For Local Produce and Welcoming Neighborhood Vibes, Head to These Grand Valley Farmers Markets Near You!
Grand Valley area farmers markets are a bounty of locally grown fruit and produce , baked goods, jams & jellies, entertainment, handmade crafts, food trucks, fresh flowers and more! From spring until late fall, you can find local growers set up with their canopies and colorful displays of just-harvested fruits and vegetables in town squares, parks and other public spaces.
Market on Main
Downtown Grand Junction, every Thursday evening, June 24th through September 9th from 5:30-8:30 pm. Located on Main Street between 3rd and 7th St., (Market will close at 8 pm beginning August 20th.)
The Market on Main is summertime's signature weekly event in Grand Junction, and is a showcase of farm and orchard produce from the Western Slope. Live music, local vendors, fun games, food trucks, baked goods and farm fresh produce grown just miles away. This is the biggest market in the Grand Valley and Main Street is blocked off for the event. A stage is set up for live entertainment and the Avalon Theater opens their rooftop patio bar for some fun and relaxation. I seldom miss a Thursday evening market as I am always somewhere near downtown!
Palisade's Sunday Farmers Market
Palisade's farmers market serves up fresh fruit, produce and entertainment on Sundays from June 6th through October 10th at 9:30 am until 1:30 pm. The market will feature local artisans, crafters, musicians, wineries, chef demonstrations and, of course wonderful Palisade fruit and produce!
This is one of my favorite events and I have been going to this market for years. I always leave with a basket of Palisade fruit, fresh lettuce and cut flowers. I am looking forward to the entertainment, as a few years back there was an adorable little girl that could really play the fiddle. The guest chef cooking demonstrations were a big hit and drew a large audience.
Fruita Farmers Market
Fruita's farmers market is presented by Family Health West, and runs on Saturdays, June 19th through October 30th from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm. Although this is a much smaller event, it by no means lacks quality or abundance of produce. The residents of Fruita keep this market busy and many times they sell out on popular items. The Fruita farmers market showcases local vendors of all kinds, fresh local produce, handmade crafts and ready-to-eat food. You will find the Fruita market at Reed Park, 432 E. Aspen Avenue. Aspen Avenue is the main street downtown, you can't miss it.
Wouldn't you rather stroll amidst an open air market full of fresh produce on a sunny day than roll your cart around a grocery store with artificial light and piped in music? Coming to a farmers market makes shopping a pleasure rather than a chore. The farmers market is a community hub--a place to meet up with family and friends!
But the best reason to shop at farmers markets is you are supporting family farmers. Family farmers need your support, now that large agribusiness dominates food production in the U.S. Small family farms have a hard time competing in the food marketplace. Buying directly from farmers gives them a better return for their produce and gives them a fighting chance in the global economy.
