A Farmington woman bags local greens grown by Bridgewater Farms at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)
A Farmington woman bags local greens grown by Bridgewater Farms at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux/Tri-City Record)Debra Mayeux

It’s produce season, which means its market season too. Farmington Grower’s Market was the first of several farmers markets to open, with others planning to start the season in the coming weeks.

The Farmington Grower’s Market opened for the summer season on June 6 in the parking lot of the Farmington Museum at Gateway Park.

It was the earliest seasonal opening for the market, which has diversified, according to Tanya Kluender, secretary of the board for the market.

“We’ve definitely grown,” she said, adding there are 75 vendors with fresh grown produce; baked goods; drinks; soaps; lotions; candles; honey; meats; and jewelry.

Kluender owns Buttercups Handmades, and she specializes in soaps, lotions and balms.

“I have regular customers and people I meet from out of town,” Kluender said.

From left, Harper Smith, Catherine Davis, Addison Judd and Bella Smith smell different fragrances of handmade soaps from Buttercups Handmades during the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux)
From left, Harper Smith, Catherine Davis, Addison Judd and Bella Smith smell different fragrances of handmade soaps from Buttercups Handmades during the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux)Debra Mayeux

A group of young ladies stopped at her booth Saturday to check out the different fragrances of soaps.

“I didn’t know the market was open,” said Catherine Davis. While her husband went into the Farmington Museum, she decided to check out the market with some young girls. “They’re just pulling me along.”

Justin Schiess, owner of J&J Micro-Bakery, is bakes artisan sourdough. He brought 75 loafs of bread, 48 bagels and 60 English muffins to the June 13 market, and he was sold out before 11 a.m.

“We’ve never not sold out,” Schiess said.

Shiess said he spends about 40 hours during a two-day stretch preparing to sell at the Saturday market.

“I do it all by hand in my home oven,” Schiess said.

Vernon Bridgewater of Bridgewater Farms helps a customer purchasing greens from him at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux)
Vernon Bridgewater of Bridgewater Farms helps a customer purchasing greens from him at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. (Debra Mayeux)Debra Mayeux

Vernon Bridgewater of Bridgewater Farms regularly brings fresh produce and homemade soft-serve ice cream to the market.

“We’re off to a good start,” he said. “It’s been a good turnout.”

Another regular is Niki Hilbers of Happy Pear Honey and Produce.

“We’re selling honey,” Hilbers said. “The market is great, and we’re doing really well.”

Hilbers is known for her hot honey, flavored honey sticks and throat coat honey, although she has not been able to sell them this year due to regulatory changes from the New Mexico Department of Health.

She told customers on Saturday she is working with the DOH to get licensed to bring those items back to the market.

Niki Hilbers of Happy Pear Honey and Produce prepares a sale of honey for a customer at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. Regulatory changes from the New Mexico Department have Health have prevented Hilbers from selling some of her staple honey goods, although she is working with the department to get the proper licensing in place to bring them back to market. (Debra Mayeux)
Niki Hilbers of Happy Pear Honey and Produce prepares a sale of honey for a customer at the Grower's Market in Farmington on Saturday. Regulatory changes from the New Mexico Department have Health have prevented Hilbers from selling some of her staple honey goods, although she is working with the department to get the proper licensing in place to bring them back to market. (Debra Mayeux)Debra Mayeux

Farmer’s Markets in San Juan CountyAztec Farmers’ Market runs every Wednesday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 600 N. Main Ave., a new location this year, beginning July 1 and running through Oct. 28. Bloomfield Grower’s Market begins July 9 and runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays at Bishop Square, on the corner of Broadway and First St. Farmington Grower’s is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning July 7 in the parking lot of the Farmington Museum at 3041 East Main Street. Kirtland Grower’s Market starts July 20 and will run from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at Kirtland Town Hall at 47 Rd. 6500. Shiprock Farmers’ Market opens July 15 and will run 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Shiprock Chapter House north of Nataani Nez Restaurant.

Kluender pointed out that everyone who sells at the market owns a local small business, and shopping at the Farmers’ Markets helps local families.