The sun was hiding Saturday morning in downtown Greeley, but that didn’t stop shoppers from checking out the many vendors who set up their tents for the opening of the summer season at the Greeley Farmers’ Market at its new location at Lincoln Park.
Attendees strolled up and down 7th Street between 9th and 10th avenues, which was closed off to traffic. Shoppers checked out vendors including Lady at the Well, What The Fudge Co., Ellie’s Bakeshop, Esmeralda’s Tamale House, The Connelly Creamery, Katie’s Bakes and many others.
At 9 a.m., city officials and the Greeley Downtown Development Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome everyone to the new location.
“The market is 31 years old, and we’ve outgrown our space to the east,” said Greeley city councilwoman Deb DeBoutez. “We are moving here to a beautiful, iconic, crown jewel of downtown Greeley, the Lincoln Park.”
DeBoutez previously managed the Greeley Farmers’ Market.
Katie Seamons, owner of Katie’s Bakes, said Saturday morning was busier than she anticipated, but she welcomed it. Seamons has been selling her cinnamon rolls and other eats at the farmers market since mid-March, but Saturday was her first time selling outdoors.
“I am really excited about the new location. I think it’s beautiful having the park there,” Seamons said. “I see the value in having a place for kids to play and grass to hang out in.”
For years, the summer farmers market was located at the Union Pacific Depot, 902 7th Ave. Greeley Culture, Parks and Recreation Director Diana Frick said the Downtown Development Authority had been talking about a change of location for a year.
In addition to having the park’s playground available for children and trees for shade, the new location will get plenty of eyes on it every Saturday until Oct. 26 from people coming and going to the Union Colony Civic Center and the Greeley Recreation Center, as well as those staying at the DoubleTree Hotel, 919 7th St.
Seamons said a mother and her two children came to her tent after they attended an event at the Weld County Courthouse, as well as people staying at the hotel.
“It’s nice to have people that wouldn’t have found us otherwise,” she said.
While speaking to the audience, Frick announced a $1,000 social media grant was awarded to the market to enhance its advertising and social media marketing this summer. The grant is from a study done by the Farmers Market Coalition and in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin.
“Together, let’s continue to support local agriculture and foster a community connection here at the Greeley Farmers’ Market,” Frick said.
DDA Executive Director Bianca Fisher applauded city leadership for their help with the move, as it was a priority for the DDA.
“Our mission and our hope is to make downtown a beautiful, thriving, place where businesses can thrive,” Fisher said Saturday morning. “Where communities and neighbors can gather and enjoy communal spaces. And this is one of those communal spaces.”
The Greeley Farmers’ Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday at Lincoln Park until Oct.26.
For updates, go to greeleygov.com/activities/fm/home or check out the Greeley Famers’ Market on Facebook.
