Farmers market meets block party meets evening bazaar at the new Animas City Farmers Market every Wednesday night from 3 to 7 p.m. at the corner parking lot of 30th and Main at 2977 Main Ave.
“It’s about community,” said Animas City Farmers Market President Sage Anderson. “It’s something new for this side of town.”
The new mid-week farmers market kicked off on June 13 and will continue every Wednesday until Oct. 17. The market currently has 10 to 12 vendors and is actively seeking more to participate in the weekly market, which can accommodate up to 29 vendors. With an inclusive spirit, the Animas City Farmers Market welcomes all local artisans, including farmers, butchers, food trucks, and spice and soap makers.
“We wanted to offer a mid-week farmers market in the afternoon for people to stop by on their way home from work or walk down and grab a bite to eat or perhaps a missing item they might need to make dinner,” said Trevor Lytle, vice president of the Animas City Farmers Market. “They can listen to music and hang out with friends. We will have a kid-friendly zone, too.”
June 13 marked the debut of the Animas City Farmers market with live music and more than 10 vendors, including representatives from the National Forest Service to answer questions about the 416 Fire. The inaugural market garnered between 50 and 70 attendees throughout the evening.
The summer’s drought conditions have made it difficult to obtain commitment from local farmers to participate in the mid-week market. Adobe House Farms, which also has a booth at the Durango Farmers Market on Saturdays, has committed to the entire season at the Animas Farmers Market after a successful first week. In addition to fresh produce, the market features goods from various vendors, including:
81301 Coffee and Cream Bean Berry: nitro coffee and ice cream floatsDiana’s Sprouted Granola: homemade granola Two Bears Farm: meat, eggs, rabbits Cartwheel Clothing: kids clothing Silver Wave Seafood Co.: wild salmon Durango Artisan Foods: hot sauces and spices Orchard House Farms: artisans Veterans Homestead Project: goat milk products and eggsPassion Flower Farms: flower bundlesMountain Stir Fry: prepared food The market has obtained a liquor license, and beginning on July 4, Toast Mobile Cocktail services will be serving beverages.
“We really want to ramp up our July 4 market,” said Anderson. “With no fireworks, it’s something fun to do in town with live music.”
As a neighborhood collaboration between residents and businesses in the newly coined “North Main District,” the mid-week market was created by Anderson, owner of 81301 Coffee; and her husband, Taylor; Lytle; and fellow north Main resident Joy Martin to create more community in the area. Instead of waiting and wishing for a farmers market in their neighborhood, the four started one in a mere two and a half months from concept to producing the first market.
Among the first steps of bringing the idea to life was securing a location. Tim Turner, owner of Zia Taqueria, offered his property on the corner of 30th and Main to host the new market in its first season. However, the market is looking for a more sustainable location to call home for future seasons.
After securing the location, the Animas City Farmers Market established its nonprofit status and looked to fellow community resources for insights on starting a farmers market.
“We received a lot of help and guidance from the Saturday farmers market in Durango,” said Lytle. “We aren’t trying to compete with each other, just offer another avenue for people to sell their goods and for community to come together.”
To become a vendor at the Animas City Farmers Market, email contact@animascityfm.com.
