Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.     The First Friday event of every month changes and grows with the seasons. Last Friday, August 1, was a full-blown summer day and late afternoon visitors were blessed with sunshine as they strolled down First Street and meandered through the shopping center.

They learned that First Fridays are no longer just about art. They are a chance to experience the food and drink and social life of Nederland.

At the Blue Owl Used Book and Ice Cream Shop, Dennis Quinn displayed some of his latest work. The former Ward artist-in-residence showed his painting of the Ward Church, completed during his stay in the picturesque historical town. Visitors licked ice cream cones on the patio, a cold, sweet summer treat.

At the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center Eco Art Lounge, Kathy Spratford welcomed guests David Evans and Eleanor Gianni of Denver and invited them to pick up a brush, apply water to paper and add color to the flow. The beginning artists were surprised at the results, thinking perhaps they would do it again.

Spratford shared her new art project, the building of wind chime pipes in a stationary frame. After collecting the metal from the dump, she asked Dave Current at Ace Hardware  to cut them to various lengths to produce designated sounds, notes created by placing holes in appropriate places.

The sculpture/wind chime will be installed at the Mud Lake bus.

"It's all about recycling," says Spratford, "You don't need money to make beauty."

At the Carousel, three local authors introduced and signed their books, some of which have recently just been released. Anastasia Kierst of Rollinsville quit her teaching career to create Imagination Vacation in Colorado, a vibrant look at our state's natural landmarks. It is available at the Carousel of Happiness, Dandelion, Blue Owl, the Visitor's Center, and the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center.

The O'Gradys, Angela and Tim, had their books for sale. Angela's Homemade Beauty, and   Down Home Cookin' inspired Tim to write the book he's had in his head for a long time, The Silly Stump, a cleverly illustrated kid's story.

Angela O'Grady has also published Mountain High Pharms: Hemp and Cannabis Cooking Goodies, which was not on display at the Carousel. This book includes warnings about the dosage and dangerous potency of edibles if one is not accustomed to cannabis.

George Blevins, Nederland's own artist and author, creator of the “Nedhead” cartoon rendering, signed his newest book, Mr. Turtle meets Ms. Ladybug. And for only $1 visitors received a Carousel of Happiness poster with Blevins' signature. Everyone also was greeted with a signature smile.

At Very Nice Brewery, the Friday afternoon group gathered to relax and begin the weekend, with artwork brightening the walls, and clinking mugs and toasting friends became a must-do tradition. On Second Street, at Salto, a crowd of children and their parents played on the patio or sat around the cheerful fire with appetizers and drinks as Jon and Miles Ridnell played satiny smooth tunes.

At Dandelion on First Street, a variety of cheeses, wines and breads greeted the folks who came to say hi to Annie Thayer, local watercolor artist.

This Friday was about as good as it gets: free food, drinks, music, authors, books, and friends and neighbors in a pleasant stroll through downtown Ned.