For 14 years, Erin Dreistadt has come to the Longmont Farmers Market to sell produce, flowers, seeds and grains.
Dreistadt and her husband, Jason Griffith, own Aspen Moon Farm — a business that’s fueled by hard work and passion.
“I like to tell people I have a ‘feeding disorder’ — I like to feed people,” Dreistadt laughs. “I love the interaction of people feeling nourished and enjoying fresh, local vegetables.”
Aspen Moon Farm’s owners and employees are not only passionate about selling what they grow — they also love inspiring others to grow their own gardens, Dreistadt said.
“We grow starter plants for people … we like to share how rewarding it is to grow your own vegetables and plants — to see how food grows,” she explained.
Thousands of people visited around 60 vendors at the Longmont Farmers Market on Saturday — the market’s opening day of the season.
The market is one of the largest sources of revenue — or the only source — for many of the small, local businesses who set up their booths every Saturday morning, said Mackenzie Sehlke, executive director of the Boulder County Farmers Markets.
“People should know that coming here and shopping here with our local farmers makes a big difference in their community,” Sehlke explained. “And you don’t have to do all your shopping locally, you don’t have to save the world every day, but just consistently showing up and being here, and being in this community and supporting farmers makes a huge difference in each of these local businesses’ lives, and they appreciate it so much.”
Local farmers markets also bring people together and help with community building, Sehlke said.
“I think it’s really important to have a community space here in Longmont, and in lots of communities, where folks can come with their families, with their friends, and spend time in our community together — gather, and that’s a huge thing for us,” she explained.
Even on the coldest, snowiest days, the Longmont Farmers Market draws at least 800 people, Sehlke said. On sunny days — like Saturday — the market often welcomes more than 3,000 people.
“We have the longest-running farmers market season in the state of Colorado — we’re so proud of that,” she explained. “April is early — you’re noticing a lot of leafy greens and a lot of meat here today because it’s a cold, snowy place and we start early, but we go until November, so you really get to see the full range of the growing season when you’re with us here.”
Boulder County Farmers Markets, which has been operating in and around Boulder County for 36 years, works hard to ensure everyone can afford to shop at its local markets, Sehlke said.
“When you come to BCFM markets, and you’re shopping with your women, infant and children's coupons, or your SNAP dollars, we’re doubling those incentives so you can access healthy, local food,” she explained.
Boulder County Farmers Markets offered an additional incentive Saturday for shoppers — they were challenged to search for “fool’s gold” to mark April Fools' Day. Biodegradable stickers were placed on items throughout the markets, and those who purchased those items won prizes, including a grand prize for each market of $250.
Longmont Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd.
