For those of us who need to, the Fruita Farmers and Makers Market is the perfect opportunity to touch grass. From freeze-dried candy to fresh fruits and vegetables the Fruita Market has something for everyone and is extremely accessible with good parking along with sidewalks and grass. Activities for everyone whether it is provided by the Chamber (like the “Finding Farmer Fred” scavenger hunt) or the vendors (like the Lions Club Raffle or Guess the Cash Keep the Cash) makes this market the best way to spend your Saturday Mornings.

The market is from 8-12 on Saturday mornings in Reed Park. Continuing nearly 5 months from the first week of June to the last Saturday of October, it is the longest-lasting market in the valley. Some aspects of the event are free samples, an opportunity to run a business, a playground, many fun games and so much more. 

The market has the perfect setting, in a gorgeous park that has the healthiest grass I have ever seen, plenty of shade from huge trees, sidewalks for those who need them, and a shiny new playground complete with a slide and a merry-go-round. With the live music and a light breeze that eases the heat, Reed Park is an amazing place to hang out. Older siblings can have fun at the skatepark, talking with friends, looking around the market, or using the playground while smaller children can be entertained by the park and the scavenger hunt.

If anyone is interested in starting a business and would like a booth for the Fruita Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, you should go for it and get a booth. Sue and Ron Stephan started their freeze-dried candy business last summer at this farmer’s market and within a year they had their product in stores. Sue Stephan said, “One local place to another” is her motto as she runs her business only buying local fruits to freeze dry. 

Rhonda and Victoria Leischuck have been doing the market for over 20 years and say that the market has come a long way and is really beginner friendly especially because of the sense of community that has been developed over the years. 

For me, it has been a great experience running a booth and meeting the people of Fruita. I wake up early in the mornings to prepare for my booth and then set up at 7, it can be hard but is also super rewarding. I get to learn how to run a business while also making a decent profit. To apply for a booth go to or call the chamber of commerce and simply ask, they love the participation, especially for their “Kids in Business” program. Once you apply for a booth and get approved, you pay your fees and show up the following Saturday.

Speaking of the new playground, it is now officially up to code with water fountains that work and lights in the bathrooms. Many kids have already tried out the new play structure and I’ve heard rave reviews including Anaya Ketchum’s who is part of the Fruit Youth Action Council and helped come up with the colors and design of the playground. Along with the playground, there is also a new skatepark and basketball court. 

While walking through the market you might see farmers with fresh fruit, bakers with new recipes to try out, artists with fresh prints or clothes, free samples, raffles to enter, makers with high-quality jewelry and many other niche things you simply couldn’t find at your local City Market. Ron and Sue from Freeze-dried Goods say that they love how much variety there is in the market, that there are many unique items, and that everything is local and high quality. 

Christine Eastwood or Scotty as she likes to be called says her favorite thing about the market is the live music and meeting so many new, inviting people. “The market helps regain our roots, seeing the dirt on the beets shows us that our food comes from the ground,” said Rhonda with Avon. Going to the market will help us reclaim our sense of community and see where everything really comes from.

There are many opportunities to get food at this farmers market as there are often two or more food trucks selling breakfast burritos, shaved ice (Sugar and Ice Co), and fries. Along with food trucks, there are also booths that sell coffee, lemonade, boba, and breakfast baked goods. Great Harvest Bread has cinnamon rolls that are famous around town. If you are ever hungry and feel like getting a bite to eat on a Saturday morning swing by the market and grab an amazing little treat. 

So when I say shop locally, the girls that get it, get it, and the girls that don’t, won’t. Stop by the Fruita Farmers’ and Makers’ market to find out for yourself.