Salt Lake City's Downtown Farmers' Market is an ever-growing success

When Volker Ritzinger came to America, he wanted to play hockey.

Now this third-generation baker from Austria has become a "pioneer" of farmer's markets, operating 18 stands a week in markets all over Utah, as well as in Idaho and Wyoming, during the summer months. He works full time running the stands, which sell breads and pastries made using authentic Austrian recipes passed on from his father and grandfather, both bakers in Austria.

Volker's Bakery was part of the bustle of thousands of people wandering through the stands of foods and crafts at the Downtown Farmers' Market, located at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City on a recent Saturday. The market celebrated its 15th anniversary and is bringing droves to the downtown location in an ever-increasing amount.

Ritzinger has found a niche within farmers' markets. "That's what I do for a living," Ritzinger said. "Some people say I'm the pioneer of farmers' markets. I see what works and doesn't in some markets because I go to so many." During the winter months, Ritzinger is set up at events in the South Towne Exposition Center. "That's almost like my retail store in the winter," he said.

The Downtown Farmers' Market, operated by the Salt Lake Downtown Alliance, started as a place for several local farmers to sell their produce. While farm produce still has priority, the market has expanded to include food, arts and crafts.

"People are becoming more and more aware of this buy-local movement and the importance of supporting our local economy," Kim Angeli said.

The Downtown Farmers' Market has also helped launch businesses in the valley.

"A lot of businesses that don't have the size and the funds for a retail space. The market provides a steppingstone," said Angeli, market manager of the Salt Lake Downtown Alliance.

She mentioned businesses like Spotted Dog Creamery and Rico Mexican Market and Catering that got their start in the market.

The market also gives hobbyists a chance to make some money on the side.

J.L. Ivie is in his second year at the market. He sells turned wood dishes he makes from the curing of the wood to the polishing the finished product. Ivie said the money he makes helps fund his hobby.

Plans are in the works to create a year-round public market. "That would be the next phase of the market," Angeli said.

The Downtown Alliance is working on a feasibility study for such a market. She could not say exactly when or where the new market would begin.

"We talked about having it next year, but it depends on what facility they use."

More marketgoers showed up on bikes than ever before this year at the market, Angeli said. Patrons parked 247 bikes during the market's opening day on June 9 in storage provided by the Salt Lake Bicycle Collective, doubling last year's record of 125.

To help with parking, restaurant operator Gastronomy Inc. donated free parking at the Ford Center lot, 250 S. 400 West.

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E-mail: bcaballero@desnews.com