Fort Collins Farmer’s Market Attracts Weekly Local Vendors

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — If you happen to come here any other day of the week, this area might look like an ordinary parking lot for the local Ace Hardware.

However, every Wednesday and Sunday at the Fort Collins Farmer’s Market, crowds of people browse eagerly to find only the best local produce and goods offered.

Last Sunday, dozens of local businesses made their weekly stop to sell at the Fort Collins Farmer’s Market. Vendors were stationed under canopies around the Ace Hardware parking lot.

Josh Hillhouse, owner of SunRay Natural Farm, explained the impact that being able to sell to his community has on him and his family. His family-owned business has been in Fort Collins for eight years and continues to strive from selling its products at the farmer’s market.

Josh Hillhouse, owner of SunRay Natural Farm, helps customers to select local dry rubs. Most rubs are either made by the family or imported from other organic growers. Photo by Tomer Borik.

“Purchasing local and having that security of local purveyors and producers I️ think is the top echelon in terms of protecting our freedoms and our rights and our ability to feed ourselves healthily. We are very proud to be a local provider and support our local community,” Hillhouse said.

Josh’s family business provides the community with certified organic rubs, seasonings, and teas of several varieties.

The Colorado Agricultural Marketing Cooperative offers three markets to local growers and consumers that are put on weekly for the community. This ensures that everyone throughout Fort Collins can make it to one of the farmer’s markets.

coloradoproud.org provides a detailed calendar of when local produce is in season. This produce is available at the farmer’s market throughout the season. Provided by coloradoproud.org.

Sophie Orsund, a college student at Colorado State University, attended the farmers market this weekend and last weekend. She discussed the positive impact that a weekly farmer’s market like this has on the community of Fort Collins. “The farmer’s market is a great example of how Fort Collins is a community-oriented area that loves to focus on and highlight their local businesses to help see them succeed and flourish,” Orsund said.

Dozens of community members explore the products from local businesses in the area. Most business provide samples of their products to those interested in trying. Photo by Tomer Borik.

Sophie also attended this event with her friend Sam Hanek, who enjoys the farmer’s market just as much as Sophie does. “It’s really great to see all of the small business in Fort Collins coming together in such a fun event every weekend during the summer,” Hanek said.

Several vendors come out every weekend to this farmers market. There are a variety of goods and produce options scattered throughout the lot: product, meat, homemade Mexican food, popcorn, soaps, honey, etc.

The Fort Collins Farmer’s Market is open every Wednesday starting June 15th, and the Sunday farmer’s market is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday on 1001 E Harmony Rd. For more information, visit www.fortcollinsfarmersmarket.org.