SOUTH FORK— With winter keeping a foothold on the Valley for the foreseeable future, it was a nice reprieve for the South Fork area on Friday to kick-off the annual South Fork Farmers Market at the visitor center. The first market of the summer season started at 9 a.m. with several local and visiting vendors, including Sol Mountain Farm, who supplied fresh vegetables, pork products and other products from their farm located just north of South Fork.
The market is an area favorite that has been established for several years and welcomes vendors from all over the place to sell a variety of goods. Offering everything from local honey to unique homemade crafts, it is a fun and friendly place to visit every Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The town is slowly beginning to fill with summer guests even though snow remains high on the peaks above the base camp for adventure. Locals are preparing for guests by hanging flowers, cleaning off the last of winter gravel from the roads and trying to urge spring to give way to warmer days and a schedule packed with fun and new events.
The market will also take place during events like the Third of July celebrations, Logger Days and run until the end of September. The market is always looking to grow and is constantly seeking vendors to come and sell their wares. Those who wish to participate can sign up at www.solmountainfarms.com.
This is only one market of many for Valley residents and guests to visit throughout each week beginning in June. Del Norte Artesian and Farmers Market is Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. in the parking lot in front of Boogie’s Restaurant. Both the Creede and Monte Vista farmers markets will also take place on Fridays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Alamosa will be Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.