DENVER, CO – A new Denver Farmers Market will feature more than 65 vendors, most of which will sell produce and groceries, the organizers said.
The City Park Farmers Market takes place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the former City Park Esplanade Fresh Market on E. Colfax Ave. 2551 instead.
The market’s Colorado-based vendors, which include food startups, established brands, and artisans, will sell fruits, vegetables, baked goods, coffee, beverages, sauces, condiments, and ready-to-eat meals. Several vendors will sell products such as botanical soaps, flowers, and zero waste products.
The East Denver Food Hub will offer meat and products from dozens of local farmers who otherwise may not be able to get their goods to market, organizers said. The organization was founded during the pandemic to help farmers in Colorado.
“It was a question of survival,” said Roberto Meza, co-founder and operations manager of the organization. “After the COVID success, grocery stores and restaurants were closed. We lost 65 to 70 percent of our market overnight. The possibility of losing 35 acres of farmland and our greenhouse was likely.”
Meza started the 2020 season selling only microgreens from his own farm, Emerald Gardens, but soon other farmers asked him to represent them as well and sell their eggs, honey and other products.
“We’re much better able to stay viable when we put other products together for sale,” said Meza. “Now we understand that it is the collective that makes a difference in agriculture. We try to work together as much as possible.”
“We work with people who are passionate about growing food, using local and organic ingredients, or somehow involved in the local farming scene,” said Wanberg.
The new market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 30th.
The market will also include a donation-based yoga class at 9 a.m. on Saturday with Big Power Yoga and a schedule of regular live performances by local musicians.
Cafe tables with seating and umbrellas will be scattered along the boardwalk “in hopes of creating a plaza-style European vibe while the grassy surroundings make them both family and dog-friendly,” according to the organizers.
“Creating a complete and memorable experience for our guests is also a supportive element in promoting our suppliers,” said Margo Wanberg.
“We hope people will spend their Saturday mornings with us, taking away both fresh local goods and a closer relationship with the people who made them.”
>> Here is a full list of farmers’ market vendors.
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