Barbara Lawlor, Nederland

Although the First Friday tradition in Nederland began as an art tour, organizer Katrina Harms says the event has morphed into a social tour through the businesses in town. Many of our downtown shops have local art on display and many offer great specials and music and snacks for your Friday stroll through town. Businesses extend their hours for the Friday jaunt through town, staying open until 7 p.m.

"It's a pleasant summer afternoon occasion," says Katrina, "and many business owners want to be a part of the First Friday happening."

Last Friday, James DeWalt, local photographer, was happy to show some of his work at the Dandelion. DeWalt has become a familiar figure at Nederland area events as well as hiking by himself into the wilderness areas, capturing the majestic vistas of our mountains and meadows. On Friday, he had on display a large photograph of Nederland's Pedestrian Bridge. Although it is oft photographed as one or our landmarks, DeWalt got his shot from a different angle, looking up from under the bridge towards the north.

He says it is not really one of his favorite works because he enhanced it some, but the textures of the wood and the concrete are beautifully articulated and the color is dense, adding to the vital feel of the structure.

He describes the setting of a splendid elk on a ridge with a view of background hills. He laughs as he explains that below the ridge was a construction site. It all depends on point of view.

In the shopping center, the Very Nice Brewing Company was the setting for a new painting by Al Hart. His specialty is Nederland panoramas and buildings. The view on display is the landscape seen from the Eldora Ski Road, looking down on Arapaho Ranch and the ponds and wetlands there.

At the Nederland Visitor's Center, Steve Lowtwait, Boulder County landmark poster creator, presented his work and talked about the meaning and origin of each of the images he was contracted to create for our parks and wilderness areas.

On Fridays, the Dam Liquor Store offers wine tasting. Many customers enjoyed savoring the offering the day. Peak Wine and Spirits had samples of Sno Vodka, Sno Fin, and Fyr Herbal Liqueur.

Coyote’s Cavern in the shopping center offered customers a choice of soap or a small quartz sample, while the Carousel of Happiness gave free rides for customers with a receipt from a business for a purchase on that day.

Just about anywhere you go on a First Friday, there will be something special to see, to taste, to hear, and to enjoy. First Fridays will continue through September.