I’m writing in response to the unfortunate fact that Tom Cramer’s lemonade stand is no longer present at Durango Farmers Market. Tom’s lemonade was one of the most popular venues at the market. There was always a long line for his lemonade. I have read Cramer’s letter to the editor (Herald, May 14) and was upset to hear what sounded like a bureaucratic or politically motivated decision by the board.

It is disheartening to see something like this happen in a venue that is supposed to be something that is supposed to serve the community. DFM has always had a “small town” feel to it, so this decision wipes that feeling away for me. Could it be the Farmers Market has changed so much that only certain vendors who meet the board’s conformist criteria can participate?

It sounds like Tom spoke up for the small-business person, the board did not agree with his views and thus he was nixed from the market. How many other vendors who may have voiced an unpopular opinion were nixed from DFM as well? I find it coincidental that the board has a “new rule,” which just so happened to greatly affect the vendor who spoke up for the small-business person.

The DFM board members should take a good, hard look at themselves and make sure they are not losing sight of their original purpose and mission. DFM used to be a friendly, small community-like venue. Is the board only allowing larger vendors into the market and thus leaving the small-business person out? Why are there so many empty booths in the shoulder seasons? It seems small vendors such as artisans and craftspeople could fill those booths until agricultural vendors begin to harvest their products. Other markets I have attended certainly have a large variety of vendors available to the customer. Cramer’s idea of starting a different, grass-roots, small, community-minded market is not a bad one. Maybe it’s time to boycott the Farmers Market to open up the ears and eyes of the self-serving board.

Patty Coen

Mancos