Every Saturday morning, Denton Community Market comes alive, drawing a wave of local Dentonites and, increasingly, residents from neighboring towns and communities. Created in 2009 year, organizers of the market have a mission:

To strengthen the Denton community by providing economic opportunities for local artists, businesses, food vendors, and food producers to contribute to the vitality and livability of Denton.

In just five years, it's becoming clear that the market has done just that. The number of market vendors has grown exponentially from 15 vendors in 2010 to 150 vendors in 2014, and more are waiting in the wings. This year, the market won 3rd place in the Best Community Event in the Best of Denton Contest. It doesn't take more than a visit to understand why. Locally-grown produce, prepared foods, a variety of handcrafts, live music, green space for children and families--the market is a true gathering place.

Six years ago, Vicki Oppenheim, joined Denton Community Market as a volunteer Board Member. Now part-time staff, Vicki, in collaboration with other co-coordinator Kati Trice, is helping to grow, create, and shape Denton's market. Vicki's experience as co-coordinator and urban planner for the market has been so important that just this year she decided to pursue another (yes, a second!) graduate degree in UNT's Department of Geography. She is specializing in Economic Geography (more specifically, Business Geography). Vicki plans to evaluate the social and economic characteristics of cities that lead to the creation and development of distinct types of public markets. She will use case studies in Texas in an effort to illustrate the economic benefits of markets for local communities.

As Vicki pursues her graduate degree in geography, she will continue to help grow Denton Community Market. And grow it will. The Denton Community Market recently received a $75,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. With USDA support, the market aims to expand the availability of locally-grown produce for Denton's community, train farmers, and engage new farmers. As part of the grant, both farmers and customers will be surveyed to identify challenges and opportunities with local farming and business practices. SNAP (Special Nutrition Assistance Program) equipment and administrative fees are also included in the grant. These will help provide greater access to healthy food for lower income residents.

Denton Community Market organizers are bringing a new space into existence. Be part of it. Come visit the market and see for yourself! The market opens every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM and will remain open through November 29th until the next season opens in April, 2015.