TORRINGTON – A community that plays together, stays together. Or, in the case of Torrington Farmers’ Market, a community that enjoys live music, supports local vendors and participates in activities together is stronger than ever.
After last year’s overwhelmingly positive response to the farmers’ market’s move from the Goshen County Extension Center to City Park in Torrington – board of directors’ member Caleb Carter has high hopes for this year’s weekly events.
“The Torrington Farmers’ Market will begin Thursday, June 15 at 4 p.m.,” Carter said. “I’ve had a lot of interest – I’m certainly anticipating a full park. I would guess we’re going to be as big as we were last year, if not bigger.”
Market participation was relatively low in the years prior to 2016. Carter attributes its new success to several factors – including the location.
“I think (the move) helped a lot,” Carter said. “About this time, or a little earlier than this time last year, we really felt that we needed a new location.

“Another part was working with Goshen County Economic Development Corporation,” he said. “They really helped reach out vendors and get the word out.”
Carter noted the formation of a regular board of directors probably helped as well. And, once vendors saw the turnout at those earliest markets last year, word spread and it took on a life of its own.
 “It was a combination of things, and then, in the end, the community decided to come out and support us,” Carter said. “This year has been a continuation of that based on the interest I’ve seen so far.”
The 2017 Torrington Farmers’ Markets will feature live music, gardening-focused activities for children presented by the Master Gardeners and potentially educational workshops for adults.
“At the first kick-off event, GCEDC will serve free walking tacos,” Carter said. “We will also have produce at the market. It’s not just a craft fair.”
The markets are set to run from 4 to 6 p.m. every Thursday evening as far into October as weather will permit.
“We’re still looking for more vendors and sponsors,” Carter said. “Our sponsorship dollars go toward promoting the farmers’ markets with banners … radio ads.
“New this year, we will be doing a featured vendor of the week, with the commercials running on KGOS/KERM. We will use the sponsorship dollars to fund those commercials, which not only promote the market but also offer free advertising for vendors on the radio. It’ll be fun. We’re encouraging vendors to have specials the week (they’re featured) on certain products to show the diversity of products and vendors at the market.”
Sponsorship levels range from bronze to gold and vary in price. Potential sponsors and vendors may receive additional information and necessary forms by contacting Carter at (307) 532-2436 or ccarte13@uwyo.edu.
“It’s just been a fun opportunity,” Carter said. “Our success last year attracted some large vendors from the area to add to the market. I’m very excited about having additional vendors and just seeing the market keep growing in the future.”