GILPIN COUNTY – The 21st Annual Gilpin County Winter Arts Festival, held on December 14 and 15, 2024, at the Gilpin County Community Center, was a resounding success, bringing together local artisans, performers, and community members in a festive celebration of the holiday season.

Shopping can work up an appetite, and Mama Roo’s food truck was ready to satisfy cravings with comfort foods like smash burgers, crispy fries, chicken skewers, and warm tomato soup.

Upon entering the Community Center, attendees were greeted by the Friends of Charlie's Place booth, which offered a variety of pet toys, seasonal gifts, and children's toys. Charlie's Place, the local animal shelter shared by Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties, generously donated the pet toys. Adding to the excitement, an adoptable dog was present, eagerly meeting potential families.

Descending to the transformed gymnasium, visitors found a buzzing holiday bazaar filled with shoppers completing their holiday wish lists. The air was filled with the harmonious sounds of the Peak to Peak Chorale, followed by a performance from Nederland’s Calvary Chapel choir, enhancing the festivities with their angelic caroling.

The market featured a diverse array of vendors, both familiar and new. Informational booths included The Mountain-Ear, the Peak to Peak Rotary Club, and the Friends of Gilpin County Community Center, which provided snacks and hot drinks to attendees. 

Gilpin Parks and Recreation announced extended hours, expanding to six days a week starting January 1, and revealed the dates for the upcoming Gilpin County Fair, scheduled for July 11 to July 13.

Among the vendors was Kathleen Balfour, showcasing her Scentsy products. She highlighted the safety features of Scentsy wax warmers, noting that they are flameless, smokeless, and soot-free, making them a safer alternative to traditional candles. Balfour, who has been selling Scentsy products for three years and participating in the Gilpin Winter Arts Festival for the same period, said that the warmers are both foolproof and pet-proof. 

Other artisans included Amy Hager with her encaustic art, Jason Flesher of Litwood Artisans and Friends offering fractal-burned wood products, and Evelyn Blodgett presenting handmade malas and jewelry. Blodgett was on-site crafting “fleather” earrings – feather-shaped earrings made of leather. 

Unique jewelry made from silverware was also available, alongside two distinct varieties of “fire cider” from Mountain Mélange Medicine and Earth Star Minerals and Botanicals. 

Julie Quibodeaux of Mountain Mélange explained that “mélange” means “variety” and offered products such as molé sauce, giardiniera peppers, and sourdough crackers. She has been crafting herbal products in small batches for about five years, featuring items like fire cider, tinctures, salves, and herbs. 

Pam Dumont of Earth Star Minerals and Botanicals introduced her batch of fire cider, initiated at the last Gilpin County Farmers Market. 

I picked up one of each and can’t wait to try a side-by-side comparison for when the seasonal “ick” comes around! 

The festival also featured unique baked goods, including garam masala cookies and “10k Chocolate Chip Cookies” made at 10,000 feet elevation by Zelnar Zingale LLC from Central City. The vendor described the Indian-spiced cookies as reminiscent of gingerbread but warmer. The "Elf Bones" dog treats made of peanut butter and pumpkin were a hit among attendees.

The Gilpin Clay Studio showcased a variety of pottery, including napkin holders, plates, ornaments, platters, and pitchers. 

Starfire Studios from Evergreen presented turquoise, sterling silver, and western accessories, with plans to participate in the 2025 Gilpin County Fair.

A particularly popular booth offered personalized Christmas stockings for $20 each, allowing customers to choose their stocking material, font, and thread color. Santa bags and hoodies were also available for personalization, adding a special touch to holiday preparations.

Gilpin County Art Teacher Curt Halsted proudly showcased the Gilpin County Elementary School's Winter Art exhibit. He explained the progression of artistic skills across grade levels. 

First graders focused on careful and intentional painting. Second graders made torn-paper squirrels to practice fine motor skills and learn about body shapes and form. Kindergartners created adorable snowmen pictures. Fourth graders explored light and shadow by drawing candles. 

"They all did such a good job," Halsted said proudly.

The festival was marked by bustling vendors, happy shoppers, and a strong sense of holiday spirit in the community, making it a hugely successful event!