By Benjamin Hollenbeck
Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market is a gem worth discovering, less than a minute and tucked just a few blocks away from the intersection of Wadsworth Boulevard and 38th Avenue. Inside you’ll find an amazing collective of all natural, farm fresh and artisan goods – vegetables and fruits, dairy, eggs, butter, meat products, baked goods, paintings, jam and fruit butters, handmade soap and lip balm, honey, painted greeting cards, handmade jewelry, clothing, and even customized drink coasters – all sourced from local Colorado vendors.
At the center of this haven for local merchandise and food are two very committed and humble owners who are providing a place that will give local farmers and artists a platform to share and profit from their trade.
Extremely passionate about agriculture and education, Dick and Margaret Barkey come from a generation that believes in hard work and taking action to make a positive change in their community. From a long line of pioneers, their dream began when they first bought their farm in Weld county years ago.
Margaret reminisces about the day they went out to California to trade a rare-breed boar they had bought. Now they own 25 hogs, 125 rare Soay sheep, and roughly 500 chickens that produce over 40 dozen eggs each week. “The abundance of eggs is actually what got us to join a farmers market in Denver before opening our own market,” says Margaret.
When the Denver market closed, the Barkeys and their friends lacked a place to easily sell their fresh goods in the Denver metro. Dick and Margaret decided they wanted a place for people to go support their local community.
What got your business started?
Margaret: It was a process of evolution. At first we bought a farm in Weld County – eventually we wanted to have a place that went back to our farming roots.
What has been one of your biggest challenges?
M: It was difficult navigating all the various government permits required for our business and the improvements we made. The City of Wheat Ridge left me the nicest voicemail after explaining my frustrations.
What has been the best thing about opening Four Seasons?
Dick: The neighborhood has been very welcoming.
M: A city councilwoman was here the first morning, she’s not the council woman for this district but she still stopped by within the first 15 minutes of opening.
If you had the power to solve one problem in the world, what problem would you solve?
D: I think it would be poverty for me..
M: We see that in Weld County, it’s a big deal in urban counties and northern Colorado. I don’t think people really see that despite it being a problem throughout the entire state.
As a community of vendors at Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market, there are 25 indoor spots total with just a few current openings. Their location also features an education area where they are planning to have classes throughout the year, in addition to hosting a Bee Keeping series.
Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market can be found at 7043 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. They are in the Ridge at 38 along 38th Avenue just east of High Court. Full of unique and local art, food and clothing – they are open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm and closed on Mondays. Whether you’re looking for some fresh goat’s milk, some really cool mittens for a niece’s upcoming birthday present, or you want to impress your boss with some amazing honey, Four Season Farmers and Artisans Market is the spot to find something special and local.
To learn more about Four Season Farmers and Artisans Market, please call 720.560.6648 or visit their website online at: http://www.fourseasonsfam.com/
