Community & carrots

In 1880, the developers of the Denver & Rio Grande Railway approached a 4-year-old town along the banks of the Animas River called Animas City. The D&RG wanted to build a depot here, so, in exchange, Animas City demanded a dowry. Instead of purchasing stock or land for Animas City, the railroad opted to start a new city 2 miles down the road. They called it Durango.

The farmers, ranchers, miners and other Animas City townsfolk slowly shifted their business operations from their once healthy trade center to the bustling hive of Durango. The lines blurred over time, and Animas City was annexed to Durango in 1948. But AC pride still echoes off the flanks of Animas Mountain: “Animas City: Looking down on Durango since 1876” reads a $10 coffee mug for sale at the Animas Museum.

This year, the City of Durango has put great effort into polishing up the ole north side of Durango, which they classify as the area between 14th Street to the south and Animas View Drive to the north. A recent poll determined that the district would be called North Main.

North Main citizens are adjusting well to their official identity, and energy is high to boost business and inspire community as much as possible. The hope is that North Main neighbors can hang out together and introduce non-North Main dwellers to the coolness that is the former Animas City.

And so it has come to pass nearly 150 years after it was founded that Animas City’s trade center spirit will revive once again in the form of the Animas City Farmers Market. On Wed., June 13, the Animas City Farmers Market will make its debut at the corner of Main Avenue and 30th Street. Thanks to the generosity of Tim Turner, owner of Zia Taqueria, the ACFM has a home in the parking lot of Turner’s recently acquired property at 2977 Main Ave.

“Zia is honored to help create some positive energy for the North Main neighborhoods,” Turner says. “Our ultimate goal is to create a mixed-use project, so having the Farmers Market on this property feels like a natural beginning.”

Though largely a mystery yet to be revealed, Turner’s vision for the property includes an outside dining space replete with a sculpture garden and other artfully inspired concepts. With the ACFM, Turner can keep his dream alive to provide farmers and artists with opportunities to share their work with the community. In turn, the North Main district will finally have a wildly entertaining, hoi polloi, cultural outlet.

The ACFM will run every Wednesday from 3 – 7 p.m., June 13 – Oct. 17. Besides locally grown produce,

the Market will also feature art, live music, a kids creative space, Cream Bean Berry Ice Cream, food trucks, handmade soaps and – wait for it – beer, wine and cocktails starting July 4.

Created for the community by the community, this organically inspired Wednesday night market is designed to offer a weekday complement to the flourishing Saturday morning Durango Farmers Market and other farmers markets in the region. Beyond providing a gathering space for farmers and artisans to sell their wares, the ACFM strives to incorporate collaborations from across the city (read: there’s no looking down on Durango from this Animas City endeavor).

As with growing anything great in life, the success of the ACFM will take a village. Whether you’re a farmer, artisan or musician, or know someone who produces

something locally, get in touch by emailing contact@animascityfm.com for an application. Sponsorship opportunities abound as well, so don’t hesitate to get your name behind this community effort.

The ACFM is a 501-c3. For more information, check out animascityfm.com.