ROCK SPRINGS – With summer days getting warmer and an excitement running through downtown Rock Springs it could only mean one thing, the Farmer’s Market is here.
For 13 years now, residents visitors and travelers have been able to take advantage of the market. Not just for the fresh produce, bakery goods and crafts, but also to get out of the house and connect with old friends.
When the market was started all those years ago by the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce with the help of the Rock Springs Historical Museum and the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency, the goal was to bring people back to historic downtown. URA/Main Street Director Chad Banks said the market has accomplished this goal and has grown in size every year since the beginning.
This year’s market will again be on South Main and will take place Thursday nights from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The market runs from this Thursday to September 25.
South Main will welcome approximately 30 vendors throughout the summer. Banks stressed that while some vendors will be there each week, others will be at the market off and on throughout the summer.
This year will see a variety of choices while also being educational. Will Krogler will be bringing his fresh bakery goods while Lancaster Apples will have a sweet variety of apples to choose from. The Haderlie Farm from Thayne will be bringing everything from meat, dairy, eggs and produce to homemade soaps and fresh flowers.
Richard Gessell will be back with fresh produce while Jeffrey Family Farms will also be bringing in a selection of fresh produce. Jars of Sunshine will be bringing its Wyoming produced marmalades, jams and jellies while Twisted Coffee, shaved ice and hot dog vendors will also be there.
There will be a unique craft selection at this year’s market. Sarah Berry will be bringing her designs while there will be antler crafts as well just to name a few. The Sweetwater County Library system will be providing crafts for kids this year as well.
Demonstrations will also be a big part of this year’s market. Banks said at different markets throughout the summer, the University of Wyoming Extension Office will be doing mini workshops and dial gauge canner testing. This will take place at the July 10, Aug. 14 and Sept. 11 markets. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County Nutrition Services will also be doing demonstrations and workshops at the market.
Of the vendors, Banks said approximately half are new this year.
With the help of a grant received by Rock Springs Main Street, Bank Court will also have tables and benches for people to sit and enjoy. Banks said residents should also check out the shops downtown and see what they have to offer.
Banks urged residents to make a day of it. He said residents can enjoy the market, the shops downtown and then stroll down to Bunning Park to enjoy a Concert in the Park.
