Winter Market Returns to Longmont on Dec. 6 and 7th
‘Twas the week before Winter Market, when all through Boulder County,
Not a farmer was missing, tables stocked with harvest bounty.
The decorations were hung in the tent with care,
In hopes that our community soon would be there.
The artisans were making their goods nonstop,
While shoppers wrote lists that only buying local could top.
And market staff in their tie-dye and festive gear
Had prepared for months for this weekend to near.
When out at the fairgrounds we all will meet
To celebrate the season with a bow tied up neat.
The time has come once again for our most festive market of the season! While all 150+ vendors at this year’s Winter Market are incredible, we wanted to take this chance to highlight some of the farmers, artisans, and special activities that put sustainability at the forefront of their practices.
Whether that means using all by-products of their production, turning scraps into something new, or preserving harvests to decrease food waste, we love to see folks take a step beyond what’s expected. Read on for a preview of just a few of our vendors this year:
Support Local Farmers and Ranchers
The Winter Market features farmers making their first appearances for this special event, alongside many beloved farmers who grace the Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets all season long. One such farm is Left Hand Sheep and Wool, a Niwot-based producer of both wool and grass-fed lamb. You may have noticed their colorful, naturally dyed yarn at the Longmont Farmers Market throughout the season.
Left Hand Sheep and Wool is one of the few producers that bring non-food products to the market throughout the season. They’re able to do this because their products are direct by-products of their farming operations — wool from the animals they raise for meat. You can check out both their grass-fed meat selection and their yarn at this year’s Winter Market.
Throughout Winter Market and into next season, keep an eye out for other vendors who make creative products from their agricultural operations, such as Boulder Valley Honey, who, alongside delicious local honey, sells beeswax chapstick — a market staff favorite.
Peruse Local (and Sustainable) Goods from Colorado Artisans
One thing that makes our Winter Market different from our regular Saturday markets is the number of artisans. With over 50 artisan vendors, it’s the perfect time to shop for holiday gifts or find inspiration for your locally sourced wish lists.
One artisan that stands out for their commitment to local sustainability is Boulder Colors, who create watercolors using local plants and composted materials. With a beautiful selection of hues, their paints make the perfect gift for the crafters in your life. Plus, ten percent of every sale supports the local farmers they collaborate with.
Boulder Colors isn’t the only artisan using locally sourced materials. Highland Lavender Farm offers a range of body care products scented with lavender grown right on their farm, and New Moon Farm dyes fibers with food and flowers grown in our community. These are just a few of the incredible artisans sourcing locally and sustainably — be sure to make your way around to see them all throughout the weekend.
Join in on the Festivities
You’ll have two special opportunities to engage hands-on with local food and arts at Winter Market this weekend. On Saturday, our friends from the Handweavers Guild of Boulder will be spinning wool into yarn and demoing handweaving techniques — check out their incredible skill and get involved yourself. Then, come back on Sunday to learn how to make a quick pickle out of many veggies in your Winter Market haul from the knowledgeable folks at Slow Food Boulder.
Plus, join us on Sunday for a special Scavenger Hunt! Think of it as Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, but instead of chocolate bars, we’re hiding turnips throughout the market for you to find! Find one, and you can exchange it at the BCFM Info Booth for a special prize of a BCFM fanny pack or picnic blanket. Find the golden turnip, however, and you will win your choice of $250 market bucks or a $250 gift certificate to our online market, which stays open year round!
If that wasn’t reason enough to stop by on Sunday, many of our vendors will also be offering a Sunday Special, which is a deal only offered on the final day of market. This is a great chance to get your hands on more local goodies and gifts, so look out for postings for more information on each vendor’s Sunday Special.
And if you listen real close as you fade into dream,
You’ll hear whispers from our Winter Market team.
They hope you’ll stop by for some local cheer:
“Come out to Winter Market this weekend — we can’t wait to see you there!”
