Manitou Springs 3 rd Annual Midweek Farmer's Market Festival in Soda Springs Park, will kick off on Wednesday June 13 th. We can expect to see a few changes this year as the market continues to respond to community needs. One big change for the market will be a ban on pets. Market officials have deemed this a necessary action due to the complaints received and concern for loss of liability insurance allowing the event to be held in a free to the public venue.

Unfortunately, some people brought unleashed animals, aggressive dogs and even exotic pets. Another complaint was that pet owners did not respect others by picking up their dog droppings. Droppings ended up on the soles of children and shoppers. Insurance carriers felt the practice of allowing pets represented health and safety issues to the public. In accordance with health code standards and influence from surrounding markets, pets will no longer be allowed in the park from 2 pm to 9 pm, the hours of set-up, operation and break-down for Midweek Market.

Most markets in the state have already implemented this rule as has many weekend festivals. Manitou, being a pet loving community that it is, held out as long as it could before being pressured to implement the new policy. Market managers ask for the public's cooperation with this new policy that it is only a few hours once a week. No pets includes all animals...not just the canine variety.

So, all of us whose dogs drag us to Fountain Creek for some after work play will just have to go before or after market hours...or find another location away from all the market activity.

We look forward to seeing all of you out at the park and taking advantage of the direct from grower produce and unique arts and crafts!