Fresh ‘n’ Local: Where to Find 2024 Northern Colorado Farmers Markets
Colorado’s best season (IMHO) is nearly here.
It’s almost farmers market season as markets in Northern Colorado and across the state prepare to show off local food and goods.
I, for one, can’t wait. I love a good grocery store (those who know me just know).
What makes farmers markets special?
Local food. Of course, this tops the list. We get a pick of what’s in season at its peak of freshness.
Local farm economy. Shopping at a farmers market is a direct relationship with the farmer and keeps dollars within the local economy.
Surprises and learning. It never fails that when I visit a local market, I find a new variety or even a veggie to try. And I learn a lot. Producers offer tips, tricks, histories and lessons aplenty to those perusing what’s on sale. Local mushroom farmers like Willow Creek Mushrooms have taught me so much about fungi.
Cottage products. There’s always more than produce to pick up. I love finding the local honey (the Loveland Farmers Market even plans a Honey Festival) and skincare products like those from Colorado Aromatics.
Community. Everything about farmers markets says community, especially shopping casually and running into neighbors or just staying a bit to enjoy the entertainment that organizers often host.
Greeley Farmers’ Market 2024 in a new location
One of Northern Colorado’s small community farmers markets will set up in a new location this year. The Greeley Farmers’ Market will now be on Seventh Street, on the north side of Lincoln Park, between 9th and 10th avenues. Lincoln Park has room for small-group activities, a playground for children, and a green space for an artisanal market of local and urban farmers, the city of Greeley said via press release with its partner the Downtown Development Authority.
The inaugural market of the season is Saturday, May 4. The Greeley Farmers’ Market is 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 26.
The location will allow organizers to expand as needed. During the summer season, more than 50 vendors set up shop.
Loveland Farmers Markets
The Loveland Farmers Market at Fairgrounds Park, 700 S. Railroad Ave., returns June 2-Sept. 29. It is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. In addition to locally grown produce and meats, the lasts Sunday of each month features artists markets. Those dates this year are June 30, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29.
Additional special events include:
- Bike & Trail Day on June 2.
- Bloody Mary's & Mimosa's, June 23.
- Kids Daze with the Children's Entrepreneur Market, July 14.
- Christmas in July, July 28.
- Watermelon Daze & Beer Garden, Aug. 18.
- Honey Festival, Sept. 8.
Fort Collins Farmers Markets
Local food enthusiasts have three days' worth of shopping in Fort Collins.
The Fort Collins Farmers Market on Harmony Road at Lemay Avenue, in front of Ace Hardware, runs 10-2 on Sundays and on Wednesdays. The Sunday market returns on May 5 and goes through Nov. 10. The Wednesday market will start on June 12 and end on Sept. 25.
And downtown, in Old Town, is the Larimer County Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, May 18 to Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 200 W. Oak St. Colorado Master Gardeners and volunteers have organized this great gathering since 1976.
Get your shopping basket ready. Colorado farmers market season nears. I’ll see you out there.
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