Every year, in the dark days of winter, a group of volunteers gathers to begin again. Another year, another opportunity to strategize on making the next event one you will remember.

What food? Which artists? What musical traditions? Which organizations? What color will the t-shirt be?

This group of volunteers meets once a month, usually, though this year once was by Google Hangout. That’s it. Over the course of just 7 meetings, an amazing thing happens. Contracts are signed, forms and applications submitted, equipment is ordered, funds are raised, the word gets out. The Festival is coming!

In honor of the 19th year (!) here are 19 things you won’t want to miss at this year’s event (there are so many, but 19 will get you started):

1. Sababa – the Boulder Jewish Festival funded their Kickstarter project and booked them for the Festival to celebrate their new album, Shalosh.
2. Blintzes and
3. Corned beef and
4. Kosher hot dogs and Falafel and
5. Moroccan and
6. Organic food (yes! Boulder!)
7. Or Zimrah, the Congregation Har HaShem House Band – also celebrating their first-ever studio album!
8. The fine art and Judaica booths, including fair trade Judaica (yes! Boulder!)
9. Organizations making their first appearance at the Festival, including the Boulder Jewish Commons Community Coop,
10. and Bend The Arc,
11. and the Boulder Mikvah
12. Saul Kaye and his band, with his unique Jewish Blues music and
13. Cowboy Hersh and the Lost Tribe (not together, silly!)
14. Gaga in the kids area, near the
15. Avid4 Adventure Climbing Wall
16. Bukharian folk music and dance from Tofakhon, the group that amazed attendees at Limmud Colorado this year
17. Sisterhood Sweets – just like your mother made
18. The t-shirt!
19. The people!

What’s on your don’t-miss list? Leave a comment and let us know! And be sure to download the Festival app to your mobile device, it includes the entertainment schedule, artist locations, and of course – the food lineup!

This year’s Boulder Jewish Festival takes place on Sunday, June 9, 11 am to 5 pm. Artists are on 3 blocks of the Pearl Street Mall – from mid-1200 (the rocks or Peppercorn, depending on your perspective!) to mid-1400 (the animals – or Starbucks). Great food and the main entertainment tent are on the 1300 block, and nonprofit community organizations and kids activities fill the Courthouse Lawn.  Free parking in city lots – or ride your bike! And please extend a thank you to our volunteers and our sponsors. See you on June 9!