Our Roots
A bit of history…
The Ridgway Farmers Market was formed in early 2000 by Jane Bennett. At the market’s first organizational meeting, Larry Cole was elected to chair the steering committee. Other members of the farmer’s market steering committee included CSU Extension Agent Gary Rushing of Norwood, Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce president Garry Chronister, Guy Borden of Borden Farm in Pea Green, and Julie Bursi of Julie’s Orchids in Ridgway.
The original goal/purpose of the Market was stated as being organized for the purpose of encouraging agriculture in Colorado, generally, and the Western Slope of Colorado, in particular, by providing a visible, accessible, and inexpensive venue for retail sales of Colorado-produced agricultural products at the Ouray County Fairgrounds. The first Ridgway Farmers Market opened Sunday, July 9, 2000 at the Ouray County Fairgrounds in Ridgway. In 2012, the market migrated to the local hub of Ridgway's Hartwell Park where vendors are easily accessible under the glorious shade of the trees! Now in our 22nd year, we are thrilled that the Ridgway-Ouray community continues to embrace our market for another season!
Jessica Darrow
OUR MARKET MANAGER
Jessica Darrow, co-partner of Bode Wellness (a certified organic, full spectrum CBD company) is a Salt Lake City native who took a two-week road trip to explore Colorado and fell in love with our beautiful state. A few months later, she quit her corporate job to follow her dreams and moved to the Western Slope in the summer of 2019.
In 2006, Jessica was hit head on by a drunk driver. The car accident crushed both of her feet and left her unable to walk for over three months. After multiple surgeries and having many adverse reactions to western medicine, she discovered the power of plant medicine to support her pain and overall well-being.
For the past four summers she has had the honor of working at her booth selling CBD at the Ridgway, Telluride and Mountain Village Farmers Markets; living her dreams of supporting others on their healing journeys by sharing the magic of plant medicine with all the wonderful people she gets the chance to meet at the markets.
When Jessica isn’t chasing around her beautiful daughter Poppy, she loves to spend time exploring the Cimarron and San Juan Mountains, reading books and drinking tea, facilitating retreats and women’s gatherings and teaching weekly meditation classes.
OUR BOARD
Board Chair
J. Waggoner
Co-Chair
Marietta King
Treasurer
Dave Butts
Secretary
Jessie Bergman
Community Members
Michelle Montague
Stephanie Lauerman
Sandy Dick