Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.     Years ago, back in the 40s, 50s and 60s, Nederland's teens knew how to have a good time without smartphones, tablets, or video games. They danced at local bars, they skated on Pactolus Lake, and drove around town in beaten-up pickups and cars that are now vintage.

A bunch of these same teens showed up to whoop it up in Nederland once again. Some of them drove cars from the same era. Four members of the class of 1954 rode in a convertible in the Old Timers' Parade on Saturday, July 26, at noon.

The day began with the Nederland Area Seniors’ Pancake Breakfast at the Nederland Community Center. NAS president Jim Elder led his band of volunteers to serve hundreds of people. The Old Timers lingered over coffee and memories as the future Old Timers served them flapjacks and sausage and eggs.

At noon, the vintage cars gathered on East Street, all of them spiffied up, shiny and tuned for the day. The flatbed truck that carried the Grand Marshals was filled with chairs and the Smith family needed more vehicles to get everyone through the parade.

Announcer Chris Bower greeted each of the vehicles as they turned off First Street onto Snyder Street. The Smiths waved at the crowd gathered along the route. The crowd waved back and cheered them on. Jeanette and Mike Smith, all of their six children and all of their grandchildren had their moment in the sun, from young to old, from the past to the present.

After the parade, the crowd meandered over to the pavilion in Chipeta Park, where the aroma of sizzling burgers and onions made their mouths water. The annual picnic was picture perfect.

Although Jeanette Smith was the Grand Marshal, she was also the person who organized the day, mostly because she has always been the person who organizes the Old Timers’ Day. She handed out certificates to people deemed official Old Timers. A plaque of appreciation was presented to Dave Felkley, who has been a great friend and mentor to many seniors but was unable to come, being in hospice care in Boulder.

Five Weiss sisters reunited at the picnic: Bonny, Dixie, Claudia, Barbara, and Gloria shared some reminiscing and some teasing.

When the last bit of potato salad was devoured, the ice cream spoon licked, and the brownies consumed, it was time to end the day, to say goodbye and to look forward to next year.

It is our seniors who are here to remind us that before we were here, before all the things in our life that seem important, there was another time, there were other people who formed the community, who made Nederland grow and become the home we know today.

It was a fun time letting them know we appreciate all of the work and hope and caring that they began decades ago, and that we enjoy today.