Last farmers’ market this Saturday

MEEKER | A local farmers’ market made its first entrance in 2010 in Meeker. Through an organized non-profit, Foods-Are-Us, and sponsored by the Rio Blanco Farm Bureau, it was weekly July through September and loved by the community. The produce was excellent, and other organic products made it a desirable Saturday morning stop. The Bistro’s chocolate croissants and other pastries were a hit with coffee at the picnic tables they provided. Occasionally, local musicians would stop by and play their music spontaneously. However, after week after week of bringing in produce to our remote area, burn-out with vendors and the small staff was inevitable so it eventually came to an end.
In 2015 the Heritage Culture Center was birthed with goals of renovation, heritage education, identification for economic recovery and agritourism. As the enthusiastic group began building their two-year strategic plan, bringing back the farmer’s market was at the top of the list.
In June 2016, a strong vendor line-up was presented to the community with Carly Smith as the manager. The plan was to have a market monthly on Saturday morning, paired with other events to draw visitors and locals alike. It was a big success.
Makala Barton (owner/operator of Country Raised) was asked by the Heritage Culture Center to be the manager this year. There have been even more vendors and the community response has been overwhelming. People seem to shows up with a purpose: to shop and stock up on the farm products and artisan offerings.
Vendors from Palisade, Grand Junction and Craig have said sales are better in Meeker than in their respective town markets. And customers are just as enthusiastic and complimentary about the vendors who come—both from other areas and locally.
The Heritage Culture Center would like to thank everyone who set up booths this year: Palisade Peach Shack, Little Green Truck Floral, The Produce Peddler, Meeker Spirit Store/Wyld Herbs, Toelle’s Kettle Corn, Great Harvest Bread Company, GR Beez (Honey), Grammies Oven, Holy Family Catholic Church, Wendll’s, Winter Blessings Soap Co., Say Yes!, Lilla Rose, Living Water Fibers and Alpacas, Country Diva Kiss & Monat, Tailor Maide, Kit’s Custom Care, LuLaRoe–Trisha Lynn, Vital Awareness and Local Access Internet.
The last farmers’ market for the season will be this Saturday, Sept. 9, downtown from 8 a.m. to noon. Come by and take advantage of the great products that will be available one last time this year.
Barton and the Meeker Chamber of Commerce will also be conducting a survey Saturday to get feedback about the market and suggestions for next year. A free Meeker bumper sticker will be awarded to those who participate. Check us out on Facebook: @meekerfarmersmarket