Around the World Day in Niwot

Niwot's "Around the World Day", on Saturday, May 14, integrated dozens of cultures at this special event, back for its second year after a Covid-inspired debut in 2021. Twenty-three countries were represented by 32 local businesses through live music, specialty food and drinks, crafts, and costumes.

Pedestrians were charmed by the Vikings' weapons display in "Scandinavia" on Second Avenue; bands and solo artists performing with African drums, celtic instruments, accordions, Spanish guitars, and bagpipes; a concert by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free-Grange Band with 22 selections, each representing a place; the horse-drawn carriage rides; alpacas standing outside of Winot Coffee; and arts and crafts activities for kids.

"Business is très bien," said one of the co-owners at Blessings Day Spa. They went with a French theme as some of their skin care products, particularly Guniot Paris, are imported from France. "Our Parisian partners will actually be meeting with us in person next week to discuss a business deal," Julie Stenz said. Blessings Day Spa also provided free macaroons and Kir Royale drinks. Customers also had their caricatures drawn by an artist inside the shop.

The Wandering Jellyfish Bookshop hosted multiple events and activities throughout the day. The shop centered around Mexican culture; the staff taught kids the Papel Picado craft, made from tissue paper and scissors; author Megan E. Freeman had a book-signing for her free verse novel "Alone;" the Niwot High School Mariachi Ensemble performed outside; and the staff gave away Mexican candy. "Business has been wonderful today," said co-owner Carissa Mina. "People just keep on comin' in and out."

Businesses outside of Niwot were also represented at Cottonwood Square. Mano Cockrum, owner of Bighorn Shoppe, sells handmade organic soap made from lavender, hemp, rose, and other natural materials. "I love to be creative and to do something with my hands," said Cockrum. She is a descendent of the Navajo and Hopi tribe, and she started this business with the help of her daughter. Her business also partners with Indigenous nonprofits such as Spirit of the Sun and Her Many Voices. If you're interested in learning more about her soapery, you can find her on Instagram @bighornshoppe.

Another non-local business is Colorado Sake Co. It is located in Denver and has been in operation since 2018. "There's only 15 businesses in the U.S. that produce sake, a Japanese alcoholic beverage, as most sake is imported from Japan," said the business owner. They provide a delivery service and serve sushi at their restaurant in Denver. More information on their website can be found at https://www.coloradosakeco.com/contactus.

Two fundraisers also took place during the day. All businesses participating in the festival collected donations in a donation box, in hopes of purchasing the sculpture in Niwot Sculpture Park, "Kore That Awakening," which is priced at $25,000. The money will go to Ukrainian artist Egor Zigura, who is currently a refugee, and his family. Zigura plans to use the funds to help other artists in Ukraine who are struggling to survive.

The second fundraiser took place at the Niwot Emporium on 2nd Avenue, where a silent auction was held for the Niwot Business Association's Small Town, Big Heart Marshall Fire Fund, which had over $62,500 in donations prior to the auction. There were over 90 items to bid on, including multiple gift bags wrapped and donated by local businesses. "The auction raised a total of $7,861," NBA auction organizer Deb Fowler reported after the auction closed.