Before the clock struck 1 p.m. last Friday, dozens of students lined up to participate in DUPB’s first-ever farmers market on the campus green.
Anna Sparling, one of DUPB’s exploratory committee members, was excited to be a part of the new event. “We’ve never done anything like this before, so I think it’s super cool we’re able to bring vendors onto our campus,” said Sparling.
The process of putting on an event like this is no easy feat. Between getting the right permits, reaching out to vendors and ensuring each booth has exactly what they need, “there’s a lot of moving parts,” Sparling said.
DUPB’s goal for this event was to showcase local small businesses to students. Sparling explained that by hosting this event, students had the opportunity to show their support to businesses that are on or around campus.
The event started off great, with lines forming for Sweet Cow Ice Cream, Astro Coffee and EZ Eats. Vendors from all over Denver and surrounding areas as well as student-run businesses were set up throughout the campus green.
There were several student organizations such as the Center for Sustainability, DU Pollination Association, Innovation Media and Art and of course, DUPB. As much as this event was for local companies to get some business, there was a variety of free items being handed out as well.
Among many vintage clothing vendors, jewelry shops and fresh produce stands, senior Sage Andersohn’s (she/they) business ‘Stoopid Child’ was set up to sell custom-made and upcycled denim, jewelry, festival packs and more. A percentage of all of Andersohn’s sales go to the buyer’s charity of choice.
Andersohn started making her clothing back in 2020 but did not start vending at farmers’ markets until this year. Among all of their unique products, the sweatshirts, patches and festival packs have been quite popular recently.
Events like this help Andersohns’ business thrive. “This is a really important time for me because this is where I sell probably ninety percent of the stuff I do,” they said.
Aside from sales, Andersohn values when people just come to talk with her about the company and her work. “I would love to sell stuff but I also just love getting my name out there,” they said.
You can find more of ‘Stoopid Child’s’ stuff on their Instagram.
The more the crowd filled the campus green, the darker the sky became. The first drop of rain had nobody concerned. “I am putting the vibes out, like.. little little rain. It’s gonna be great,” said Andersohn.
Minutes later the downpour began.
Vendors were told by DUPB to either pack up and leave or to move their booth inside to the Driscoll Commons bridge. A wave of panic and urgency moved its way over the campus green as racks of clothing and wagons of fresh vegetables were brought inside quickly. The DUPB members, students and off-campus vendors worked together to keep everything as dry as possible.
The Center for Sustainability guide for disposing items makes it ways inside amidst the rain | photo by Anna NeumannThe food trucks stayed put, and so did the lines. It would have taken a lot of rain to keep people from getting their free food. EZ Eats dished out some impressive poke and stir fry bowls, while most of the orders at Astro Coffee went from iced to hot in an attempt to stay warm in the pouring rain.
Students waiting for their coffee in the pouring rain | Photo by Anna Neumann.Unfortunately, Better Weather and Non-Dairy missed out on their chance to perform in the “No Battle Just Bands” lineup due to the weather. Students can still support these DU bands by streaming their music on multiple platforms.
Regardless of the rain, the farmer’s market was a success. Good food, great conversations and plenty of support for small businesses in the DU community and beyond made for a wonderful day
Vendors in attendance:
Stoopid Child
Manic Pixie Thrift
Feeling Fresca
Nostalgic Core
Miller farms
Conscious Farms
Student Organizations in attendance:
