Farmers’ market going strong in downtown Colfax

More than half way through the season and the Colfax Farmers’ Market is going strong. Almost a dozen vendors set up from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday on the sidewalks lining North Walnut and East Howard Streets, sharing their wares including honey, produce, antiques and baked goods.

Among the sellers are Emory and Nancy Ahn of Colfax, who brought their fresh honey, the first they have collected from their bees.

“First year we have taken honey from our bees,” Emory said. “We had honey last year, our first year, but we let them have it to get the colony established.”

From the three hives they manage, 30 gallons was produced by the bees this year. The couple just started coming to the farmers’ market but has had good results so far.

“This is only our third time we have been down here but it has been going pretty good,” Emory said. “It was a little slow during the county fair but word is getting around slowly but surely that we sell the honey.”

Offering up sweet treats including rolls, cookies and bars along with fresh produce, seasoned baker of 36 years Richard Kollasch said the market has been productive this year.

“I have done everyone of them, they have been really good,” Kollasch said. “We had rain one time but otherwise the weather has been good.”

Kollasch’s stand was a popular destination for the steady stream of patrons at the farmers’ market. Set up next door was Jennifer Brown of Prairie City, who also brought baked goods, but with a twist.

“Most of the stuff we have is gluten free, grain free and low-carb,” Brown said. “I also tend to bring whatever excess produce I have out of my garden, so it is all fresh picked and locally grown.”

Brown said the turn out has been good at each of the markets she has attended and participating in the market has been a great experience.

Also out welcoming community members to the market was Robert Langloss of Weathervane Vintage. Parked outside his shop, Langloss had a few pieces on display from the antique store which was also open to the public.

“We always have a different mix of things here. Our garden is just starting to produce but we always have eggs and we started doing succulent pots, which are becoming popular,” Langloss said. “Our antique store is always open, too, that way people can do both or at least step into the air conditioning for a while.”

Langloss said it is nice to see more items come in as the season continues on. He is also looking forward to the fall when produce including pumpkins will be available.

“Right now we have small ones and big ones in the garden,” Langloss said. “I am hoping to have a good crop to sell this year, too.”

The Colfax Farmers’ Market is open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays in downtown Colfax. It runs through Sept. 25.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com