Niwot Around the World celebration brings culture and community together

Good weather graced the fifth anniversary of Niwot's Around the World celebration, which was sponsored by the Niwot Business Association (NBA) with funding from the Niwot Local Improvement District (LID). More than 25 merchants welcomed community members with regionally specific food, entertainment, music, and smiles.

Vendors included long-term businesses, new enterprises, and in one case, a combination of both as The Wheel House celebrated its first Niwot community event since it has been under new ownership. The Wheel House represented Germany with co-owner Pete Brandes serving guests in lederhosen from behind the bar. "We've had a lot of fun," he said. "There was a band in here earlier this morning, another band in here now, lots of German food. It's been great to see everyone come out."

Further along the block, Stephanie Elston, co-owner of The British Bash, greeted guests from a spot near Wise Buys Antiques and Old Oak Coffeehouse. "It's been pretty steady, the weather has helped with that," she said. Her Etsy-based company which typically sells British-themed biscuits, teas, wedding favors, and other gifts, participated in the event in connection with DRF Real Estate.

In Cottonwood Square, one of the area's newest businesses, Sorry Granny European Baked Goods, had one of its first pop-ups. The business is owned by Ukrainian Valerii Danylenko and his sister-in-law, who arrived in the United States before Valerii and his wife Anna arrived. Since coming to the United States, the family has made Niwot and the larger Boulder County area home, so it was appropriate that they started a business here and shared part of their country's culture. They were at the event to connect with the community and to learn what kinds of pastries and pies customers might like. The event included elements that have become expected staples during the town's activities. They included horse-drawn carriage rides, dancing, and music, all of it with a regional twist.

There were Irish dancers and dance lessons at Niwot Hall, dragon dancers at Little Shop, Samba dancing at Blessings Day Spa & Skin Care Boutique, and flamenco dancers at Niwot Market. Music included the Niwot Community Semi-marching Free Grange Band, a French accordion, a Beatles sing-along, American rock and folk musicians, a bagpiper and the all-women's Afro-pop marimba band, the Low Flying Knobs.

The food also didn't disappoint. Options ranged from Irish nachos and Guinness to margaritas, French macarons, Korean bites, and Indian street food.

In front of a Few of a Kind Vintage and Mercantile, Tim Miltersen was embracing the store's Danish theme while demonstrating cooking aebleskiver, which are Danish pancake balls. He said, "We've had a really good turnout, and there have been a lot of people. We couldn't ask for a better day in terms of weather. Last year was really cold."

He spoke with music from a marimba band in the background, momentarily mixing cultures that rarely intersect naturally. It was a combination that highlighted the fun to be had throughout the event. "I don't know how we accomplished that, but it's got a good vibe to it. Really nice," Miltersen said.