FARMERS MARKET TRIVIA...
Posted by Brad Rosenbaum
*The first Estes Park market was on July 11, 1996, staffed and funded by a group from the Newcomers Club and dubbed the Estes/Big Thompson Valley Farmers Market. *Three of the original vendors continue to be involved: Mike Scofield,Terry Turner, and Eden Valley Farm are still participating.
*The red wagons date from the beginning and the market has been held in 3 different locations.
*At first, the city would issue a permit for only 2 months at a time. Renewal depended on an accident-free record. Enter the "car parkers".
*The Rotary Club of Estes Park assumed responsibility for parkers in 2003 - nine years ago. The Club declined management of the entire market.
*The funds were donated to local community organizations.
*Vickie Dennis, the flower vendor, took over management of the market in 2003.
*The EP Rotary Foundation receives $1000 each year from the market proceeds.
*In 2012 Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, proclaimed August 5-11 National Farmers Market Week, The number of farmers markets nationwide has increased 170% in the last 12 years to almost 7,800 in 2012. Boulder's is the largest in Colorado and consistently ranks among the bert in the nation.
Karen McClure