Jacqueline Hart, Gilpin County.  There was something for everyone at the 16th Annual Winter Arts Festival on December 8 and 9, 2018, at the Gilpin Community Recreation Center. Santa was present, of course, posing for photos with children. Vendor booths offered exceptional items from both local artists and artists across Colorado. Community non-profit organizations were represented and provided opportunities for altruistic shoppers to purchase items that help care for the community. If you missed it, read on for your private tour.

The Gilpin Senior Community Living Project was on hand to provide homemade treats, priced so low it was like Christmas in the 80s, and cold beverages. Gilpin County’s senior population is growing at almost double the rate of the local population at large, according to information the project had available at their booth. The next fundraising function for senior living will be at the Flea Market in June. If you see them, likely selling items at far below market value, stop by and ask about this important cause.

Gilpin County Farmer’s Market, run by Holistic Homestead, a non-profit dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the community, changed their routine schedule to offer healthy, organic foods for festival goers. Arwen Ek passionately explained they are a community-based program providing organic produce from local vendors. Participants of the program can pre-pay for produce or shop as needed. The Farmer’s Market recently added fish and eggs to their list of available items. You can visit GCFM at the Holistic Fair in the rec center next weekend, follow them on Facebook at The Holistic Homestead or contact them at 303-582-3001, for more information.

High Country Auxiliary was on hand offering free advice and address signs to help emergency services find residents in the event they needed assistance. HCA’s fundraising efforts are used to assist TFPD and other emergency services, by way of food during impossibly long shifts. Additional funds raised by the auxiliary contribute to needed emergency equipment outside the regular budget and to assist with scholarships for firefighters. To support this cause, visit the HCA web page on the Colorado.gov site, or check out the Chili Dinner and Silent Auction at the rec center in March.

Friends of Charlie’s Place brought some four-legged friends to cuddle and play with Gilpin dog lovers. Foxy, an Australian Shephard mix, is currently available for adoption and loves to kiss the people. Charlie’s Place is a non-profit that raises money to support the Clear Creek/Gilpin County no kill shelter and had some great gifts to offer for pets and pet lovers. To volunteer, adopt, foster or visit a pet, visit friendsofcharliesplace.org.
Local vendors who shared exclusive homemade foods included Erin O’Brien with her organic homemade jams in every flavor imaginable. The latest flavor is peach/pomegranate! You can reach her by phone at 303-565-0452.

Willoughby Honey was represented as well. If you’re looking for an out-of-the-ordinary gift for a holiday gift exchange, you can reach Donald Willoughby at www.willoughbyhoney.com.

Ardetta Robinson offered free samples of her world-famous homemade caramels. If you need some help with holiday baking, or if you need help with all of it, you can contact Ardetta at PieInTheSky.Ardetta@gmail.com.
If you are still looking for unique holiday gifts and you missed the art festival, visit www.gilpinrecreationcenter.com and select the Winter Arts Festival page for a complete list of vendors and contact information. Happy Holidays!

(Originally published in the December 13, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)