Fall into fun at upcoming Niwot events

Though most traditional fall events had to be shelved in 2020, autumnal-themed fun is still on the agenda in Niwot, courtesy of two brand new offerings from the Niwot Business Association.

"In COVID times, more than ever, we need to think of different ways to get Niwot residents and those from neighboring communities to frequent the businesses downtown," longtime realtor and NBA vice-president Deborah Read Fowler said. "We are having regular meetings to brainstorm and launch new events to get us through the fall and winter...that will provide some COVID-safe fun for Niwot families and residents, and support the downtown stores and restaurants at the same time."

Fall Pumpkin Walk

First up on the fun agenda is the Fall Pumpkin Walk, which could be likened to trick-or-treating, but it lasts the entire month and the costume is optional.

To participate, visit DRF Real Estate (136 2nd Ave, Suite E, behind Old Oak Coffee) starting Oct. 1, to pick up a Pumpkin Pass and empty swag bag. For the rest of the month, visit any of the 11 participating Pumpkin Stops* located on 2nd Avenue or in Cottonwood Square to get your pass stamped and receive a complimentary "fall-themed" treat that won't give you a cavity.

"There are some super fun items, locally made where possible, apart from one item which was sourced from England," Fowler said. "Absolutely nothing from the Dollar Store."

To ease the burden on the participating businesses, the NBA received funding for the gifts from the LID, and was assisted on the project by volunteers Caroline Haller and Oliver Fowler, both freshmen at Niwot High.

But that's as far as Fowler would go in identifying the gifts, and urged curious shoppers to come discover for themselves. She also urged them not to wait. Though the Pumpkin Walk is scheduled to last throughout October, once the prizes are gone, they're gone for good.

"That's part of the magic - you have to participate to find out," she said, chuckling. "I think it's safe to say, by the end of the tour, each household will have a nice bag of autumn swag, to make us feel good and remind us how special Niwot is with all our fantastic stores and restaurants."

If you happen to purchase any extra swag at a Pumpkin Stop, Fowler said to hold on to those receipts. If you return at least four receipts with a completed Pumpkin Pass, you will receive a thank you gift and qualify to enter a drawing for some even bigger prizes. Completed passes should be returned to DRF Real Estate by Nov. 11.

Octoberfeast

For those hoping to get some use out of their lederhosen this fall, the NBA will be hosting a pandemic friendly version of everybody's favorite Bavarian drinking festival on Saturday, Oct. 3. Dubbed "Octoberfeast," the afternoon celebration will take participants from station to station to sample German favorites such as apple strudel, bratwurst, and, of course, beer.

"It's a variation of the Sidewalk Sale," Fowler said."Some of the restaurants will be selling small plates and/or samples. Some of the businesses will also be giving out things, and there will be live music."

Octoberfeast is slated to run from 2 - 7 p.m. in locations along 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square, including a few pop-ups. Musicians, including the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band, will entertain diners walking around town with German-themed tunes, including those of the "oom- pah-pah" variety. At 3:30 p.m., Old Oak Coffee Shop will be opening for their popular Spaghetti Saturday, featuring homemade spaghetti and meatballs, plus another live musical performance. Fowler said the idea is similar to a progressive or roving dinner, to keep people from congregating in one place and violating Boulder County gathering restrictions, "The idea is just to get people to come downtown and get them to stay downtown."

Speaking of the Sidewalk Sale, the NBA will be hosting its third outdoor shopping event on Saturday, Oct. 10. Thrilled with the success of the first two, Fowler and the NBA are encouraged by signs that Niwot can still attract a crowd.

"A thriving downtown benefits us all, by making Niwot to continue to be a magical place to live and keeping the downtown business alive," she continued. "In return we maintain our home values and protect our hard earned money. We all deserve that, but we all need to do our bit. I have to admit I love the convenience and prices of Amazon, but I have now challenged myself before I place any order- 'Can I buy it in Niwot?'. It's simple-if I can, I do. I don't mind if it costs a couple of extra dollars; knowing I have supported a local business feels good."

*The Pumpkin Stops are Niwot Wheelworks, Little Bird, Few of a Kind Vintage, Wise Buys, Osmosis Gallery, Niwot Jewelers, Niwot Inn, Fly Away Home, Inkberry Books, Pebble Art Jewelry, and Juniper and Twine.