Pancakes, patriotism, and proceeds

"Why would anybody ever eat anything besides breakfast food?" This excellent question was posed by the fictitious character, Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, from the television show "Parks and Recreation." Quite frankly, it appears a large majority of Niwot agrees.

The only thing that makes breakfast foods better is when that food is shared with friends, neighbors, loved ones, and new faces. That, and when a portion of the proceeds go towards helping our community.

This year's pancake breakfast, featuring eggs, sausage, orange juice, coffee, and of course, pancakes, was a huge success. With a large number of people in attendance this year, these types of events truly encapsulate the nature of Niwot. Many attendees had the opportunity to get out early, make new friends and mingle with neighbors, eat some pancakes, and listen to the exceptional live concert of patriotic music provided by the Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band.

Pancake flippers this year were Ralph Bailey and Jeff Server who have a significant, combined tenure of over a decade helping out with this event. "It's good to give back to the community, listen to the band, and observe the festivities," said Bailey. Server added, "[The pancake breakfast] is just a great event and a great way to connect with the community."

The 4th of July Downhill Mile also finished in front of the Niwot Market where all the festivities before the parade took place and attracted a large crowd of new faces to Niwot's annual breakfast. A promotional booth and a sponsorship tent for 303 Running were present as well as informational tents for the Mountain View Fire Rescue District and the Niwot Community Association.

Sponsored by the Niwot Community Association, Niwot Market, the Niwot Local Improvement District, the Niwot Business Association, and Cottonwood Square, the pancake breakfast continues to be a staple of the Niwot community every year on July 4th.

Proceeds from this year's pancake breakfast will go toward Niwot's Communitree organization and community garden for general maintenance and improvements, the Niwot High School Marching Band to assist with their trip to Disney World in the spring of 2024, and Left Hand Grange Audio Improvement Project.