TORRINGTON – Third Thursday returned to Main Street, Torrington on July 16 after a two month hiatus.

Festivities like bounce houses or games that are usually part of the event were absent due to public health guidelines in place amid to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The street, instead, was filled with more vendors thanks to the addition of the Torrington Farmer’s Market, which recently moved from its past location, City Park, to Main Street because of extensive construction on West C Street rendering it almost impossible to access. Last Thursday was the first time Third Thursday celebrations coincided with the farmer’s market, bringing both local businesses with deals and goodies and independent sellers with produce, baked goods, jewelry and more to the streets.

Goshen County Economic Development Community Director Sandy Hoehn said she was happy to have the two events at once.

“It’s great, I’ve wanted it for years,” Hoehn said. “It gives everybody an opportunity to buy some local produce and hangout downtown.”

Ann Marie Davis of Crafty Creations by Mama & Me echoed Hoehn’s sentiment as a vendor new to both the farmer’s market and Third Thursday, selling various items like University of Wyoming themed face masks.
“It’s wonderful, we’ve got such a bigger crowd,” Davis said.

July’s theme was “superheroes” and some attendees made sure to dress accordingly. Jessica Pontarolo and her family donned capes of various colors while lining up for cotton candy at Farmers Insurance’s booth. She said once Bridger, 4 and Shaylee, 5, caught word of the night’s theme, capes were a must. Living past Fort Laramie, she said they try to come to Third Thursdays whenever they can.

“I like that we get to shop the little stores, and there’s a strong sense of community,” Pontarolo said. “You get to see people that you know, and we love the farmer’s market. It’s all of those things in one.”

Wesley Anderson, owner of Farmers Insurance said he’s been distributing cotton candy and popcorn since Third Thursday’s beginnings three years ago. It’s not the kind of atmosphere to sell insurance policies, of course, but Anderson boasted that at one event, he passed out 12 pounds of sugar, which is the equivalent of 280 sticks of pink cotton candy. 

“It’s something that’s really beneficial for the community,” Anderson said.

Spread among Third Thursday veterans were some new participants, like the Goshen County Library. Its director, Cristine Braddy said they are striving for a more public presence in the county. 

Under the tent, young students who needed summer reading materials could get them, and readers of all ages could check out the library’s newest titles right on Main Street.

“We’re super excited to have Third Thursday back,” Braddy said. “It’s awesome to see the whole community out and gathering on main street. Even if it’s only one night per month, it’s cool to all be together.”

Torrington’s next Third Thursday will be “Carnival Night” on Aug. 20.