GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — This year's downtown Farmers' Market kicks off Thursday with more farmers' produce in the first week than previous years.

The American National Bank Farmers' Market will also boast an additional entertainment location — in the 600 block of Main Street near the Seventh Street round-a-about — as well as several new vendors.

Each week the Farmers' Market (located on Main Street between Third and Seventh Streets) will host up to 15 farmers, and 70 vendor booths selling artwork and handcrafted specialty items.

New this year will be grass-fed beef and lamb, as well as eggs from a De Beque ranch and fresh poultry from Olathe.

Fresh cut lavender, lavender plants, soap, lotions and sugar will be available from Cherry Blossom Farms.

Free parking will be offered again this year in the city's parking garage on Rood Avenue, between Fourth and Fifth streets. A breezeway is currently under construction linking the garage to Main Street, and is expected to be completed by July, said Kathy Dirks, Downtown Partnership marketing director.

Main Street Chiles will be back selling their popular green chili burritos in the 300 block of Main Street.

The Art Center will be helping kids make pinecone bird feeders this Thursday at its booth. The Art Center will be at the Farmers' Market every other week showing kids how to make things.

If you get lost, you can always stop at the information booth operated by American National Bank, at the corner of Fourth and Main.

“They'll usually have something to give away at their booth,” Dirks said. “They're a great sponsor of the event.”

Businesses along Main Street, as well as on side streets and Colorado Avenue, will have extended hours during the Farmers' Markets.

“It's a great opportunity to come downtown,” Dirks said. “The whole experience is really fun.”

The Farmers' Market will run through Sept. 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Reach Sharon Sullivan at ssullivan@gjfreepress.com.