This week has been declared “National Farmers Market Week” by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
The week is set aside to celebrate our nation’s thousands of farmers markets, farmers who make them possible and the communities that host them.
As part of this celebration, the Cortez Farmers Market will be holding its Annual Farmers Market Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 9. In appreciation of community support, the vendors will either have a special item on sale or will discount your entire purchase by 10 percent.
The Friends of the Market will be handing out “I love my Market” stickers to all the children attending the Market. Sarah Syverson, director of the Farm to School Program, will be at the Community Booth providing information on how those programs are progressing at the schools in Montezuma County. Singer/Musician Jenny Winegardener is lined up as the entertainment for the day. Plus, as they do weekly, the Cortez Library will provide “Storytime” for the children beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The Cortez Farmers Market is celebrating its 41st season this year. It is the mission of the market to provide a welcoming environment for farmers and vendors from Montezuma and Dolores Counties to provide fresh, locally grown produce and products directly to local consumers. Artisans, a masseuse, bakers and chefs are also part of the mix of vendors at the Cortez Farmers’ Market.
Every Saturday, from June through October, the estimate the Cortez Farmers Market serves 400 to 500 city and county residents and visitors from the region and beyond at our location in downtown Cortez.
The Cortez Farmers Market is located in the County Courthouse Parking Lot at the corner of Elm St. and Main St. It is open from 7:30 am until noon every Saturday from June through October.
The second evening farmer’s market of the summer will be held Aug. 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. in City Park. The event will feature Wake Up Laughing, a local reggae band and a variety of vendors selling produce and art. It is managed separately from the Saturday morning market and draws in different vendors.
For more information about the Saturday event: 970-565-3123 or www.cortezfarmmarket.com.
