Barbara Hardt, Gilpin County. Several vendors lined the walkway of the Holistic Homestead. Selling their delicious breads, jams and jellies, garlic oil, children’s toys, soaps and more.

Organizer Arwen Ek shared, “I really want to convey how all of this is made possible by our amazing community coming together to build something great. Planning this event really brought home how important community gatherings like this are, and how resilient our community is in the face of the loss and disruption caused by the pandemic.

“I also really want to express my deepest, most sincere gratitude to everyone who came out to support our local vendors! For many of them this was their only public event for the year, and the very survival of their cottage industries was buoyed by the community support at this event. Everyone must continue to seek out and actively support local small businesses now more than ever.

“The Homestead Market is a year-round indoor Farmers Market and nonprofit co-operative, dependent on community support to keep our doors open, lights on and shelves stocked. We are membership based and volunteer powered, check out the website to learn how you can make a difference at http://theholistichomestead.org.

“As well, I’d like to thank Kathleen Henningsen for sponsoring the ADA portable and handwashing station, Andy Cizeck for building the highway sign, Jess Ansari for the custom hand painted farmer’s market sign, Nicole Straub of Grand Z Casino for donating kitchen equipment, Linda Lehrer, Helene Arendt and Imy Rich and family for countless volunteer hours! It truly takes a village!”

Vendors included Phylleri Ball of Three Sisters Weaving; Greg Marquez of Mooseworks Colorado, Imy Rich with scrapbooking supplies and Girl Scout Cookies; The CSU Extension; Nathan Womack of Look Out Here I Come! infused olive oil; Julia of Dory Dozens Delights jams and jellies; Andi Sales of Pandas Pastries and Pies; Tonya McNeil of Twisted Critters with balloons; Helene Arendt of CSB Metalsmith; and Massage by Misty. A special treat that made the weekend complete was live music by The Gael and Maddog Blues.

This market is one not to be missed!