By Darrell Kirby | [email protected]

Big and small, they sprout up this time of year, including several around Salt Lake County.

Now West Valley City has joined the growing number of communities across the area that host farmers markets.

It will be held Thursdays, 5 to 9 p.m., from July 7 to Oct. 13 at Centennial Park, 5405 W. 3100 South. 

“They’ve been waiting way too long for a market, so we’re glad we were able to connect (with the city) and provide that service,” said Natalie Rollinson, cofounder of Good4Life Markets, the organizer of the West Valley City market. She and Denise Christiansen started their first one last year in their hometown of Herriman.

Products for sale include organic and nonorganic fruits and vegetables, dairy products, jams, bakery goods, and locally made health and beauty items.

With the success of the Herriman farmers market, Rollinson and Christiansen saw West Valley City as another area ripe for locals to sell and buy produce and other edible products in an open-air environment. Negotiations led to a contract between Good4Life and West Valley City to hold the market at the city’s largest park. “They have been so supportive of us,” Rollinson said of the city.

As of mid-June, Rollinson said nearly 40 vendors had signed on to sell their fare at Centennial Park and that number is expected to grow. “We vet them to make sure we give the best opportunity for each vendor to be able to sell their products. We also prefer local,” she said, encouraging producers from West Valley City and adjacent communities like Kearns, Magna, and Taylorsville to have a booth.

Rollinson said farmers market prices are often lower than what grocery stores charge because products go direct from grower to consumer without the overhead costs of retail operations.

Most items at the West Valley City Farmers Market are approved for purchase by those who qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The number of farmers markets is growing like corn in the hot summer sun. Today there are some 8,600 such markets across the U.S. according to the U.S Department of Agriculture, more than quadruple the number in 1994.

“Opportunities to try new, fresh produce items and support local growers and entrepreneurs are bonuses of the market. West Valley City is proud to partner with the Good4Life Markets,” said Jamie Young, assistant director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department.

For information on becoming a vendor at the farmers market or to learn more about the event, contact Rollinson or Christiansen at 801-652-7189 or [email protected]