The list of praises for farmers markets is usually a long one: Growers can bring freshly harvested crops to an immediate, low-overhead market; buyers often know the growers and get the freshest food possible; people know where the food comes from; and it's a good excuse for family weekend outings.

In Pecos, the Sunday Farmers Market, in only its second year, also is lauded as way to bring the community together, establishing and building ties among neighbors.

"It's a very groovy scene, don't you think?" said Robin Reindle, manager of the market held every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. adjacent to Beloved Pecos Gallery at 57 Cowles Road.

She said the market usually draws about 100 people with its 15 vendors.

Reindle also pointed to a community vegetable garden recently planted behind the gallery shop. "It's all kind of related" to the market activities.

Reindle, something of a professional volunteer in Pecos schools, businesses and other endeavors, said the market soon will be conducting workshops on a variety of garden and food projects including composite building, pest control and food-preparation demonstrations by local chefs.

"We're building (the market) little by little," Reindle said. "We are trying to get the community to be a little more self-sustainable."

She said the market recently received a $5,000 grant from the Northeast Regional Community Foundation to help with various market projects and development.

"It's really healthy for Pecos to have this going on," said Coral Clark, a plant vendor and owner of Refugio Verde along the Pecos River between Ribera and Villanueva.

Clark noted a recent upswing in the number of people planting flower, herb and vegetable gardens, which she said tends to bring people together.

"When agriculture comes back, communities come back," Clark said. "It's all very linked."

Clark said she has been selling more "veggie starter" plants than she ever has before. "There is a resurgence in people being self-supportive."

James and Lana Gallegos of Villanueva made their trip to market a family outing, bringing along their children, Santiago, Eric and Miguela.

"This gives us a chance to see people we wouldn't normally see," Lana Gallegos said.

She added that her family will be bringing their home-grown corn to the market later in the summer.

Mother and daughter Paula and Elizabeth Chilton of Pecos were pursuing some of vendor Ed Webb's herbs and vegetables.

IF YOU GO

What: Sunday Farmers Market in Pecos

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday

Where: Adjacent to Beloved Pecos Gallery at 57 Cowles Road

Contact Dennis Carroll at 986-3091 or dcarroll@sfnewmexican.com.