Every year Nederland residents are lucky to experience five months worth of market season. Starting in June, just as the heat begins to rise, and ending in October, as a stiff coolness hits the air, the Nederland Farmers Market (NFM) continuously delivers local authenticity, which is all the more amplified during their Party in the Peaks celebration.

On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the market opened at 10 a.m. to a blue sky, but with ominous clouds looming. Locals and visitors gathered and lined up for fresh produce and cuts of meat, as well as for breakfast burritos and fruit-filled danishes.

By noon, the gray clouds were overhead, but the show went on. Emcee Steve Cepek, with his infectious enthusiasm, got the crowd to rally for the first live band of the day. Built To Last filled the air with glorious Grateful Dead covers, as well as Dead-influenced jams, which helped to channel chill vibes as the thunder began to roll and rain began to fall.

A spattering of small rain storms stifled some from continuing to shop. However many vendors took advantage of the precipitation. Local vendors like Mountain Goat Tees saw a sudden increase in hoodie and sweatshirt sales during the rain and subsequent hail, while others, such as snack maker JAI MIX, reveled in the opportunity to talk with neighbors huddled under their tent, hiding from the storms.

But, as Cepek gleefully pointed out, local vendors and patrons remained tough and steady through the changing weather, and just shook the water off their canopies and kept on rolling through the afternoon. Soon enough, the clouds began to part and a blue sky reigned once again.

Then, once The Alcapones hit the stage with their infectious and eclectic ska-rock fusion, the market became full again with the bustling of excited marketeers, some dancing (or skanking) to the funky grooves, while others continued shopping and enjoying double the vendors than a regular market weekend.

In addition to many of the familiar faces found at the NFM, the Party in the Peaks event was host to several local beer, wine, and liquor vendors, including Augustina’s Winery, Busey Brews, Gold Dirt Distillery, Howling Wind, Knotted Root, and Very Nice Brewing Company.

There were also amazing new food vendors, such as FED Boulder, Tip Top Savory Pies, and Washoku, who served alongside market favorites like Susan’s Samosas and Kaleidoscope Kitchen.

The NFM will continue to serve the community and visitors with the perfect variety of arts, crafts, and food every other Sunday, with the best market scheduled for the weekend of Nederland’s 150th anniversary, August 3, 2024.

And not to worry, Party in the Peaks is only the first party to be thrown by the amazing NFM team. Harvest Festival, scheduled for October 6, will deliver just as many great vendors and incredible live musicians, with that signature Nederland style and vibe so perfectly curated by the Nederland Farmers Market.

For more information on upcoming market dates, vendors, sponsors, and to even place an order to be picked up during a future market, please visit: https://www.nederlandfarmersmarket.org.