Hip, hippie hooray
DNF celebrates 50 years of making Durango healthier

Hip, hippie hooray

Durango Natural Foods at its current 8th & College location circa 1999, judging by the Subaru in the background (although given all the old Subys in town, it very well could have been last week.)

Durango’s homegrown co-op is turning half a century old. And to celebrate the occasion, Durango Natural Foods is hosting a 50th anniversary Harvest Festival from 3-8 p.m. this Sat., Sept. 7, at Rotary Park.

Like any good Durango festival, the revelry will include live music from Desiderata and Dana Ariel, prizes, vendors, and delicious food and drink from the DNF Deli, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, kid’s plates and desserts. There will also be non-alcoholic beverages, a beer garden and ciders from Esoterra.

"This 50th anniversary is a testament to the incredible support and dedication of our community," DNF General Manager Joe Zwiebach said. "The Harvest Festival is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey and helped us promote healthy, sustainable living in Durango."

Founded in 1974 as a food-buying club, Durango Natural Foods had its humble beginnings in a 10-by-30-foot rented room in the 700 block of Main Avenue. A red tackle box served as the cash register and the entire operation was run by volunteers. In 1975, it was legally registered with the State of Colorado as Durango Natural Foods, Inc. and moved into a slightly larger rented space in the alley of 2nd Avenue and 7th Street. Finally, in January 1999, it moved into its current location at College and 8th, where it offers everything from grab-and-go burritos to flowers and bulk granola (it is a co-op after all).

With a mission to provide high-quality, natural and organic products while supporting local farmers, producers and sustainable practices, the bustling community-owned store – which welcomes all shoppers – now has more than 2,000 members.

For more on DNF or becoming a member (just $20 a year), go to www.durangonaturalfoods.coop.