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Flavor of Summer
  
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By Chris Michlewicz
Unable to wait until she gets home, the woman dips into her newly purchased bag of goodies and selects the perfect peach. At first bite, it explodes with flavor, stirring memories of a beloved childhood tradition.
For many Colorado natives, a weekend trip to the local farmer’s market was a treat as a kid. You saw friends, ate the best fruits and vegetables and enjoyed the sounds of people milling about. The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market carries the torch for a new generation as festivities get underway this weekend.
Every Saturday through mid-October, vendors from all over the state will crowd into Festival Park at Second Street and Perry Street to offer the best Colorado has to offer.
Mayor Randy Reed said the weekly event creates an ambience that’s unmatched by big-city markets.
“A farmer’s market in downtown lends itself to that small town atmosphere that people enjoy about Castle Rock,” he said. Reed says his wife goes for the fresh produce, but he is drawn more to the specialty delicacies like popcorn and tamales.
The event also drives heavy foot traffic to the downtown district and helps boost sales for the many merchants in the area.
Jane Lowell, a Castle Rock resident for eight years, said although the handmade salsas are her favorite item, she flocks to the produce booths and purchases nectarines “by the basket-full.”
“It’s a good place to go on a Saturday morning,” she said. “It makes it feel more like the weekend.”
The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market, operated by the local CSU Extension office since 1987, has brought to town a variety of items such as organic beef, baked goods, flours, herbs, honeys and jams. Some of the 20-30 vendors sell alpaca wool, jewelry and art. Master gardeners are also available to answer questions about home gardening.
Joe Julian, an organizer for the CSU Extension office, said the farmer’s market attracts approximately 1,500 people in a four-hour window and acts as “more of a community event than going to the grocery store.”
The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market provides an added benefit by supporting local farmers and independent businesses. The vendor fees are low, ensuring they walk away with a sizeable profit, Julian said.
The farmer’s market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
For many Colorado natives, a weekend trip to the local farmer’s market was a treat as a kid. You saw friends, ate the best fruits and vegetables and enjoyed the sounds of people milling about. The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market carries the torch for a new generation as festivities get underway this weekend.
Every Saturday through mid-October, vendors from all over the state will crowd into Festival Park at Second Street and Perry Street to offer the best Colorado has to offer.
Mayor Randy Reed said the weekly event creates an ambience that’s unmatched by big-city markets.
“A farmer’s market in downtown lends itself to that small town atmosphere that people enjoy about Castle Rock,” he said. Reed says his wife goes for the fresh produce, but he is drawn more to the specialty delicacies like popcorn and tamales.
The event also drives heavy foot traffic to the downtown district and helps boost sales for the many merchants in the area.
Jane Lowell, a Castle Rock resident for eight years, said although the handmade salsas are her favorite item, she flocks to the produce booths and purchases nectarines “by the basket-full.”
“It’s a good place to go on a Saturday morning,” she said. “It makes it feel more like the weekend.”
The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market, operated by the local CSU Extension office since 1987, has brought to town a variety of items such as organic beef, baked goods, flours, herbs, honeys and jams. Some of the 20-30 vendors sell alpaca wool, jewelry and art. Master gardeners are also available to answer questions about home gardening.
Joe Julian, an organizer for the CSU Extension office, said the farmer’s market attracts approximately 1,500 people in a four-hour window and acts as “more of a community event than going to the grocery store.”
The Castle Rock Farmer’s Market provides an added benefit by supporting local farmers and independent businesses. The vendor fees are low, ensuring they walk away with a sizeable profit, Julian said.
The farmer’s market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
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