Rock & Rails closes out a successful season

Rock & Rails' second complete season following pandemic interruptions was a notable success. A full slate of musical acts played each Thursday between Jun. 2 and Aug. 25 and included 26 musical groups split between main stage and opening acts.

Talent included long time performers who return each year, new performers, Colorado Music Hall of Fame members and newly appointed Colorado Country Music Hall of Famer, Gunbarrel resident Dean Himes.

Business numbers also point to a strong season. Alcoholic beverage sales were down slightly from 2021, but at an average of $9,000 per event, Rock & Rails was on track to reach pre-pandemic levels. Tip jars averaged about $2,000 per performance, with tips being donated to a range of local causes including Niwot's Small Town Big Heart Marshall Fire Fund.

Crowds were steady all summer long and more than 45 sponsors supported the event in various categories. Three area brewers, Fritz Family Brewers, Bootstrap Brewing and Crystal Springs, provided beverages, and food trucks included Abo's Pizza, Savory Saigon, Georgia Boys Barbeque, All American Hamburger Stand, and Sweet Cow.

This year, as with previous events, pets were not permitted (other than service animals) and attendees gave plenty of positive comments about the newly-enforced pet ban. In the end, gate attendants did have to turn down admission for a few dogs as well as a pet snake.

Co-Manager Vicki Maurer said, "The season was again a huge success in bringing music lovers together with some new and some returning local musicians, who always comment on how much fun Rock & Rails is to perform at, due to participation and dancing from the crowd." She relayed that one band in particular, Twenty Hands High, a new band, was especially appreciated. "They not only played at the event, they returned to other shows as attendees," she said.

Event organizers particularly appreciated the more than 100 volunteers who helped to make the whole series happen. These included support at the concession stand, gargoyles who help with trash and recycling, music coordinators, bike valet volunteers (the NHS Girls Volleyball team) and entrance ambassadors, in addition to the Tip Jar volunteers.

All net proceeds from the series are divided between the Niwot Cultural Arts Association and the Niwot Business Association, and are used for park and other community improvements, as well as covering the maintenance costs for Niwot Children's Park.

A staff and volunteer appreciation event was held Sept. 18 at Whistle Stop Park to wind up the season. Rumor has it that the gargoyles and security team stole the show with impromptu karaoke performances. Stay tuned.