Farmers market junkies meeting their favorite local vendors in parking lots over the winter to buy eggs, meat and other year-round products will soon have a more formal option.
The Seven Rivers Farmers Market is launching Thursday in the Powerhouse Science Center to connect farmers, producers and crafters with local shoppers, said Amy Reid, owner of Jake’s Farm and a winter market organizer.
The market, an independent venture from Durango Farmers Market, expects to have about 16 vendors offering crafts such as pottery, skin care products and jewelry, and groceries such as cheeses, meats, bread, jams and pickles, she said.
“I am excited the people from Durango are going to have access to the year-round local food,” Reid said.
Some loyal Durango Farmers Market shoppers will set up winter meetups with their favorite vendors in informal settings like parking lots, but the new winter market eliminates the need for that, she said.
The market will also help support local producers who often have to work second jobs during the winter, she said.
Some vendors, potentially crafters, are likely to rotate through the winter market because Reid has seen such strong interest, she said.
“I keep having people hit me up,” she said.
The market expects to have sprouts, but it is searching for more growers who have fresh produce such as lettuce, tomatoes and winter squashes, she said.
It is likely the indoor market could be a bit slower in its first season, but she expects it to be sustainable since the summer market draws residents from the area, not just tourists, she said.
The market will be open from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month at the Powerhouse Science Center through April 17.
If vendors have questions, they can call Charlotte Ford at the Powerhouse at 259-9234, ext. 103.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
