Farm-to-market in the streets.

• Author: Smith, Kathy
• Position: Food - Boulder County Farmers' Market

Beginning as early as April, farmers' markets open across the state and thousands of Coloradans converge on them, from Cherry Creek in Denver to Grand Junction on the Western Slope. With local growers selling a plethora of organically and naturally grown produce, more customers are arriving earlier every year to get the pick of the crop. Why is there such growth in attendance? There's fresh Colorado-grown produce, a chance to talk directly to the farmers, and a community gathering place for visitors. Of the more than 50 markets statewide, here is a closer look at a couple of the older ones, and a list of others around the state.

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Boulder County Farmers' Market

When Boulder opened the market in April 2006, it was a cold, blustery day, but one that attracted 7,000 people despite it also being a time when produce is not near the height of its season in Colorado. As a dedicated grower-only marketplace with the motto "we grow what we sell," Boulder County Farmers' Market has set a standard for others in the state. It started in 1986 when a small group of farmers, with financial and administrative help from the city and county of Boulder, sought a location and the opportunity to run a farmers market. Both governments devoted staff members to secure appropriate permits, secretarial help and meeting rooms. After months of research, site selection was identified as the top criteria for success and Boulder Central Park was selected as the permanent site. Today, the market is a nonprofit, farmer-owned and operated organization that appeals to growers of any size. A 13-member board of directors oversees the market's general operations, management and advertising.

To sell at either of the market's two locations, in Boulder or Longmont, a grower must submit to an annual inspection and certification process. Every vendor pays annual dues of $100 the first year, and $50 thereafter. At the close of each market day, a 5 percent fee is paid by sellers to BCFM to help cover operating expenses. With fees that low, even small growers can participate and profit.

BCFM is also well known as a community event, attracting more than 300,000 people each year. "We feel this market is a unique draw because of the variety of produce our growers sell and the setting," says market manager Mark Menagh.

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BCFM is spread over the closed-off 13th Street corridor next to Central Park, with Boulder Creek meandering through the entire...