If you go
What: 4th Annual CSA Fair
When: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, 2017
Where: 2775 Valmont Road, Boulder
Cost: Free
More info: csafair.eventbrite.com
We often get asked at the Boulder County Farmers Markets what the market staff does in the off-season. Many people believe it's only a seasonal occupation. While we get some much needed rest, the reality is we are just busy in a different way.
The off-season is a bustle as we process returning and new vendor applications. We are also budgeting for the next year, creating new marketing strategies and building new partnerships in the community. There is never a dull moment. Ultimately, it is our application process that we take most seriously. As a producer-only market, our goal is to support and educate on local agriculture by bringing quality, local produce and goods to the community. Producer-only markets ensure that all vendors are growing and producing everything they are selling.
The application period opened in November 2016 and closed at the end of January. We take the remaining time to carefully consider all applicants. By the end of February, we have most of our selections in place.
All new vendors are interviewed personally by our operations team. Packaged and prepared goods are sampled, and new farms are visited. Our returning vendors are evaluated on the locality and quality of their product as well as their consistent attendance and active participation at market. We aim to keep the spirit of the market alive by accepting passionate and engaged vendors.
It is one of our favorite times of the year. We get to learn what drives our community. Every vendor has their own personal story about the product they want to share with the market. Be it a public and environmental stewardship of our lands through biodynamic farming, a family recipe passed on for generations, or a happy discovery in trying to create an easy snack while cycling — everyone's reasons for wanting to set up each market varies, but the purpose of sharing and building community is the same.
Don't miss our 4th Annual CSA Fair at The Rayback Collective on Monday evening. Come meet your farmers and learn about community supported agriculture. During this free event you can sign up for your own CSA as well take a yoga class with All Terrain Yoga. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. RSVP and get entered into our door prize giveaway.
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