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New Nederland festival the cat’s meow

Christopher Kelley
Posted 8/17/23

The first ever Bizarre Cat Bazaar was held on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and proved to be the perfect mix of fun and weirdness as locals and curious out-of-towners alike perused

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New Nederland festival the cat’s meow

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The first ever Bizarre Cat Bazaar was held on Saturday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and proved to be the perfect mix of fun and weirdness as locals and curious out-of-towners alike perused a colorful and eclectic street market, were entertained by masterful performers, and got to rock out to one of Colorado’s most awesomely outrageous bands.

Local favorites Burning Bridges featured a new creation made special for the Bazaar, “Cat Scratch Fever.” Natalie Duplessy of Peace Love and Cake provided cupcakes and cat-tastic decorated sugar cookies. The Train Cars created new Kava concoctions with inspired names such as “Cat Piss.”

Panther’s Gate from Boulder was present, spreading metaphysical insight with their spiritual apothecary. Mother Gala Animal Rescue and Mountain Paws Pet Care Fund were available for cat lovers to learn how to help animals in need.

Quill the Clown offered her talents and provided lucky kids with balloon cats, dogs, even axolotls, and children of all ages were able to get their face painted as the animal or creature of their choosing.

And at the far end of the Bazaar, right near Boba T’s food truck, where attendees could get refreshing drinks and delicious sliders and fries, a giant inflatable bouncy house and water slide was set up for the younger cats to work their zoomies out.

The Backroom Chorus Girls from the Infamous Backroom Cabaret danced a feisty performance on the main stage. Angela Delsanter showcased her stilt walking skills as she graced the stage as a curious kitty. The Xae Alejando Rios Troop provided an infectious rhythm with their mesmerizing drums, as street performers meowed, purred, and hissed through the crowd, and stilt walking cats played with giant balls of yarn.

Of course the rain came pouring down smack in the middle of the afternoon, right when a group of musicians took to the stage, wearing cat ears and kitten mittens, and one in a full body purple lycra catsuit. Los Cheesies is their name, and, unlike most house cats, they played on through the falling moisture; and even despite minor complications, they played a three-hour set that brought the alley cats out to dance in the gathering puddles.

Despite the weather, this new event was extremely well attended, with many visitors to Nederland taken completely by surprise to be witnessing such an exciting and strange experience. Here’s hoping that next year even more cats come out of hiding, comb their ears and straighten their whiskers, and celebrate with their fellow felines.