Park City Farmers Market expands its organic reach with a Winter Market that is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at Junction Commons. The Winter Market will run for at least another 10 weeks. Credit: Photo courtesy of Volker Ritzinger The Park City Farmers Market spices up it s schedule with a new season. The Winter Market opened last weekend and will continue to open its doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays at Junction Commons, said Founder and Organizer Volker Ritzinger. “We’re going to do this for the next 10 weeks or so,” he said. “We are looking for local farmers, local food products and food vendors, as well as some local artisan items.” Applications and information are available at parkcityfarmersmarket.com. The idea for the Winter Market, which is located between Abercrombie Fitch and Old Navy at 6699 N. Landmark Drive, Suite L150, stems from Junction Commons Marketing Manager Abby Phillips, according to Ritzinger. “They reached out to me last summer and said they wanted a farmers market there,” he said. “Abby asked if I wanted to do an indoor market like they have in Salt Lake City and Ogden, but I was so busy at the time.” But Ritzinger kept thinking about the idea, and Phillips proposed a Winter Market. “She really likes the Farmers Market,” he said. “I saw what they did with the indoor farmers market in Ogden, and from January to February they got so many people, and it was so successful. So, I thought maybe we could duplicate it and see what happens in Park City.” So, four weeks ago, Ritzinger took Phillips up on her proposal.  “Abby was so nice and worked with us so well, and I couldn’t say no,” he said. “I went forward and looked at the space and talked with my market managers and asked if we should do it, and they were all like, ‘Yeah!’ And you know when I get really interested in something I will get stuff done really quickly.” The Winter Market space measures 9,000 square feet, and there is room for between 20 to 22 vendors, Ritzinger said. “I reached out to some of the vendors who are with me during the summer, and they said it was a great idea,” he said. “We had between 12 to 15 vendors commit right away, and I’m filling the list as we go. I have a lot of people who are interested, and I just need to follow up.” Volker Ritzinger, Park City Farmers Market founder and organizer, is partnering with Junction Commons for an indoor Winter Market that is now open Fridays through Sundays. Like Ritzinger’s summer outdoors Farmers Market, the Winter Market focuses on organic and non-GMO goods. Credit: Park Record file photo by Scott Iwasaki The offerings so far include bread and pastries from Volker’s Baker, coffee, empanadas, Italian gelato and Thai food available from a food truck, according to Ritzinger. “We also have beef, a (mushroom) bar and a veteran who sells herbs,” he said. “I always like to take care of those people who have served our country.” In addition, the Winter Market features antiques and some art vendors. “I did add some of the artisans, but we really want to focus more on homegrown and handmade food — unique stuff you can’t find anywhere,” he said. “We don’t have too many greens and produce, but we’re giving it a shot. I’m talking with other growers. Some of them have things in their greenhouses, so we’ll have some produce in the weeks coming up. I look forward to it. I’m sure it will get busier and busier, and we have 12 weeks until we open the outdoor market.” Volker says the Winter Market guidelines and principles align with his summer Farmers Market mission. “All the produce, products and meats are all organic with GMOs,” he said. “My goal is to give the vendors the opportunity and a place to sell their awesome products and make money and make those healthy products available not just in the summertime for Park City locals.” The market is part of the ongoing evolution of Junction Commons, which continues to reinvent itself as a hybrid lifestyle center — combining national retailers with local charm, outdoor access, food, wellness and events that reflect the Park City spirit, Phillips said in a statement. “This is exactly what the refresh at Junction Commons is all about,” she said. “It’s about creating space for our local community to connect, showcase their work and feel at home.” Volker hopes the Winter Market catches on. “I’m excited to have a small little place during the winter where we can market stuff,” he said. “If it works out, maybe we can do this again next winter, and that may give the Farmers Market a chance to do something for the whole year.” Park City Farmers Market Winter Market When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Fridays through Sundays Where: Junction Commons, 6699 N. Landmark Drive, Suite is L150 Admission: Free Web: parkcityfarmersmarket.com The post Park City Farmers Market adds a new season to its mix appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less