Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  Guercio Ball Field looked like DIA with the crowd of pointed white tent tops spiraling into the sky. The first Nederland Farmer’s Market of the year was huge despite the bite of the wind.

Vendors lined the perimeter of the ball field in this year’s debut. Shoppers strolled through the tents, nibbling, sniffing, touching and buying. Lara Mastro introduced new body care products including a lovely pastel bar soap that works as both shampoo and conditioner and is so delicately fragrant it makes one want to go home and wash everyone’s hair. Made with honey, oatmeal, avocado, aloe and coconut derivatives. All of her products are now known as Mountain Beauty.

Kogler’s Bakery brought up super delicious quiche’s and tarts which were so good looking, they sold themselves. Samples of Cajun Brussel Sprouts and Cajun watermelon radishes opened one’s mind to unlimited food possibilities.

A display of home-made Colorado olive oil included flavored samples, the rich taste lingering on one’s tongue. Veggie Express offered unique items such as BBQ Jackfruit Sliders and a Lion’s Mane roll which sold out before the end of the afternoon.

A honey stand featured exotic blends such as alfalfa melon blossom and white clover, the children lined up eager to taste the sweet syrup with a tiny spoon.

Families with young children in strollers and dogs on leashes strolled through the tent aisles planning, unable at first to make any decisions about their purchases; so many good products on display.

When the fog rolled up from the canyon, over the reservoir, Mine Shaft coffee was there to warm the hands and body; when the sun came out samples of kombucha refreshed the throat and cleansed the body.

It was just the first market of the summer season and it was a total success with the promise of becoming even bigger and better as the summer goes on.

The market dates are: June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9 and October 14. On Second Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a happy, fun event that features fantastic food, natural products, music and the great feeling that only a summer day in the mountains can bring.