Cortez Farmers Market vendors will be setting up on June 7, and though every vendor may not be there for a few weeks, 42 vendors will be setting up every Saturday.
The layout of the market was reconfigured last year to allow an easier walk and access to vendors. There is more open space for visiting with friends, too.
Market manager Theresa Titone advises visitors to “bring your lawn chairs, pick up a cup of coffee and some breakfast and sit down and enjoy the live music and visiting with your friends for a while before or after you complete your shopping. Relax and enjoy your Saturday morning at the market.”
Returning to the market with their scrumptious produce are: Barbara Lynch, Cheryl Floyd, Lee Hill and Velma Hollen, Bessie White, Ruth Wilson, Songhaven Farm, Stone Free Farm, Battle Rock Farm, Lew Matis, Rick and Gerrie Goodall, Diamante Farm & Vineyards, Ben Black & Yvonne Candalaria, Rex Tozer, and Don and Liz Tozer. Mitchell & Joyce Periman, will be offering fresh brewed Fahrenheit Coffee along with their produce. Diane LaChapelle will be back with plants, and for the first few weeks, Rick Pleas will be selling Tierra Madre herbs and vegetable plants to plant in your own garden. Seven new produce vendors will be joining us this year, so be sure to come meet them and see what new varieties are available from them.
Returning artisans and crafters include: Southwest Gourd Art, Valerina Sampson, The Dirt Mamas, Rick Gregory, Yarn 4 You, and Bill Griffin.
For baked goods, you’ll want to visit Mr. Happy’s. Berto Farms will be there once again with their tasty pork products, and W Lazy D Bison Company with their locally raised bison meat, and Mammy’s Jam will be there to tempt your taste buds again, too.
Sam and Mary Davis will be on hand selling their delicious breakfast burritos and tamales and the Pie Maker will be on hand with a variety of breakfast sandwiches made with freshly baked bagels, hand pies, and luscious pies and other desserts.
Laura Getts will again offer freshly made crepes with all kinds of yummy fillings.
You’ll also be able to “get the kinks out” from your stressful week with a chair massage from Abby Gulick. New to the market this year is Rose Russell, who makes delectable chocolates, and Janette Harrell with beautiful stoneware pottery.
The Friends of the Market will be there selling locally grown beans and brand new bumper stickers. Profits from sales will help us keep the market going for another 40-plus years. Local not for profits will be joining us at the Community Booth sponsored by Farmers Telephone, so be sure to stop by and find out how you can help them to help our community. There is still space available for your community group, check with Theresa at the Friends Booth for information.
The Market will feature live “locally grown” music every Saturday, too, from 8:30 until 10:30 am. We’re starting the year off with Donny Johnson who will be followed by many local favorites like the Moetones and Marilyn Kroeker. The Cortez Library will again offer Story Time for the children every week on the lawn next to the courthouse beginning at 10:30 am.
The Cortez Farmers Market is located in the County Courthouse parking lot, at southeast corner of Main and Elm Streets every Saturday from June through October and is celebrating its 41st year.
Information: Visit cortezfarmmarket.com, the CSU Extension office or email Theresa Titone at theresaincortez@gmail.com.