By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Julie Rider has been executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corporation for a little more than a year and loves it.
She was first the interim director for six months, coming off the board of directors when Sara Bloom left the position to take a job with the Kansas Department of Commerce. She's been in the position permanently since February.
"I love downtown Hays. That was the reason I was on the board to begin with," Rider said. "It just felt like a great fit, and I love being down there with the businesses."
Rider is a Hays native. Her family was one of the first to settle in Hays in the 1800s, she said, "and I've always been fascinated by the history of Hays."
In her position, Rider stays busy organizing the many programs and fundraisers hosted by the non-profit organization.
With fall almost here, a couple of popular events are returning to downtown Hays.
"Wines and Steins" is on Friday. Ticket-holders, limited to 300 people, will stroll to 12 locations throughout downtown. Specialty foods and beverages will be provided at each stop.
There are three new stops on the tour this year. Two of the businesses are new to downtown Hays, Sunflowers and Silos and Kat's Hallmark.
Several local wineries contributed their wines to the fundraiser.
A post-stroll celebration with music will be in the Downtown Pavilion at Union Pacific Park, featuring desserts and a live auction.
VIP and general admission tickets are available online and at the DHDC office.
The annual Farm to Fork five-course dinner is Oct. 19 at the Strand Event Center.
"This is a great night that highlights our downtown Hays market," Rider said.
"We'll have an executive chef team preparing a wonderful meal, with local fall produce and meats from our downtown market vendors."
Rider wouldn't reveal the five-course menu. The chefs like to keep it a closely guarded secret until a few days before the event.
The downtown market operates Saturday mornings into the fall season, this year until Oct. 21.
Proceeds from Farm to Fork will benefit the Downtown Hays Market. Tickets are available at the DHDC office, 1200 Main, or by calling 785-621-4171.