Around the World - Fun, Culture and Fundraising

Following the huge success of last year's inaugural Around the World Day, the event will return for a second year on May 14th. The day was created based on an idea from Fly Away Home store owner Kathy Trauner during COVID when everyone was missing traveling abroad. She was inspired by the idea of brining international experiences to Niwot when travel away from other countries to Niwot was restricted.

All businesses in downtown Niwot on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square are invited to "dress up" as a country and serve authentic drinks and snacks and offer activities and music true to their 'adopted country' for the day. Families can walk around Niwot and literally have a round the world experience.

The event is sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA) and the Local Improvement District (LID) and organized by the NBA events group, led by NBA Vice President Deb Fowler.

Fowler said, "Everyone had so much fun last year. Both businesses and residents were asking when the next one will be, so it is true to say, it is back by popular demand. It is going to be even bigger and better this year with 32 businesses participating representing a total of 23 countries."

The event will run from 10am - 4pm - and, to date, Greece, France, Ukraine, Spain, Italy, Brazil, India, England, Denmark, Kenya, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Taiwan, Sweden, Uganda, Poland, Mexico, Bali, Peru, USA and Bahrain will be showcased. There will be food and drinks representative to those countries on offer, in addition to some fun activities. Some of the fun activities include Henna tattoos, French caricatures, Llama petting, London photo booth, Viking period craft and Papel picado craft for kids will also be part of the festivities. Additionally, there will be lots of cultural music and dance around town.

Unlike last year, there will be some fundraising elements included in the event to benefit two causes close to the hearts of Niwotians. One is to support and raise money for the purchase of the sculpture, Kore That Awakening, sculpted by artist Egor Zigura in his Ukrainian studio and on loan at the Niwot Sculpture Park since February 2020. The sculpture will be the third permanent fixture in the park.

"Raising funds to purchase this piece will not only provide Niwot with an important piece of art, but more importantly, it will also significantly and directly help a Ukrainian artist, Egor Zigura and his family, who have had to flee their country," Fowler said. "So there will be collection boxes all around town to collect for this important cause."

In addition, and on a more local level, Niwot will continue to raise funds towards the Niwot's Small Town - Big Heart Fundraiser for the Marshall Fire Fund by having a Grand Silent Auction in the Emporium. With over 75 items to bid on, there is literally something for everyone.

Fowler, who organized the auction, said, "Everyone has been super generous. We have some amazing items for people to bid on, from original artwork, kids activities, huge gift baskets full of goodies, gift cards to local restaurants, to books signed by local authors." These items will be on display and available for bidding in the Emporium outside Old Oak Coffee for the entirety of the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it is hoped an additional $10,000 for the fire fund will be raised.

Want to donate? You can do so at the following links:

Marshall Fired Fund coloradogives.org/NiwotSmallTownBigHeartMarshallFires?step=step1

Kore That Awakening: niwotarts.org/