The Denton Community Market has been a constant support of local commerce and community for the past 7 years. What started off as a small gathering of local farmers and vendors has turned into a multifaceted marketplace for all things local. You can pick up local honey to keep those allergies at bay, fresh produce, all natural cleaning supplies, catch some free yoga, or sit down with a delicious breakfast or lunch from one of the food trucks and enjoy music provided by Denton Radio.

The market is a 501(c)3 producer-only farmer’s market that provides economic opportunities to Denton makers, farmers, and creatives. This Saturday, October 15th, is Harvest Day at the Denton Community Market, and is a celebration of local farmers and later this month on the 29th is the Spooky Market, featuring a pet costume contest, Halloween Photo ops, trick or treating, and mask making with SCRAP. The collaborative efforts to sustain the market and all it has to offer the community is a steady mix of volunteers, businesses, and non-profits. As a 501(c)3 they hold fundraiser events throughout the year, BINGO night was a hoot and they even threw a Pizza Party for you and your pup!

Speaking of spending time with your furry bff, this Sunday the 16th is the return of Bonding Bites! This event will be held at East Side, and if it’s anything like the first event back in June, we promise you won’t leave hungry. This Four-Course Farm-to-Table Dinner will be catered by the culinary geniuses at Dorothy’s Kitchen Table for the humans, and the all natural organic dog treats of Carla’s Canine Concoctions will be on the menu for the pups. Each human course utilizes produce and ingredients donated from market vendors, and is paired with a delicious treat from Carla’s canine offerings.

We even got a sneak peak at the menu, Carla Jo Cormier of Carla’s Concoctions let the cat out of the bag and they are pulling out all the stops,“ A four-course meal will be served with traditional and vegan Options, to include bruschetta, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, fall harvest salads, apple butternut soup, grape pesto flatbread pizza and a wide variety of desserts provided by many of our vendors from the Denton Community Market. Doggy guests will enjoy all natural and organic homemade veggie chips, selected meaty and fruity treats, our famous mutt loaf and stews, fruity muffins and take home “doggy bags” with an assortment of treats!”

Proceeds from the first Bonding Bites were designated specifically for the Pet District, for Bonding Bites II the funds will benefit the market as a whole with a small portion set aside to continue to grow and support the Pet District. Carla has big plans for the market next year,” We plan on extending the pet activities next season for the benefit of the pet’s themselves, as well as entertainment and education for the pet owners.”

Rachel Weaver is the newly appointed Vendor Coordinator and is bring the market to life through social media. “The Denton Community Market has grown to over 200 vendors that offer diverse products and services from local residents and businesses throughout the Market season. The Market has become an established event at the Denton County Historical Park on Saturdays, and attracts thousands of people to visit Denton. The fundraising efforts, led by a variety of vendors and community members, help support the Denton Community Market as a non-profit, offer alternative Market spaces and vendor opportunities, and connect the Denton Community Market with various local businesses and community partners. The fundraising events foster collaborative community support, and invite Denton community members to be involved in a variety of ways.”

I don’t know that there is a better set of words that describes Denton better than a collaborative community effort, it is amazing how we all rise to the occasion to help each other out. Get those tickets quick for the 2nd Bonding Bites Dinner this Sunday from 6-8pm at East Side Denton. Tickets can be purchased through the Facebook Event or this quick link to the Event Brite Page:

Header image design by Jason Lee