The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the Ridgway Farmers Market as our June 2026 Member of the Month. The Member of the Month program is an ongoing effort by the Chamber to provide residents and visitors information about businesses and organizations in the area and promote the patronage of our local resources and our small, independent companies. RACC recently sat down with Jessie Bergman who organizes the market.
1. Please introduce yourself and your role with the farmers market.
My name is Jessie Bergman, and I serve as the Market Manager and Board Treasurer for the
Ridgway Farmers Market. I have also been a vendor for six seasons as the owner of Winter
Moon Gifts. Having experienced the market from both sides of the booth, I have a deep
appreciation for the vendors, customers, and community members who make the market such a
special part of Ridgway.
2. What is your favorite thing about hosting the market in Ridgway?
Hands down, the community. The Ridgway Farmers Market is a gathering place for all. We are a
family of vendors, a place where people connect, visitors stop and discover our town, and local
farmers and small businesses have an opportunity to share what they work so hard to create. I
can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone on the phone say, “Hey, I’m at Hartwell Park,
meet me at the market.” I’ve really come to embrace that as part of what makes this market so
special. There is something meaningful about seeing the camaraderie that takes place throughout
the market each week.
3. Where do most of the attendees come from?
All over the world! But we sure do love our loyal local shoppers. As the only farmers market in
Ouray County, we serve Ridgway and Ouray, along with Montrose, Telluride, and surrounding
communities. We also welcome visitors traveling through the area, and I’ve heard many people
say they were on their way to vacation in Telluride, noticed the market, and had to stop.
4. Where do most of the vendors come from?
The majority of our vendors are from Ridgway, Ouray, and Montrose. We also have vendors who
travel from Norwood, Grand Junction, Palisade, and Hotchkiss each week because they love the
vibe and community of this market so much!
5. What is different this year compared to prior years?
We are excited to bring several new changes this year, all with a community-minded focus. We
are hosting monthly live music and themed market days, and each month will feature a giveaway
basket geared toward that theme. June is Picnic in the Park, and entry to win is free!
The purpose of these baskets is to encourage people to attend the market regularly, not just once
or twice during the season. Each basket is made up of items donated by our vendors and local
businesses, which gives shoppers another fun reason to come out, explore the market, and
discover what our local community has to offer.
6. How do you feel the market helps Ridgway?
The farmers market creates opportunities for local farmers, ranchers, artists, makers, and
small businesses to earn income while bringing residents and visitors into downtown
Ridgway. Many shoppers spend time not only at the market but also at nearby restaurants,
shops, and businesses, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. By supporting local
vendors and increasing foot traffic in town, the market helps keep dollars circulating within
our local economy while showcasing everything that makes Ridgway special.
The market also improves access to fresh, local food through nutrition assistance programs
such as SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks, helping make healthy food more accessible to
everyone in our community.
Beyond the economic impact, I believe the market strengthens the sense of community that
makes Ridgway such a wonderful place to live and visit. It brings people together, fosters
connections, and creates a welcoming space where locals and visitors alike can experience
the heart of our town.
