The 5th annual Beats and Beets competition was held July 30. This year’s group of seven artists all gathered beside the farmers market to paint their own interpretation of the market’s logo, the winner being awarded a $500 cash prize. Alongside the artists each year also sees a local musician or in this year’s case, a DJ known as Goyk.

In addition to the $500 cash prize, the winner has the chance to see their artwork used in the next season of the market as the official logo. The 2022 logo for the market was designed by the previous year’s winner Lindsey Huss.
This new addition to the event is one Haille Van Patten, the public relations and marketing manager of the Ogden Downtown Alliance, hopes to keep alive in future years.

Each participating artist is provided the same materials and allowed to bring their own. They are lined up next to each other and given two hours to paint their piece. The winning piece is later voted on by the community.

Van Patten also revealed the history of the Beats and Beets event. Beginning in 2018 as a part of the vendors night for each new market season, Beats and Beets has grown into a yearly addition to the farmer’s market.

“We brought it into the actual market as an event for the community,” Van Patten said. “It’s come so far and there are just so many different facets to it.”

This year’s competition saw six artists painting in person and one additional artist live-streaming their painting, staying home due to a positive COVID-19 test. Their piece was later delivered safely to the event.

Other pieces included two beets twirling in space and a reference to the t.v. show The Office featuring prominent character Dwight Schrute.

“It’s the most interesting thing to just watch and see where people’s minds go when you tell them to paint a beet,” Van Patten said.

The winner will be announced on Aug. 5 on the Ogden Farmers Market Facebook page at 5 p.m.