A new spring mini market is starting up in Cortez.

Cliffrose Garden Center is hosting the outdoor venue in collaboration with the Montezuma County Small Vendors Co-op.

The idea is to fill the gap between the Four Seasons Greenhouse Winter Market and Cortez Farmers Market in the summer, said event organizer Joe “Tomato Guy” Sprince, who is the co-op founder.

“It is an opportunity for some small vendors to gain additional business,” he said. “It is a positive service for people to purchase local products and socialize.”

The market dates are April 1, April 15, April 29, and May 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cliffrose parking lot, 27885 U.S. Highway 160.

“My partner, Matt Keefauver, and I have wanted to host a spring market for quite a while to support our local producers and vendors,” said Cliffrose co-owner Ric Plese.

The market will feature six to eight vendors offering locally grown and produced foods and products. There is no vendor charge, and space is limited.

Sprince will sell his winter-grown greenhouse tomatoes, and his partner will sell freshly made authentic New York bagels and biscotti.

Other vendors are the Croissant Cowboy, Jodie’s Sprouts, Berto Farm meats, Black D spicer, Ruth Francisco-Wilson breads, and others. Fresh coffee will be served.

“Opening day will be a fun adventure and probably have that little bit of chaos when a new market opens,” Sprince said.

He said the idea grew out of the desire to help smaller vendors sell during the offseason.

“The small farmers and vendors of this county work extremely long and hard to produce local goods,” Sprince said. “Most do it for the love of their craft rather than the prospect of earning a lot of money. Our group tries to find extra income opportunities for them.”

At the same time, many people in the community like to examine and purchase locally produced goods, so starting a new market at is a win-win for everyone, he said.

For more information contact Joe Sprince at josephsprince@gmail.com.