NEDERLAND – It was the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus who wrote “From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow.”

Such is the case with the Nederland Farmers Market. With a straightforward goal of providing fresh Colorado-grown food to the local mountain community, their mission has blossomed into the semi-monthly summer happening we enjoy today.

The first Nederland Farmers Market was held at Guercio Ballfield in 2016. Dark clouds of smoke billowed in the near distance. It was the second day of the Cold Springs fire and helicopters dipped their buckets into Barker Reservoir to fight the raging inferno. There were merely eight vendors present at the inaugural market, but it was a beginning.

Today, having moved operations to the downtown parking lot between 1st and 2nd streets, there are a dozen farmers markets during the year and mini-markets in between. In addition, two or three times a season, “Farm to Table” events are conducted.

All of this is reason to celebrate. At the Nederland Farmers Market Party in the Peaks on Sunday, July 20, there were no less than 70 vendors in attendance. Sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, summer squash, snow peas, green beans, zucchini, potatoes, onions, peaches, rhubarb, arugula, garlic, and mint were just some of the direct agriculture offerings.

Meant to be immediately consumed was delicious fare from Tortilla Esmerelda, Baklava Unlimited, and Susan’s Samosas. The taps of Howlin’ Wind, Knotted Root, Busey Brews, and Very Nice Brewery flowed throughout the afternoon.

An impressive array of arts and crafts were available for purchase at the many booths.

Music acts Andy Reiner, River Spell, and Deadphish Orchestra played on the cordoned-off street, keeping the crowd entertained and dancers engaged.

Upcoming dates for the Nederland Farmers Market are August 3, 17, and 31. September 14 and 28. Then another big party to culminate their year with the Farmers Market Harvest Fest on October 5.

For more information about Nederland Farmers Market, go to www.nederlandfarmersmarket.org.