Summer is in full swing, and local farmers markets have sprung up throughout the Four Corners area.
Mancos’ Thursday afternoon market is three weeks in, stationed in a small park across Grand Avenue from the Mancos Opera House. Local vendors sell their produce and artistic wares, serenaded by a rotating string of musicians.
It’s been a very spaced-out and masked event, though, as customers and vendors alike take precautions to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
“I’ve seen everyone be really well-masked,” said Marilyn Kroeker, who operates the Raven House Gallery, at the July 2 market. She was selling colorful, handcrafted tableware at Thursday’s market.
Others sold vegetables, dairy products and jewelry, while musician Glenn Smith performed to meandering passersby. Rebecca Samulski, who has announced her intent to run for Montezuma County commissioner this November, was gathering petition signatures for a run at the county commissioner race,, and Southwest Health System had a table providing information about the upcoming reopening of the Mancos clinic.
Realtor Carrie Summers (the event’s “head honcho,” in her words) has operated the market for the past decade, the last three of which it has taken place in its current location in between Summers’ office and the old Mancos Times building.
This spring, Summers completed some landscaping improvements on the lot to make it more “user-friendly,” including adding in some planters and a walkway.
She’s been vigilant about making sure attendees are wearing masks, which hasn’t really been an issue, she said.
“Most everyone is wearing a mask and doing the social distancing, so it’s perfect,” Summers said.
The July 2 market had about eight vendors, which is pretty standard.
“It was a good crowd last night, of people that came out,” Summers said.
The Mancos Farmers Market happens from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, and will run through September. Live musical acts are lined up for every week.
ealvero@the-journal.com