The American National Bank Farmers Market concluded its eighth year on Thursday, Sept. 15. The festival carried on with its familiar hospitality, the same as it will when it starts up again in May.
Fresh Produce, arts, crafts, and other specialties from the Grand Valley greet the teeming crowd of passers-by with samples, information, and smiles. Members of the Stay Positive group walk around with signs advertising “free hugs.” Coming too close to one of these crowds will surely guarantee being hugged by at least three strangers. A young girl informs curious onlookers about a large, unusually shaped gourd in front of an older man who stirs a large pot of kettle corn.
A noticeable sight is the lack of dogs, which stroll Main Street with their masters, greeting those passing by. A recent city ordinance banned pets at downtown festivals.
Diana Wegh is the owner and master soap maker for Canyon Spirit Soapworks, a Fruita based company which has had a booth at Farmer’s Market since the beginning of the summer festival.
“I miss the dogs, but they had to go,” Wegh said.
Food safety concerns as well as unruly animals, on the hot pavement prompted the council’s decision. Wegh, a part of the Farmer’s Market since its beginning, spoke of changing trends at the festival. Turnout this summer was comparable to past summers.
“There are a lot more visitors from out of town, but less locals than we used to see,” Wegh said.
She thinks that decrease in locals is due to bigger crowds, and summer heat.
“It is still fun, but I hope they come back,” Wegh said.
Rich Nye, who has been coming to the downtown event since he moved to the Grand Valley three years ago, was happy just to be present. Nye likes how visible the downtown community becomes during the festival.
“It is great, just coming down and watching people, there’s kids playing in the fountain, I can’t remember the last time I played in a fountain.” Nye said. “There’s all kinds of fresh produce and food, and good music that everyone can appreciate.”
The crowd was filled with people of all ages, The city of Grand Junction fully shows itself at the market, farmers from Palisade, cowboys from Fruita, and more of the valley’s vast mixture of residents can find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy all that Mesa County has to offer.

ealinko@mavs.coloradomesa.edu