provides a tranquil haven for visitors who want to slow down and enjoy some retail or gourmet therapy at a relaxed pace. To help spread the word about the town's special offerings, and just in time for spring, the Niwot Business Association has launched the Shop Niwot Love Niwot Passport event, an incentive program that rewards shoppers and diners for spending money in the local restaurants and shops. Starting Feb. 29, patrons can pick up a free passport and start collecting stamps to earn a shot at some "great Niwot prizes."

"I hope that the passport will really encourage people to shop and dine in Niwot and to really discover or rediscover just how much our downtown has to offer," Catherine McHale, Niwot Economic Development Director said, explaining the intent behind the new promotion. "We have great restaurants of all types, groceries, gifts, jewelry, homewares, apparel, etc. We hope that people will use the passport to make the most of all of our stores and restaurants, and have the chance to win great prizes while they do!"

Passports are available at any of the 31 participating businesses, which include Inberry Books, Niwot Tavern, and Lefty's Gourmet Pizza, to name a few. Each passport contains 10 spaces, and patrons get a stamp for every $10 they spend on food or retail purchases (services are not eligible).

Fill up the five dining and five retail slots, then drop your full shopping passport off at Osmosis Gallery or Niwot Market. Completed passports will then be entered into a drawing for one of 12 prizes, ranging from $200 vouchers to various Niwot businesses, to gift baskets, antique crystals from Wise Buys antiques, and jewelry from Little Bird. Bootstrap Brewing, Niwot Jewelry, Niwot Tavern, Fly Away Home, and Lucky Pie have all contributed various monetary gift cards to the raffle. The raffle will be held during the first week of May, and winners will be notified by May 10.

Once a passport is filled up, shoppers can pick up another to fill up as they continue to make retail purchases.There's no limit to how many passports shoppers can fill up so shop till you drop with this fun booklet. Earn an extra entry by making a purchase of $100 or more at any of the participating retailers. This hefty purchase earns passport holders an "Extra Niwot Love" sticker and increases their odds to win prizes in the raffle. All completed passports are due by April 30 and winners will be notified by May 10.

The passport program is sponsored by the NBA and the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID). For more information and a complete list of participating businesses, visit http://www.niwot.com/passport.