Stephanie Andelman, Nederland. Have you seen the Colorado Proud logo on products that you’ve purchased? Maybe its placement has influenced your shopping choices at grocery stores, farmers markets, garden centers, and restaurants. It’s a Colorado Department of Agriculture Program, promoted by the Colorado Tourism Office to encourage purchasing Colorado-grown, raised, or processed food and agricultural products. August is “COLORADO PROUD MONTH” as declared by the Governor of the State of Colorado. It serves as an occasion to commemorate the program’s 20th anniversary that has assisted more than 2,700 Colorado companies in marketing their food and agricultural products. By buying local, you receive high quality fresh products while helping Colorado’s economy, local farmers, ranchers, greenhouses, manufacturers, and processors in your area. 

Nederland Farmers Market joins this movement with two markets in August - on Sundays August 11 and 25, 2019, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Head to Guercio Field and greet your neighbors at 20-30 booths with home grown and homemade products. You could also treat yourself to a massage or sound therapy treatment, register for the Ned*Ned Race, and add your public opinion at the Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB) table regarding the future of “Barker Meadows Park.” 

You will even get to enjoy live music by the NoGo Gilbillies this Sunday and Eric Stone on August 25. Watch their skills on strings while they play bluegrass, country, and folk.

Nederland Community Library brings children’s activities to the market on the 25th, and the kids will learn more about being a proud Colorado grower and consumer.

Supporting local businesses, diversified market opportunities, naturally grown and reared products, and climate stewardship fosters the next generation of growers, makers, and consumers. Help ensure the future of Colorado agriculture and follow the Colorado Proud Movement. You can download their “Free Colorado Farm Fresh Mobile App” and find certified vendors and locations, including the Nederland Farmers Market!

(Originally published in the August 8, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)