by Ammon Pierce
The Grand Junction Street farmers market attracts hundreds of people each year. Its many food vendors, craft tents, live music and superb atmosphere make it a popular attraction among families and friends here in the Grand Valley.
Whether it be the smell of kettle corn, the sound of bluegrass bands playing in the background, the joy of little kids running around with their faces painted or even firemen teaching young kids about the dangers of fire, there is always something interesting to do for everyone in the family. At the farmers market there are plenty of fresh produce to get a hold of. There are locally cooked foods, goods and a great variety of bands.
“The meanest in town. Breaking hearts and dying young, because you know what the hot dogs will do to you,” Wild West, the owner of Shred Dawgs, said. They feature four different hot dogs all with their own different blend of relishes: Shred Dawg, Coney, Chicago and a Classic.
The farmers market is a platform where many local businesses can sell what they have grown. Horsethief Mesa Apiaries is a great example where Anthony Fronczek and his team sell honey they have harvested. Horsethief Mesa Apiaries’ honey goes for around $20 a gallon.
“I’ve been coming to the farmers market for eight years,” Fronczek said. “I think it’s great, lots of local businesses. The honey is produced here in the Valley, all the way from Silt to Patterson. The bees gotta’ be happy. The honey comes from multiple beekeepers. There’s a lot of variables: the weather, the bees, the moisture of the air and location. There’s a lot that goes into it.”
Not only is the farmers market bringing the locals downtown, but it is also attracting people from all over the country. They come for the unique experience and the causal environment. These local businesses get chance to promote their products to a much broader spectrumofcustomers.
“This is really cool for a Main Street do this, every week,” Christine Coverrubia, a visitor from Chicago, said. “How cool is that? Where I’m from this doesn’t happen. You can’t get this in a big city like Denver.”
People are surprised and warmed by the small town feel, friendly faces and welcoming atmosphere they get. When people go to the farmers market they are not justgettingthelocallycrafted goods that are being sold, free music or traditional foods, instead they are getting a fun and unique experience.
“It’s really nice to just walk around and unwind, it’s very relaxing,” Nora Fouquent, a frequent goer, said.
