On Saturday, June 11, the Holistic Homestead Farmers Market was held outdoors next to the Gilpin Rec Center at 250 Norton Drive, at the Gilpin County Fairgrounds. Hailing from a few miles away on Blue Spruce Road, Aaron Skeen was there with recycled reusable shopping bags for sale. Besides the satisfaction he gets from people enjoying his healthy food, Skeen would like nothing better than seeing people fill those bags with his fresh eggs, whole chickens, and doggie treats. To reach Aaron, email him at info@skeenacres.com.

Julia Ziobro and her son Felix of Dory Dozens Delights also had farm fresh eggs for sale. On Ziobro’s property in Dory Lakes, she houses 65 hens that produce a steady supply of natural goodness. All of her layers are hybrids which she has learned over the years are best suited for our mountain climate. After all, happy hens are productive hens.

Ziobro offers a wide variety of jellies and jams to spread on your toast alongside your egg breakfast. Some of the more interesting choices include: apricot pineapple sunshine jam, chokecherry jam, twin berry jalepeño jam, cucumber lime marmalade, orange wild blueberry marmalade, brandied plum preserves, curried pineapple peach chutney, and alfalfa honey. To sample some of the delectable offerings, go to www.dorydozensdelights.com.

Alina Natynski and her company Frank and Bubby displayed heirloom- quality stuffed animals. Inspired by traditional designs, the reasonably- priced unicorns, bunnies, hippos, pigs, kitty cats, and teddy bears are cuddly works of art. Some of the critters were manufactured by Ukrainians employing a labor-intensive needle felt technique, giving the animals an old-fashioned appearance. Natynski has family in Ukraine and since the start of the war has donated five dollars from each fluffy creation sale to Ukrainian dairy farmers. In a span of three months, $13,000 has been raised for the cause. To purchase a stuffed toy and make a donation, go to www.frankandbubby.com.

Irish shopping music was provided by a four-piece ensemble, The Gael.

The Holistic Homestead is located at 972 Golden Gate Canyon Road, Black Hawk. You can find out more on their website at https:// theholistichomestead.org/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/theholistichomestead. Contact them by phone at (303) 582-3001or email at connect@theholistichomestead.org