Southside Marketplace

Fruita’s Southside

By Denise Hight

Downtown Fruita has received plenty of attention lately with the recent makeover of Aspen Avenue, but there is also plenty to do in the south side of Fruita. There are a large number of businesses south of I-70 including banks, gas stations, convenience stores, a veterinarian, a variety of medical offices, and even a radio station. Retail offerings include Enstrom Candies and Gene Taylor Sporting Goods. There are pizza, barbecue, Mexican, Asian, and fast-food restaurants. Families can spend the day with prehistoric creatures at Dinosaur Journey, and with reptiles, amphibians, and birds at the Children’s Nature Center. For those wanting to travel further afield, volunteers at the Colorado Welcome Center have plenty of suggestions and information about destinations all over the state.

A number of merchants on the south side of Fruita have formed a group, sponsored by the Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce, to promote their businesses and events in the area. The Fruita Southside group is currently planning a Family Fun Fair for July 3. The Fruita fireworks display takes place that night in nearby Snook’s Bottom, with many families arriving hours earlier to find the best viewing spots, so the Southside group is turning the Kokopelli Plaza area into a fair filled with food, beverages, games, booths, and fun for all the family.

In addition to the Family Fun Fair, the Southside Group is also planning a Chocolate Walk in December and is promoting other events such as the weekly rodeo. For more information about the Southside Group, go to www.fruitachamber.org

2016 Fruita Southside Calendar of Events:

Tuesdays June-August

Rimrock Rodeos

June 11

Dinosaur Day

July 3

Southside Family Fun Fair and Fireworks Display

October 31

Trick or Treat Street

November 26

Shop Small Saturday

December 3

Southside Chocolate Walk