Barbara Lawlor

Nederland

It has been a fruitful summer for the organizers of the Nederland Farmer's Market. Last Sunday, September 11, 2016 was the last market of the summer and 12 vendors showed up with freshly harvested tomatoes, greens, corn, peaches from the western slope, soaps and lotions from local herbalists.

It was a feast for the senses with the brilliant fall colors of yellow and red peppers, squash, onions and the intricate woven, bright colors of African baskets.

The Farmer's Markets have been held at the Guercio Baseball field for the past three months, on Sunday, welcoming everyone to taste and smell the deliciousness of growing one's own food.

Ned Hens of Rollinsville offered jars of honey that were made from Lara Mastro's bees, that are now wintering in California, but they will be back in the spring.

The early frost last weekend urged many gardeners to pick their tomatoes which were offered at prices anyone could afford: $2 for a handful. Homemade garlic powder made one yearn for Italian food.

Camille Thorson, in her first year of organizing the market, said the Farmer's Market Sustainability Advisory Board is looking for more board members to help keep the project going. The market is sponsored by Crafted in Colorado and the Stage Stop in Rollinsville. Board members include Melody Baumhover, Kipp Nash, Camille thorn, Laraina James and Kelly Delia.

Every person who visited the market received a free four-pack of native blue Columbines, ready to be transplanted and nurtured over the winter for spring planting.

Hand made clothing and jewelry, cajun pickles, cleaning products, pumpkins, watermelons and feel good potions were for sale all afternoon.

Jonathan Fair and his family are newcomers in town and have started their garden in Stinky Gulch. They plan to increase the size and yield of the fresh food every year.

The person who bought the Fair's apple pie went home feeling like he made the deal of the century.

For those who are interested in joining the Farmer's Market group there will be Winter Planning Meetings on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Salto.