Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  It is important that even a principal knows how to stop, drop and roll in case of a fire. Last Friday night, May 19, 2018, Nederland Elementary School principal Laurel Reichert proved she was ready, able and willing to demonstrate the fire safety maneuver that could save a child’s life.

She dropped to her knees on a long mat and when the firefighters began spraying the air around her with carbon dioxide, she rolled down the mat, escaping the “smoke.” She was followed by firefighter Ken Khoe, who grabbed his three-year old son Forrest and they both rolled together.

The Nederland Fire Protection District’s educational booth was just one of the many non-profit, educational activities to visit at the NES end of the year carnival.

Former tattoo artist Danette Riehle, a teacher and parent, faced a long line of kids wanting to have her artwork on their arms and faces. Kids wielded a bat and swung at magic balls that hovered in the air, waiting to be whacked.

A representative of the Colorado Renaissance Festival brought swords, safe ones of course, and showed students how to joust, go after each other with discipline.

Ncred’s Nitrogen ice cream was on scene, creating custom-made ice cream. The business used to be called Brain Freeze but trademark issues led to a name change, although their product remains the same.

Hamburgers and hot dogs were grilled in the entry way and the irresistible aroma of popping corn danced through the NES gymnasium/cafeteria. So much to do, to eat, to see. The Nederland High School Robotics team brought their most recent AI robo and the night ended with cake, ice cream, prizes and faces.

A great way to end the last day of the last week of school.

(Originally published in the May 24, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)