Results are in: Pumpkin Walk success

Throughout October, 100 households (including three from out of state) participated in the 2022 Niwot Pumpkin Walk. The goal was to kickstart holiday shopping and explore retail businesses in the downtown area.

Participants visited various businesses in Cottonwood Square and along Second Avenue in Niwot to get their Pumpkin Passport stamped and a gift from participating businesses. If they made a purchase from at least four different stores and showed their receipts, they were entered in a drawing for a special prize.

“It’s been great seeing new faces,” said Belle Terre’s Sarah Cioni.

This year, 23 retailers, restaurants and coffee shops participated. Many of those shops were new discoveries for Pumpkin Walk participants. In fact, 100% of participants said they had visited at least one new shop.

“We've had several visitors today; many didn't know we existed,” Eric Bergeson of Niwot Wheel Works said.

Not only was the Pumpkin Walk a fun event, it was actually a successful event for local businesses. Purchases directly related to the walk added up to $4,008.31, with the average purchase being $200.41. Little Bird reported the largest receipt of $613.65 and Fly Away Home Decor’s pumpkin muffin tin was voted the best gift, according to participants.

“[We] had LOTS of Pumpkin Walkers today,” said Kathy Trauner, the owner of Fly Away Home. “[It] absolutely drove some business here!"

Another benefit from the walk was raising awareness for Niwot’s Holiday Magic Celebration activities later this year. According to participant feedback, less than half of them knew about Holiday Magic prior to the walk, but afterward, they all said they learned about it and were given a flier about events.

Participants seemed enthusiastic about the event. Many got some holiday shopping done, discovered new businesses and of the 100 passes distributed, 20 came back completed. Those completed passes were entered into the drawing, for local gift certificates and the winners are:

1st place: Jessica Walker

2nd place: Heather Blatchley

3rd place: Karen Gzym