Veggie and fruit enthusiasts are getting excited, as planning for the seasonal Laramie Farmer’s Market is underway.
Angela King, co-manager of the market, is working toward a July 4 start date for the downtown market. She said the goal is to have a bountiful, weekly event that is accessible to all Laramie citizens.
“It’s one easy place to see people around town,” King said. “Laramie summers are Laramie at its finest – so to hang out downtown on Friday night is great.”
The farmer’s market planning team has been collaborating with the University of Wyoming’s Advanced Marketing students in order to improve the market itself. Discussions have circled around attracting more people in general, as well as creating an enjoyable town center. The marketing team will unveil its plans May 8.
“They are looking to increase foot traffic to the downtown market,” King said, “and encouraging people not to just come down for the farmer’s market, but to enjoy downtown as a whole.”
As the fall semester begins, King is hoping the market will appeal to the university community as well. She said the market is a great way for incoming students to explore downtown and get to know Laramie.
“It’s something different to do off campus on a Friday afternoon,” she said. “Even though as a student you may not be totally engaged in wanting to know where your food comes from, it’s at least nice to know there’s a community of people supporting you.”
The market is usually made up of a myriad of unique, local vendors, King said. This includes fresh produce, cheeses, salsa, coffee, ready-cooked food and locally-made jewelry. Although some of the produce comes from Colorado, there are several local Laramie farms that contribute. King said the goal is to average 60 vendors each week.
“There’s a lot one wouldn’t associate with a farmer’s market – it’s everybody’s little personal crafts,” she said.
King is striving to implement more of an entertainment vibe at the upcoming markets. This would include more live music and simply showcasing downtown Laramie. The market coordinates with many of the downtown businesses when closing off streets, so King hopes the entertainment factor will support them as well.
“The market is a way to bring people downtown. In return, the downtown businesses support us by allowing us to close off the streets,” King said. “It’s a great relationship to have with them and we’re grateful for that.”
Many volunteers help to organize the farmer’s market. King said they are always looking for more help, ranging from unpacking boxes at the market to posting signs for advertisement. Students who are looking to get involved this summer can contact King or the Laramie Main Street Project.
The market will take place downtown, every Friday from 3-7 p.m. beginning in July and going through September.
