Boulder County farmers markets cultivating community this summer

In the mid-1980s, a group of local farmers dreamed of having a market, and the Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM) non-profit was born. These markets have expanded in the past few decades--what began as trucks unloading produce onto a few tables has expanded into markets across the county, showcasing more than 150 vendors.

However, the market does not just provide an opportunity to support local business, something that residents enjoy.

"I love the fact that you can get out here and support local farms and small businesses, which is really important," said Longmont resident Emily Hawkins. "Especially farmers right now, those are the people who really need support. It's nice there's an actual place to come out and support a bunch of businesses at once."

Shoppers and vendors alike enjoy the sense of community that also comes from the weekly event. Syd, who's worked the Il Porcellino Salumi booth for at least five seasons said, "I love working the farmers market... I do this just because I love it and it's fun. I love the product that we sell, and chatting with customers." Notably, Il Porcellino has won the national "Grand Charcuterie Master" award at least two times.

"Fun" was also a common thing among market attendees. For example, Izzy Munson has been helping work her family farm's stand for the past ten years. She said that working the Munson Farms booth allows her to meet people and be part of the community. She said that last year was somewhat difficult due to COVID restrictions, but that this year has been more relaxed.

Even still, the markets are doing what they can to encourage COVID safety. One way to do this was limiting the number of samples, which has been a bit of a disappointment for visitors and vendors alike. "It has also been a lot harder to sample products, which is a big way we drive our sales," said Leo with Colorado Aromatics. This farm-to-skin brand grows its own herbs for its products and seeks to inform people that farming extends beyond fruits and vegetables, and in reality, impacts various aspects of life.

In addition to the limited samples, the Boulder market asks attendees to wear masks from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. for people who are not yet ready to go maskless. The Longmont market did not have any similar signs posted, but, like Boulder, it did have an outdoor seating area with room for social distancing.

"It seems to be just as busy as before COVID, maybe even more busy now that people are vaccinated and excited to get out," said Boulder market attendee Courtney Connolly.

Both markets were bustling on Saturday, June 12. Ela Family Farms booth worker Leandra Fleming expressed hope at this fact. "It's definitely starting to get back to normal. I'm excited to see the market grow."

Fleming has worked the market for at least the past four years, and has also worked at the Boulder location as well. Booth partner Brynn, who has worked the market for the past seven seasons, commented that she's also excited at the increased business, and said that one of her favorite parts about the market is the fact that all BCFM vendors are from Colorado.

"So [you know] that you're going to be shopping locally, that's really nice, because you know you can have a community," she said.

"It's a great community environment," said third season BCFM vendor Allie, representing Bookcliff Vineyards. "I love talking to the vendors and talking to the customers as well... This is a great place to be." Allie explained that she had worked the market through the thick of COVID as well, noting that she appreciated people's efforts to be safe, but that she was excited to see new faces.

It seems that the opportunity for new collections is another reason people are so excited to come out this year. For example, the Luna Culinary Collective was established during COVID as a contactless meal service. Booth workers Emmett Verba and Tiffany Trieu were excited to meet people in person and showcase their products. "[My favorite thing is] meeting everyone and seeing the community thrive again," said Trieu.