The Niwot Nickel returns on Small Business Saturday for the holidays

Historically in the United States, a wooden nickel was not typically legal tender, but instead more of a novelty coin often issued by merchants as part of a promotion. Wooden nickels became popular in the 1930s, though they may date back to the 1880s.

Niwot has had its own share of wooden nickels through the years, issued by local businesses. Thanks to local Niwotians such as Adam Robinson and Tim and Carrie Wise, the idea of re-introducing a new wooden Niwot Nickel was born.

The Niwot Business Association is sponsoring and re-introducing the historic Niwot Nickel on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, at the Left Hand Grange from 8:00 -10:00 a.m. before the holiday parade.

Each Niwot Nickel is good for $5 off, redeemable at participating businesses, and for the month of January, the wooden nickels will be worth $10 off. Nickels will hold no cash value, all rules and participants are subject to change, and there is a limit of one per household.

Each nickel will come with a limited edition Niwot shopping bag. There are only 500 available so be sure to line up early. If there are any left, they will be available at the NBA tent in front of Niwot Market in Cottonwood Square beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Angela Hudgins, and Niwot Nickel organizer said, “We are thankful for the support and funding from the Niwot LID (Niwot Local Improvement District) for the shopping bags. With the new Colorado Carryout Bag Act taking effect in January, reusable bags will be more popular than ever. We would love to see this Niwot bag become a fun collectible item.”

The NBA marketing has been working to create new and exciting ways to increase awareness of the Niwot business district. The marketing committee includes Deb Fowler (DRF, Slifer, Smith & Frampton), Lisa Balcom (Farow), Angie Miltersen (Few of a Kind Vintage), Kristina Burgoon (Studio Kyanite), and Angela Hudgins, Niwot Town Administrator.

Fowler remarked, “This is a great way to kickstart the holiday shopping season in Niwot while supporting local business. Hopefully this will help generate additional business in January, which is typically a slower month for retail. The Nickel is super cute. I can’t wait to see it in circulation.”

More information and participating businesses can be found at http://www.niwot.com/nickel.