Calling all farmers, artisans, and musicians — and everyone who loves a good farmers market! The first Manitou Springs Farmers Market is set for 2-7 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Soda Springs Park.
The market will take place Sundays at the same time and place from June through September. Founded and organized by husband-and-wife team Leilani and Vincent Coleman, applications are currently being solicited for vendors and entertainers.
“We would love to have organic produce, farm fresh eggs, humanely raised meat, baked goods, cheeses, local honey, homemade jam, crafted teas and other unique beverages, locally roasted coffee, or mocktails, fresh flowers, etc.,” Leilani said.
She said that they are accepting applications from only growers who “prioritize sustainable farming methods and minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals” and “certified organic farms will have priority.”
They are also looking for arts and craft vendors who hand-make products such as jewelry, pottery, paintings, soaps, candles, lotions and yarn. However, they will not accept applications from resellers or multi-level marketing vendors.
And as for entertainment?
“We want to put on a show!” Coleman said, adding that they are looking for local bands and dancers, and other types of entertainment — and are hoping to have ongoing entertainment for at least the last three hours of each weekly market.
“We believe that Manitou is a perfect place for a farmers market,” Coleman said, adding that she and her husband “want to contribute to the vibrant creative community in Manitou” by providing a venue for local artists and performers to be front and center each week.
“We hope that shoppers find themselves coming for groceries and art and staying to dance, mingle and enjoy the music,” she said.
Coleman also pointed to the wider benefits of supporting farmers markets.
“Farmers markets promote sustainable practices that benefit our community and the environment,” she said. “By choosing locally grown produce, you are not only getting better taste and more nutrients, but also supporting a healthier planet.”
Vendors will pay a weekly $50 fee that goes toward administrative costs as well as vendor parking, event advertising and paying performers to play.
Leilani said she and Vincent are “extremely excited” about the potential of the Manitou Springs Farmers Market.
“We hope that it has a positive impact on our community and grows into something special,” she said.
Manitou Springs City Councilor Natalie Johnson expressed the council’s support for the new farmers market.
“A community without a traditional grocery store, our residents need creative ways to access food and other supplies,” she said. “Knowing that our city-wide plans include solutions to our current food desert, the council supports citizen-led initiatives like this one. We look forward to attending the first market on June 2nd.”
Interested in becoming a vendor? Go to www.ManitouSpringsFarmersMarket.com, click the Market Vendors tab, then scroll down and click on Vendor Application.
Those interested in performing should go to the website and click on the Contact tab. The Colemans can also be reached by emailing ManitouFarmersMarket@gmail.com.
IF YOU GO
The Manitou Springs Farmers Market will take place 2-7 p.m. Sundays June through September at Soda Springs Park, 1016 Manitou Ave. Information: ManitouSpringsFarmersMarket.com