Celebrate harvest season's end, local treasures with Boulder County Farmers Markets' Winter Market

Dec. 1—Shopping days before Christmas and Hanukkah are numbered, but this weekend folks can uncover rare finds for everyone on their list.

Boulder County Farmers Markets' Winter Market returns to Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and it promises plenty of chances to purchase everything from finely crafted baked goods to intricate jewelry.

"The Winter Market provides respite from the chaos of holiday shopping," said MacKenzie Sehlke, executive director of Boulder County Farmers Markets. "It's a great chance to catch up with your neighbors — vendors and shoppers alike. Everything at the market will be locally grown or made, offering the opportunity for customers to purchase unique gifts for friends and family while supporting local businesses."

With over 100 varied artists and home-grown businesses touting their wares, this annual event brings the best of Colorado makers to Longmont for two full days.

It's also a chance to stock up on last-minute winter produce and to curate a one-of-a-kind gift.

"Personally, I'm excited to shop for a mix of handcrafted gifts and ingredients to create local nosh baskets for friends and loved ones this year," Sehlke said. "I'll be stopping by our farmers' booths to pick up some unique local squash varieties to make squash butter, which is so delicious paired with goat cheese, crackers, charcuterie, pear preserves and a bottle of wine or hard cider."

Batiks, artisanal soaps and lotions, locally roasted coffee beans and apparel are all part of the eclectic blend for sale.

The team from First Bite Boulder is one of the many participants that will be present this weekend. During the pandemic shutdowns of 2020, Jessica Benjamin — executive director of First Bite — worked with local eateries to pen a cookbook showcasing restaurant dishes. A portion of the book's proceeds went back to the featured establishments.

"We are thrilled to be participating in the Winter Market this year," Benjamin said. "It will be a great opportunity to showcase 'A Bite of Boulder' in a new way, alongside some of the ingredients you can find at the market and other amazing vendors."

The extensive book — featuring over 40 recipes — is sure to add some excitement to one's at-home culinary adventures. From the delicious crab cakes served up at Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar to the savory root vegetable latkes from River and Woods, an array of dishes will have you cooking like the pros in the comfort of your own kitchen.

"The cookbook makes a fantastic hostess gift for all those holiday gatherings, the perfect gift for the Boulder foodie in your life or a great gift to someone who visited this year or plans to visit soon," Benjamin said. "We are on the last few cases of cookbooks, so it will be available at the Winter Market, online at firstbiteboulder.com and at our partner retailers only through the end of the year."

Culinary enthusiasts may be blessed with another recipe book from Benjamin in the near future.

"We plan to store any last few copies to package with a possible second edition," Benjamin said. "Fifty percent of proceeds still go to the participating restaurants — that are still existing — and we are excited to total those up from the holiday retail season in early 2023."

Benjamin and her team will also be showing off their gift-wrapping skills for those looking to get their Winter Market gifts professionally wrapped.

"I can't say I always pull a six-inch ribbon curl, but we absolutely love wrapping," Benjamin said. "It will be so lovely to turn these already special gifts into a more beautiful surprise."

Lafayette-based artist Jennifer Grant, of Arubymoon, is one of the many artists who will be vending this weekend.

"Winter Market is such a vibrant community-based event with incredible, diverse offerings — farmers, bakers, makers, artists, music, food trucks," Grant said. "My favorite part is connecting with vendor friends and people attending the market and shopping from local businesses. The energy is high, positive and fun, and the joy of the season is present and well-celebrated."

Grant is known for her colorful gratitude flags inspired by Tibetan prayer flags. She works primarily in linoleum or soft rubber to carve print blocks whose designs are inspired by the Colorado outdoors.

Meant to celebrate life's "passion, milestones and moments," her vibrant work often shares messages of hope, comfort and gratitude.

"Much of my recent work has been around support, loss and grief, which is tender and difficult for many this time of year," Grant said. "I have also created more flags and ornaments to celebrate coastal images, desert and garden pollinators. It is always my goal to try and have something for everyone."

From scenes of majestic buffalo to snow-dusted Flatirons, these handmade wooden ornaments are sure to add a bit of flare to any tree.

She also reimagined historic art of Santa, inspired by a relative, into new gratitude flags.

"I have been inspired to add some designs specific for the season, including the Santas," Grant said. "These blocks were carved based on oil paintings my great grandfather did in the 1940s for his grandchildren. He created a new one each year, and I wanted to share these beautiful images and the spirit of the season."

Grant's work complements spaces throughout the year. Sweet messages amid whimsical depictions of towering aspens and Volkswagen vans make for eye-catching décor, regardless of the season.

"Best part of my job is when I get to hear people's flag stories, where they send them, hang them, share them," Grant said. "There is much laughter and sometimes tears shed in the storytelling and the connections made. I am humbled and so grateful to get to do what I do and to have it resonate with others."

Live entertainment is always part of the mix of Winter Market.

"This year, we're excited to have KGNU and Rocky Mountain Chorale join us to soothe our shoppers' ears," Sehlke said. "On Saturday, KGNU will be streaming live from the Winter Market all day, and shoppers on Sunday can expect a healthy dose of holiday cheer from Rocky Mountain Chorale, Boulder's oldest community choir."

Family-friendly activities will be popping up all weekend long, including a soup-making demo from Slow Food Boulder on Saturday starting at 11 a.m.

"It's no secret that many of the large corporations that push holiday shopping don't share our community's values," Sehlke said. "Whether that means unfair labor practices, questionable material sourcing or just downright creating a lot of waste. Shopping locally allows you to support small, local businesses that share your values."

From serene wildlife photography by Dan Dietrich to clean-burning and fragrant varieties from Matchbox Candle Co., the amount of Winter Market items up for grabs is extensive.

"This weekend, you can put your money where your house is by supporting local growers, makers and specialty producers right here in the Front Range and Colorado," Sehlke said.