The Ignacio Farmers market held a Grand Opening on Sunday, Aug. 28 at 9:30 a.m. At the ELHI Community Center. Eddie and Betty Box conducted a blessing and a ribbon cutting completed the ceremony. Members of Tribal Council and Ignacio Town Council were present to celebrate the event.

The ELHI Community Center in conjunction with Growing Partners of the Southwest brought the weekly Farmer’s Market back to Ignacio. The market began Sunday, Aug. 21 and runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 25. The first market had 5 vendors with locally grown vegetables, lamb and pork from a local ranch and handmade goods from local artists.

“The ELHI is happy to partner with Growing Partners of the Southwest to give our local vendors an opportunity to showcase their wares while providing the community with access to fresh picked produce and homemade goods” said Gina Schulz, ELHI Site Assistant and Growing Partners Fellow. “The ELHI was established to benefit youth, families, and community and bringing a Farmer’s Market back to Ignacio provides an excellent community gathering opportunity.”

Joni Podschun, Executive Director of Growing Partners of the Southwest and a local producer herself states, “The Ignacio Farmer’s Market is certainly part of the Growing Partners vision – A healthy, local food system that reaches all ages, incomes and cultures – and we are happy to support it.”