Niwot's Great Pumpkin Party draws happy revelers

Niwot got a little spooky last Saturday, as costumed revelers of all ages flocked to Cottonwood Square and then filled 2nd Avenue for the town's Annual Great Pumpkin Party.

Although nearby Longmont held its own parade at the same time, locals were eager to enjoy the local celebration, and did so with perfect weather. Moderate temperatures and blue skies set the tone with large red, gold and brown leaves still on many of Niwot's enormous trees or crunching underfoot.

Beginning at the parking lot outside of Niwot Liquor, there were more people in the parade than watching it. The Niwot Community Semi-Marching Free Grange Band led the participants with the strains of "I Want Candy."

While all costumes were noteworthy, some stood out. A woman dressed as Little Red Riding Hood pushed a toddler in a stroller. The child was already tired from walking with half closed eyes and wrapped in a gray plush baby bird costume.

A green soldier with an unsettlingly-covered face walked close by, while plenty of Minecraft-inspired "creeper" costumed kids peppered the route. There were so many that if they had gathered together in one spot they would have made their own army.

Down the street from the parade, at The Niwot Group Compass Real Estate offices, kids gathered at the petting zoo. At the same time, adults enjoyed the sounds of local band, Scrapyard Izzy, as well as offerings of sweets.

Participants had a great time. When asked what they were most excited about, a set of costumed girls gathered around a candy bowl outside of Abo's Pizza quickly said, "The magic show, trick or treating and dressing up."

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, children enjoyed a hayride, costume contest (for humans and dogs), as well as trick or treating at local businesses. Farow Restaurant not only handed out treats, but took the opportunity to introduce the community to donuts and their new breakfast take away menu which is debuting this week.

Overall, the event appeared to be good not just for the community, but for businesses. The Garden Gate Cafe in Cottonwood Square was busy, and had been since earlier that morning, including some larger tables of groups. "It's been a lot busier today than it normally would be," said manager Bennet Gabler. "There are a lot of kids coming by, a lot going on with the whole Halloween event."

Gabler's view was similar to other shops that day, making the event almost as much about a community celebration as it was connecting businesses with customers. Niwot Jewelry & Gifts owner Jan Kahl reported handing out 800 ring pops.

But the event's appeal may come down to something simpler. Sugar.

The Hecht family, who we found resting across from Niwot Tavern, included a pair of brothers, dressed as ghost rider and as a Minecraft creeper, who were escorted by their grandparents. Much of their costumes rested next to them.

As the Hecht's recovered from the day they reflected on what they enjoyed. "I liked the petting zoo," one brother said. The other brother chimed in, "Nah. My favorite part was eating the candy. My bag was like 1,000 pounds."