In Praise of Farmers' Markets, Etc.

So here we are in the full blush of summer...

I am adjusting to my new job and starting to catch up on everything else -- with all the vegetable gardens planted, the flower beds in reasonably good shape, and lettuce, chard, spinach, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and fresh herbs coming on. And to top it off, we have sweet cherries in the mini orchard in our community garden. Is there a better time of year?

In the general category of "catching up," I spent a few hours yesterday volunteering as a Master Gardener (MG) Apprentice at the MG booth at the Cherry Creek Farmer's market, and I was reminded of all the reasons we love them!

First, you can buy some incredibly fresh produce. I splurged on a basket of huge cherry tomatoes -- big as plums -- grown in a hothouse on a farm in Fort Lupton -- and some fresh corn and cilantro. Friends of mine bought fresh-baked bread and home-made corn tortillas (fabulous when layered with grilled garlic, onions, poblano peppers and melted cheese.) I wish I had taken pictures.

Second, you meet such wonderful people. There was a young man in the booth next to us, an apprentice cook with Johnston Wales, selling seasoned salmon, dips and other yummy items. He couldn't do enough for us -- jumped up to help us set up; tied down our tent corners to his weights; was generally amazingly helpful. He is young, entreprenurial, hopeful -- starting his own business and launching his wares -- and a genuinely nice man. I wish I had gotten the name of his business.

Third, farmers' markets are an extreme people-watching opportunity. When we weren't answering questions about powdery mildew, acid-loving plants, pruning lilacs and other fascinating topics, we were noticing how -- over time -- couples come to resemble one another, like matched sets of salt and pepper shakers. Again, I wish I had taken pictures.

Fortunately, in an effort to knock down the 50 hours of volunteer time I need to relinquish my apprentice status and become a real Master Gardener, I'll be hanging out at the Farmer's Market for the next few weeks. My plan is to take my camera and spend some time talking to producers -- and then introducing them to you.

So stay tuned. In the meantime, if you'd like to visit a farmer's market on your own, here's a list of Colorado farmer's markets, compliments of the Colorado Department of Agriculture:

Monday

Colorado SpringsMemorial Park, (Union Blvd. & Pikes Peak Ave.)
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 19 - Oct. 2
E-mail: franklinhschmidt@peoplepc.com

Denver Tamarac Shopping Center (Tamarac & Hampden)
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 23 - September
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Tuesday
Aurora (333 Havana St. , in parking lot)
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 24 - Oct. 28
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Evergreen, The Bergan Village Shopping Center
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 3 - Oct. 7

Fountain, 116 S. Main St. (City Hall Plaza)
3 p.m. - 7 p.m., June 17 - early Oct.

Glenwood Springs, Centennial Park (9th and Grand Ave.)
4 p.m. - dusk
June 17 - Sept. 23
E-mail: cindy@glenwoodmarket.com
Web site: http://www.glenwoodmarket.com/

Loveland, In front of Hobby Lobby
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., May - Oct.
E-mail: fcfm2008@wildblue.net
Web site: www.fortnet.org/market

Pueblo, 4th St. and Midtown
7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., July 8 - Oct.

Wednesday

Boulder, 13th St. between Canyon Blvd. & Arapahoe Ave.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m., May 7- Oct. 1
E-mail: manager@boulderfarmers.org
Web site: http://www.boulderfarmers.org/

Cañon City, Veteran's Park
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 4 - Oct. 1
E-mail: stultzranch@earthlink.net

Carbondale, 4th and Main
10 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 11 - Oct. 1
E-mail: highwireranch@hotmail.com

Colorado Springs, America the Beautiful Park (Cimino Dr., south of Colorado Ave.)
3 p.m. - 7 p.m., June 11 - Oct. 8
E-mail: info@farmandartmarket.com
Web site: http://www.farmandartmarket.com/

Denver, Cherry Creek N. Dr. & University (next to Bed, Bath & Beyond)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 4 - Sept. 24
Web site: http://www.coloradofreshmarkets.com/

Denver, Civic Center Park (Broadway & 14th Ave.)
11 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 11 - Sept. 26
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Fort Collins, Harmony Market Pl. (Harmony & Lemay)
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., mid June - Oct.
E-mail: fcfm2008@wildblue.net
Web site: www.fortnet.org/market

Grand Junction, Teller Arms Shopping Center
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. May 21 - Nov. 5

Greeley, 902 7th Ave.
3 p.m. - 6 p.m., July 2 - Oct. 1
Web site: www.greeleygov.com/fm

Littleton, 7301 S. Sante Fe (in parking lot)
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 18 - Oct. 29
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Manitou Springs, Soda Springs Park
4 p.m. - 6 p.m., June 11 - Aug. 27
E-mail: kitty@clemens.com
Web site: http://www.80829.com/

Montrose, Centennial Plaza
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mid July - Sept.
E-mail: frances_mb44@hotmail.com

Telluride, Gondola Plaza in the center of Mountain Village
2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Mid July - Mid Sept.
E-mail: telluridefarmersmarekt@gmail.com

Thursday

Aurora, Smoky Hill & E470 (Southland's Retail Center)
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 5 - Aug.
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Colorado Springs, Memorial Park, Union Blvd. & Pikes Peak Ave.
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 23- Oct. 6
E-mail: franklinhschmidt@peoplepc.com

Craig, 543 Yampa Ave. (west side of street in Alice Pleasant Park)
3 p.m. - 6 p.m., June 5 - Oct. 18
E-mail: downtown.books@hotmail.com

Estes Park, 1209 Manford Ave. (Stanley Fairgrounds)
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 5 - Sept. 25
E-mail: kvdennis@nunntelwb.com

Florence, Pioneer Park
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 19 - Sept. 25

Grand Junction, Main St.
5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 12 - Sept. 18

Mancos, 117 N. Main (Boyle Park)
5 p.m. - 7 p.m., June 26 - Sept. 11
E-mail: skimball@mancoscolorado.com
Web site: http://www.mancoscolorado.com/

Wheat Ridge, 4260 Wadsworth Blvd.
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 19
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Friday

Denver, I-76 & 88th
7 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 1 - October
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Dillon, Buffalo St.
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 13 - Sept. 5 (no markets July 4 or Aug. 8)
E-mail: CBenefiel@townofdillon.com

Granby, 365 E. Agate Ave. (south side of Agate Ave. between 3rd & 4th St.)
3 p.m. - 7 p.m., June 6 - Oct. 3 & 4
E-mail: grcoc@rkymtnhi.com
Web site: http://www.granbychamber.com/

Johnstown, Downtown on S. Parish St.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m., July 25 - Sept. 12

Monte Vista, Fullenweider Park on 1st Ave.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., June 1 - Aug. 31
E-mail: t3stooges@msn.com
Web site: http://www.cityofmontevista.com/

Pagosa Springs, Located on Hwy. 160 in the center of town.
4 p.m. - 7 p.m., June 27 - Sept. 26
E-mail: director@pagosachamber.com
Web site: http://www.pagosaspringschamber.com/

Pueblo, 4th St. and Midtown
7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., July 8 - Oct.

Rifle, Railroad Ave. & East 2nd St.
4 p.m. - 8 p.m., June 13 - Sept. 26

South Fork Visitor's Center, intersection of Highways 160 and 149
8 a.m.- 12 p.m., July 4 - August 29\
E-mail: ardean@southforkfarmersmarket.org
Web site:http://www.southforkfarmersmarket.org/

Telluride, S. Oak St. in Telluride below Elks Park across from the county courthouse
11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., June 13 - Oct. 17
E-mail: telluridefarmersmarket@gmail.com

Woodland Park, Corner of Center and Henrietta
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 13 - Sept. 26

Saturday

Alamosa, Parking lot at State & Main
7 a.m. - 2 p.m., July 12 - Oct. 13
E-mail: tawney1@earthlink.net
Web site: http://www.alamosa.org/

Aspen, Hopkins and Hunter Streets
8 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 14 - Oct. 18

Aurora, Smoky Hill & E470 (Southlands Retail Center)
9 a.m. - 2 p.m., May 17 - Oct. 18
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Brighton, Downtown at North 1st & Strong St.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 21 - Sept. 27
E-mail: downtown@brightonco.gov
Web site: http://www.brightonco.gov/

Boulder, 13th St. between Canyon Blvd. & Arapahoe Ave.
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., April 5 - Nov. 1
E-mail: bfm-manager@boulderfarmers.org
Web site: http://www.boulderfarmers.org/

Castle Pines, Castle Pines Parkway
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., every 3rd Saturday of each month
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Castle Rock, SW corner of the Castle Rock Shopping Center
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., July 12 - Oct. 4
E-mail: dcsue@douglas.co.us

Colorado Springs, 24th St. & W. Colorado Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., June 7- Oct. 25
E-mail: franklinhschmidt@peoplepc.com

Colorado Springs, 4515 Barnes Rd.
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 28 - Sept. 27
E-mail: franklinhschmidt@peoplepc.com

Colorado Springs, 7350 Pine Creek Rd. (at the Margarita at Pine Creek)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 14 - Oct. 11
E-mail: info@farmandartmarket.com
Web site: http://www.farmandartmarket.com/

Cortez, 109 W. Main (Hwy. 160)
7:30 a.m. - sellout, June 7 - Oct.11
E-mail: Tom.Hooten@colostate.edu
Web site: http://www.cortezfarmmarket.com/

Denver, I-76 & 88th
7 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 1 - October
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Denver, Cherry Creek N. Dr. & University (next to Bed, Bath & Beyond)
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 3 - Oct. 25
Web site: http://www.coloradofreshmarkets.com/

Durango, 1st National Bank parking lot
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., May 17 - Oct. 25

Edwards, Edwards Corner (across from Riverwalk)
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., June 14 - Sept. 13
E-mail: edwards@rockymountainmarkets.com

Fort Collins, 802 W. Drake
10 a.m. - 1 p.m., April 19 - Sept. 27
Email: manager@drakeroadfarmersmarket.com
Web site: http://www.drakeroadfarmersmarket.com/

Fort Collins,
Corner of Howes and Olive
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., July 12 - Oct. 11
E-mail: astoven@larimer.org
Web site: www.larimer.org/ext

Fruita, 325 E. Aspen Ave.
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Mid June - End of Oct.

Grand Junction, Teller Arms Shopping Center
7 a.m. - 12 p.m. May 21 - Nov. 5

Golden, 10th and Illinois (next to the Golden Library)
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 7 - Oct. 4
E-mail: Deborah.r@earthlink.net or info@goldencochamber.org

Greeley, 902 7th Ave.
7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., May 17 - Oct. 25
Web site: www.greeleygov.com/fm

Gunnison, N. Main & E. Virginia
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 28 - Oct. 11
E-mail: director@gfm-online.org
Web site: http://www.gfm-online.org/

Littleton, Southwest Plaza (Bowles & Wadsworth)
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., May 3 - Oct. 25
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Lone Tree, Lone Tree Entertainment District (across from Brunswick Zone)
9 a.m. 1 p.m., May 31 - Oct. 11
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Longmont, North lot of Longmont Fairgrounds
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 3 - Oct. 25
E-mail: cindy@boulderfarmers.org
Web site: http://www.longmontfarmers.com/

Minturn, Historic Downtown
9 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., June 14 - Sept. 6
E-mail: market@minturn.org
Web site: http://www.minturn.org/ and http://www.minturnmarket.org/

Montrose, Centennial Plaza
8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., May - Oct.
E-mail: frances_mb44@hotmail.com

Monument, 481 Hwy. 105 (directly behind Radio Shack)
7 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 7 - Oct. 11

Norwood, 1120 Summit St.
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., June 7 - Sept. 20

Salida, Alpine Park
8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 21 - Oct. 11

Steamboat Springs, Lincoln Ave. on 6th St. next to the Courthouse
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 14 - August 30
E-mail: mainstreetsteamboat@comcast.net
Web site: http://www.mainstreetsteamboatsprings.com/

Strasburg, 56551 E. Colfax
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., May 24 - Oct. 18
Oct. 18 (pumpkin patch)
E-mail: brendac2@netecin.net

Trinidad, Main Street (between Convent & Beech)
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., mid July - mid October
E-mail: tcpotter@amigo.net

Sunday

Boulder, 29th Street Mall
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., starting June 15
Web site: www.thefruitstand.net/mf_details.html

Denver, I-76 & 88th
7 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 1 - October
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Denver, 1500 blk. of S. Pearl (between Florida & Iowa)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 8 - Oct. 26
E-mail: nicolejarman@gmail.com
Web site: http://www.oldsouthpearlstreet.com/

Denver, Sullivan Fountain at Colfax and City Park (across from the Tattered Cover)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 1 - Oct. 26
Web site: http://www.coloradofreshmarkets.com/

Denver, E. 29th Ave. & Roslyn St. (Stapleton's Founders' Green)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 15 - Sept. 28
Web site: http://www.coloradofreshmarkets.com/

Crested Butte, 100 Block of Elk Ave.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 22 - Oct. 19
E-mail: powderfarmer@gmail.com
Web site: http://cbfarmersmarket.org/

Fort Collins, Harmony Market Pl. (corner of Harmony & Lemay)
11 a.m. - 3 p.m., May - Oct.
E-mail: fcfm2008@wildblue.net
Web site is www.fortnet.org/market

Highlands Ranch Town Center, Highlands Ranch Parkway (between Lucent & Broadway)
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., May 4 - Oct. 26
Farmers' Market Hotline: (303) 887-Farm
Web site: http://www.denverfarmersmarket.com/

Lakewood, Belmar, SE corner of S. Wadsworth & W. Alameda
(access Alaska Dr. via Teller St., Vance St. or Saulsbury St.)
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 1 - Sept. 28
E-mail: brittanym@continuumll.com
Web site: http://www.belmarcolorado.com/

Palisade, 3rd & Main
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., June - Sept.
E-mail: tdarrah@townofpalisade.org
Web site: http://www.townofpalisade.org/

Parker, Parker Crossroads (northwest corner of Parker Rd. & Main St.)
8 a.m. - 1 p.m., May 11 - Oct. 28
E-mail: simmons03@att.net
Web site: http://www.laughingdogfarms.net/

Ridgway, Ouray County Fairgrounds
8a.m. - 12 p.m., June 15 - Sept. 28

Vail, Meadow Dr. in Vail Village
10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., June 15- Sept. 7
Web site: http://www.rockymountainmarkets.com/

Westminster, 105th and Sheridan
10 a.m. - 4 p.m., May - Oct.
Web site: http://www.millerfarms.net/

Don't Miss This One

O.K., I'm back -- just in time to publicize some very cool stuff going on at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG).

DBG has recently launched a series of classes on sustainable living called The Urban Homestead. These classes are designed to provide the skills necessary to grow your own food on even the smallest city lot.

Don't miss this one:

Thursday, July 24, 7:00 p.m.
Community Film Screening and Local Food Open House
'The Real Dirt on Farmer John'
Denver Botanic Gardens Mitchell Hall
Meet Farmer John, whose inspirational story has won accolades and awards at film festivals around the world. The Real Dirt on Farmer John charts the story of a family farm from its traditional roots through its reinvention as a haven for hippies and artists, its tragic collapse in the farm debt crisis of the 80s, and finally its transformation into one of the largest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the United States, a beacon of today's booming organic farming movement. Come early to visit an expo of local farmers, co-ops, community gardens and markets and meet your local 'Farmer Johns'! Please note: this film contains brief nudity and references to drug use. $10 suggested donation; pre-registration recommended due to limited space. To register, call 720-865-3580 or visit http://www.botanicgardens.org/ .

Direct link to register for the film: http://www.peopleware.net/index.cfm?siteCode=2736&eventDisp=08ADULTNC&subeventdisp=08JLL115&CFID=17857256&CFTOKEN=3abc16f-9a3efb2d-c5e1-41bc-9e9e-1acd0a5185f2

More information about Farmer John (and his movie):
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/realdirt/

YouTube trailer:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqP1SC5Tr7U

Look for other classes in the Urban Homestead series in the events section of this blogsite by clicking here.

Upcoming Events, Etc.

Here it is May 14th, and I just updated my "quote of the month" for May (good grief!) It is: "Nature does not hurry -- and yet everything gets accomplished." I'm not sure of the original source; it came to me as part of the signature block in an email from a fellow Denver Urban Gardens volunteer.

I choose it because it is especially fitting, given the current rhythms of my life. Or disruption of rhythms, as the case may be.

I recently went back to work full time, for a new company, in a new industry. My time is no longer my own. I am measuring it out in Eliot's proverbial coffee spoons -- a cupful for gainful employment, one or two spoonsful a day to my garden, the community garden, my family, et al.

I feel a bit like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. The learning curve at work is steep; I'm meeting a whole new cast of colorful characters, and over my shoulder there is the ghost of a grin reminding me that eventually, everything will settle down and I'll find a new rhythm. One that works a little better.

So apologies for the delay in postings; meanwhile here are a couple of cool events on the horizon:

Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8am - 3 pm
Plant-a-Palooza
CSU, Denver Extension Plant Sale (Denver)
Harvard Gulch Park
888 East Iliff Avenue
This is a major fund-raising event for CSU Denver Extension, staffed by Colorado Master Gardeners and offering plants you need to start your own gardens, including colorful annuals and Plant Select perennials chosen to do well in Denver's cklimate; herbs; a wide variety of peppers and tomatoes, including heirlooms, paste and modern varieties. I'll be working this event, chipping away at the volunteer hours I need to achieve full Master Gardener status.

Wednesday, May 21, 7 - 9 pm
"Green Umbrella" Networking Event:
Mapping Our Community Resources (Durango)
The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado is sponsoring its second "Green Umbrella" networking event. The purpose of this event is to come together to assess local sustainability resources, leading to an online "map" of community assets and opportunities. Their goal is to understand the roles of various participants in contributing to local sustainability in critical topical areas, including energy, water, food, conservation, education, land use, health care, the local economy, and cultural diversity.
Where: Sunlight Room, Durango Rec Center, 2700 Main Avenue, Durango.
When: 7pm - 9pm
More information: RSVP by May 14 to Werner Heiber at 970-769-2688 or werner.heiber@gmail.com, www.sustainableswcolorado.org

Saturday, May 24, 4-10 pm

Launch Event for Colorado Local First - (Denver)
Held at the D Note in Arvada (7519 Grandview Avenue), this kick-off event features live local music, drink specials, awesome pizza, door prizes from local businesses and more. This event is a celebration of local first, and will be the official unveiling of the Colorado Local First campaign and online directory. The interactive directory is the only definitive resource for finding locally-owned businesses in Colorado communities. For more information, check out the Colorado Local First website at www.milehighbiz.org

News for Producers

Grants Available to Market Colorado Agriculture

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is accepting grant applications for funding through its new "Ag Products Utilization & Marketing Program." Grant funds will assist Colorado companies to research and develop new uses and markets for food and agricultural products that are grown, raised or processed in Colorado.

"The program is ideal for Colorado's farmers, ranchers and food processors, providing funds to assist with feasibility studies, market development and promotions," said Tom Lipetzky, markets division director of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "Our goal is to help Colorado's food and agricultural suppliers position their businesses to take advantage of local, regional, national and international market opportunities."

Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to, feasibility studies and technical projects such as assessing the potential of establishing an agricultural value-added business project; and marketing and promotion projects such as first-time participation in trade shows, new product launches and promotions supporting the development of new sales channels. Approximately $100,000 is available, and the maximum award per project is $20,000.

A matching contribution of cash and in-kind resources equal to at least 50 percent of the total project budget is required. Applications may be submitted at anytime as there is no deadline to apply for funds.

For an application and program guidelines, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4116 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com.

Now Available: The Rocky Mountain Growers Directory

Meet Jim Sincock and Tracy Sweely of Nederland -- founders of Colorado Local Sustainability and The Rocky Mountain Growers Directory.

A while ago, they began searching for local food sources produced in a sustainable manner. They wanted to support local farmers and ranchers who used sustainable practices instead of supporting industrial food production which destroys nutrients in food, undermines agricultural diversity, uses excessive amounts of energy, creates pollution, and most of all, destroys local food economies. Alas, it was not an easy task.

“Until we began our own search for sustainably grown or raised local food, we never imagined how much work it would be to find local growers,” they claim. “The harder we searched, the more it became obvious that there was a need for a comprehensive directory of sustainable growers of Colorado. We know the average person wouldn’t spend the time we have looking for local, sustainable growers, so it is our goal to provide the definitive guide to these growers and marketers of sustainable food products in Colorado. We feel that it is extremely important to support our local farms and ranches, as well as other locally owned businesses. We hope that you feel the same, and help us to create this directory, and by using it, help us to stimulate sustainable local economies.”

I’m happy to report that the first, annual, statewide, sustainable growers directory for Colorado, The Rocky Mountain Growers Directory, is now available in print! A few weeks ago, they began shipping copies to over ninety distributors around Colorado; to find a distributor near you, visit their website by clicking here.