Larimer County Farmers’ Market celebrates 50 years
The oldest market in northern Colorado
The Larimer County Farmers’ Market kicks off its 50th anniversary in Old Town Fort Collins on May 16.
From humble beginnings, the Colorado Master Gardeners in Larimer County began the market in 1976 as an outlet to sell excess produce grown by home gardeners to their neighbors.
Now, the farmers’ market, located at 200 W. Oak St. in Old Town Fort Collins, is a thriving hub for local farmers, growers, food entrepreneurs, small businesses, and a community cornerstone. In 2026, the market will host around 130 local vendors, with 91 percent of these businesses located in either Larimer or Weld counties. To achieve this milestone 50th anniversary, the market still relies heavily on the Larimer County Master Gardeners as weekly market volunteers, and is one of the largest volunteer-run markets in the state.
The Colorado State University Extension Office in Larimer County manages the market. Alison O’Connor, Horticulture Specialist for the Extension Office, has been with the farmers’ market since 2006 and has seen it grow to the essential piece of Fort Collins it is today. “Twenty years ago, the market only operated for three months during the summer; it’s now expanded to six months, and that’s largely because vendors can provide produce and products nearly year-round,” said O’ Connor. “The market’s exponential growth can be attributed to many factors, but our dedicated volunteers and customers are the reason we are celebrating 50 years. It’s been incredible to experience this.”
Some vendors, such as Morning Fresh Dairy, Ela Family Farms, C & R Farms, Mitzi’s Flowers, Cafe Richesse, Pope Farms and Produce, have been with the Larimer County Farmers’ Market for over 20 years and credit the farmers’ market as part of their business’s success and sustainability. The farmers’ market has also been a business incubation hub for many northern Colorado favorites - such as Little Bird Bakeshop, Well Fed Farmstead, The Bread Chic, Native Hill Farm, Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary, and many others that grew and expanded their businesses due, in part, to the Larimer County Farmers’ Market.
In 2025, Larimer County Farmers’ Market vendors collectively earned nearly $2 million in gross sales, and more than $94,000 was spent with local farmers due to food access programs, such as SNAP/EBT, Double-Up Food Bucks, and the LCFM’s unique program, Market Days for Older Adults, which provides access to fresh produce for low-income seniors in Larimer County, the only one of its kind at a farmers’ market in the state of Colorado. According to Maggie Switzer, Farmers Market and Food Systems Coordinator for the Larimer County Extension Office, “Our food access programs are essential to providing a way to purchase fresh, healthy, and local food for those who need it. This programming is such a meaningful example of the spirit of farmers’ markets and how the community can support each other and strengthen our local economy.”
To achieve this 50-year success, the LCFM has remained true to its mission: “Always locally grown and made”. The Larimer County Farmers’ Market is still the largest growers-only market in Larimer County.
The Larimer County community continues to show up, rain or shine, to support the local economy and their neighbors by purchasing locally grown produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty food items. The 50th anniversary is not only a testament to the local vendors and farmers’ market team but to the community's steadfastness and support of the local economy.
The Larimer County Farmers’ Market 2026 season will operate from May 16 to October 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays at the Larimer County Administrative Building, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521.
About Larimer County Extension
Larimer County Extension provides practical education you can trust to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills, and build a better future. Our evidence-based knowledge is useful and easily accessible. We are here to serve you, your family, and our community by providing unbiased solutions and options. Our
programs include 4-H youth development, yard & garden, health & well-being, community development, retail food safety training, agriculture, and more.
For more information, visit our website at: LarimerExtension.org
