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Cracker Barrel

October 1 - 7

Posted 9/30/26

This week features local history, arts, festivals, and community events

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Cracker Barrel

October 1 - 7

Posted

Thursday, October 1

Hidden History Revealed: The Story of Yaye & Ryoji Kato: Rocky Mountain National Park’s story isn’t just rocks and wildlife—it’s people, too. Come hear about Yaye Kato, a Japanese woman who ran a tea house near Tuxedo Park, alongside the more familiar story of Anna Wolfram’s Wigwam Tea House. Hidden histories like the Kato family’s remind us there’s always more to uncover. Their story broadens our cultural perspective of both Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.  Piecing it together takes historians, archaeologists, and park folks all working together. 6 to 7 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Art at the Center Reception: Browse local art while enjoying snacks and beverages! 5 to 7 p.m., 750 Highway 72, Nederland. 

Saturday, October 3

Small Engine Day: Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of early small engines—also known as hit-or-miss or skip motors—that once powered farms, mines, and more. Watch these historic machines in action, including a museum model that's more than 100 years old. Learn how they worked, what made them so reliable, and why they were essential to everyday life. Drop in anytime during the event—no registration required! 12 to 3 p.m., Nederland Mining Museum, 200 North Bridge Street, Nederland.

Golden Gate Slash Days: $20 per load, cash or check please. Please review the Jefferson County slash page at jeffco.us/2493/Slash-Collection for more information. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fire Station 81, 32360 Robinson Hill Road, Golden. 

Sunday, October 4

Blessing of the Animals: All four footed, furry, feathered, and scaled beings are welcome. Attending will be local rescues and other animal related businesses, music, and food. 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Exhibition Barn at Gilpin County Recreation Center, 250 Norton Drive, Black Hawk. 

Harvest Fest: Don’t miss the end of the season celebration for Nederland Farmers Market! Extra vendors, beer, wine, and spirit sales, a pumpkin patch and live music from Atomga and KC36 Orange Sunshine Band! Costumes encouraged. The theme is ghouls and goblins. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 80 East Second Street, Nederland. 

Seed and Bulb Sale: Add variety to your landscape while supporting the Master Gardener program. Gilpin County Extension Master Gardeners are hosting a bulb and seed sale. Shop for a variety of mountain-hardy iris, daffodil, and snowdrop bulbs, all of which are deer/rodent resistant. Attract pollinators with mountain hardy wildflower seeds and grass seed mixes available for purchase as well. Look for the Gilpin CSU Extension tent at the Nederland Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nederland Farmers Market, 80 East Second Street, Nederland.

Protecting Homes, Protecting Forests: Deepen your understanding of the systemic connections between home protection and forest protection here in the mountains of Boulder County. Discuss what we can do individually and as a community to protect the wonderful place where we live. Gain perspective on voting decisions about home and forest protection that you will be asked to make during the upcoming November 3 election, including regarding Colorado State Proposition 137. Presented by Alex Markevich of the Magnolia Forest Group. 3 to 4:30 p.m., Nederland Community Library, 200 Highway 72.

Tuesday, October 6

Community Potluck: Everyone’s invited to the table! Join us for our community Potluck Suppers—a chance to enjoy delicious food, friendly company, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal. Bring a dish inspired by the season (or any personal favorite!) and come gather with neighbors and new friends alike. Arrive a little early to get set up. 6 to 8 p.m., The Old Gallery, 14863 Highway 7, Allenspark.

Wednesday, October 7

Senior Strummers: Guitar workshop and jam session for Nederland Area Seniors. Starts at 1 p.m., Nederland Community Center, 750 Highway 72, Nederland.

Did we miss you? Would you like your event listed in the Cracker Barrel? Please submit your event online at themtnear.com/events-submission/ to be included in the next edition. Check us out online at themtnear.com/events for more upcoming events.