Spring marks the beginning of the Boulder Farmers’ Market.
Saturday kicked off the Farmers’ Market’s re-opening for the 2011 season. White tents overflowing with farm fresh produce and other goodies characterize the market. A very large and diverse crowd clad in sandals and tank tops perused the variety of vendors for something delectable.
Executive director of Boulder County Farmer’s Market, Bob D’Alessandro, said that the market is welcoming new vendors this spring as well as more parking.
“Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors at One Boulder Plaza, we have two additional free parking lots available on Saturdays, making a total of five free parking lots within two blocks of the Saturday market,” D’Alessandro said.
In his message on the BCFM’s website, D’Alessandro also said more spacious accommodations have been made by widening the pedestrian walkway on 13th street allowing new vendors to make their debut.
“We are pleased to report that most of your favorite farmers, meat and cheese producers, flower growers and food artisans are returning for the 2011 season along with several new vendors,” D’Alessandro said.
Among the new additions to the market family are Coco’s Chocolates, local vegetable canner M&M Local, Pappardelle’s Pasta Co., Hope Hummus, and Fiona’s Granola.
Jason Condon, a 33-year-old owner of Isabelle Farm in Lafayette, said that spring brings a lot of excitement for local farmers and vendors of the market.
“Everything is new – you get to change,” Condon said. “Once you think you’re getting tired of something, then it’s time for something new.”
Condon said the opening day for the Boulder Farmers’ Market is always exciting, but a lot of effort for the vendors.
“For us it’s always a double-edged sword,” Condon said. “It’s super fun to come down here, but now we will be harvesting every day until November. I have to say goodbye to my Saturdays, but it’s great on a day like today when the weather is so beautiful.”
Among the most popular attractions is the Food Court, which welcomes new eateries such as West End Tavern / Rolling Smoke, specializing in savory BBQ meats and sandwiches.
Live country music by The Jamesons Band played in the food court area as the crowd of local families, tourists, and a number of CU students wandered the aisles of vendors.
Michelle Praxmare, a 22-year-old senior communications major, said she was taking in the market scene while in search of the perfect Brie at MouCo Cheese Company.
“I go to the Saturday Market all the time,” Praxmare said. “I had to come out for the first day because it’s so beautiful here. Everybody around is so beautiful and the food is great.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Nora Keating at Nora.keating@colorado.edu.
