Photo courtesy of Nanci Simmons of Tri-County Farmers Markets

by Elean Gersack

Summertime is here and that means fresh produce from Colorado farmers. Shop the open air markets and enjoy mouth-watering, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Colorado farmers offer the highest quality produce at reasonable prices. Fresh fruits and vegetables are important for good health, so shop often and keep healthy all while supporting Colorado farmers.

The Farmer’s Market on Wilcox Square in Castle Rock is scheduled to open on Saturday, July 8 and will run until October 7. According to Mary Jo Woodrick of the Douglas County Extension Program, they like to keep their market traditional with fruits, vegetables and horticulture items such as live and dried plants. The market will host two fruit vendors from Palisade, as well as vegetable vendors from Pueblo and northern Colorado.

In Lone Tree and Parker, Tri-County Farmer’s Markets are open May through October and host a variety of selections. Vendors sell handmade pickles, fresh eggs, goat cheese, flowers and plants, hand-cut pasta, gourmet oils, handmade soaps, salsas and sauces, teas and toffee, and sausages and turkeys just to name a few. Produce comes from across the state including Brighton, Rocky Ford, Wiggins, and Palisade.

On June 18, Denver Farmer’s Market in Highlands Ranch opens. This market is run by the farmers themselves, promoting Colorado farmers who own and run their own farms. They will offer sausages, kettle corn, fresh breads, rice, and fresh meat, in addition to wonderful fruits and vegetables.

The largest farmer’s market in Colorado is located just 20 minutes to the north. The Cherry Creek Fresh Market is open May through September and attracts people from near and far. In addition to the typical fruits and vegetables, they have incredible flower vendors, musicians, and food for purchase. “They have the best tamales and there is a French couple who makes awesome crepes - my family never eats before we go,” said Ken Cool, Castle Pines North resident. The Market also caters to four-legged friends. “There are dogs everywhere drinking from the water bowls the vendors so kindly place out for them,” said Cool. “It truly is quite an experience.”

For more information about each market, please visit the respective websites:

Farmer’s Market on Wilcox Square in Castle Rock
190 South Wilcox Parkway
(southwest corner of Castle Rock Shopping Center)
Open July 8 through October 7
Saturdays, 8 a.m. - noon
www.douglascountyextension.org

Tri-County Farmers Market in Lone Tree
Yosemite & Maximum Drive
(behind Stallions Restaurant)
Open May through October
Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.laughingdogfarms.net

Tri-County Farmers Market in Parker
Main Street & Parker Road
(1½ blocks east of Parker on Main Street)
Open May through October
Sundays, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
www.laughingdogfarms.net

Denver Farmers’ Market in Highlands Ranch
The Highlands Ranch Town Center
(located between Lucent Boulevard and Broadway)
Opens June 18
Sundays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
www.denverfarmersmarket.com

The Cherry Creek Fresh Market
1st & University Boulevard
(Cherry Creek Shopping Center parking lot)
Saturdays, May through October from
7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, June through September from
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
www.coloradofreshmarkets.com