By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Start your Saturday with the fresh flavors of the Downtown Hays Market, where local goods and small-town charm come together under one roof.
The market will take place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. every Saturday from May 24 through Oct. 18 at the Downtown Hays Pavilion, 117 E. 10th St.
Andrew Taylor, board president of the Bricks in Downtown Hays, said the market will feature about 50 vendors selling produce, meats, baked goods and artwork.
"It started as a farmers market, but it has expanded into incorporating those staples and other types of vendors like DIY and crafts," Taylor said.
The market, organized by the Bricks in Downtown Hays, will accept SNAP and provide Double Up Food Bucks, helping low-income families stretch their food budgets while supporting local farmers and producers.
All reserved vendor spots are filled, but non-reserved spaces are still available for $50 for those interested in joining the market. Vendors ready to sell include:
Alysia's Creations
Bella Rose Designs
Clucking Hen
Five Heart Connected Pastries
Homegrown Creations
Little Greenhaus on the Prairie
Scorched Stone Farm
Sunflour Dog Bakery
"While it takes place in the heart of downtown Hays, it is a collaboration of many different individuals across western Kansas that bring some of this produce to our community," Taylor said.
Customers can expect homegrown fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, plants and fresh honey.
The pavilion can accommodate 22 reserved vendor spots, while larger trailers and food trucks will be along 10th Street. Local musicians occasionally perform at the market but are not scheduled at set times.
Taylor said vendor turnout varies throughout the season. Every vendor is present some weeks, while others may see fewer vendors, depending on the time of year.
Special events will take place during the market, including Bazaar on the Bricks on July 26 and the Thunder on the Plains Car Show on June 14, which, while not an official market event, coincides with it.
Additional events include Wines and Steins on the Bricks in Downtown Hays on Sept. 14 and the Farm to Fork Dinner, the date of which has yet to be announced.
"It is a fantastic way to start the weekend," Taylor said. "A great way to bring people downtown and spend time in what I consider one of the biggest assets our community has to offer."
You can find a complete list of vendors and learn more about the Downtown Hays Market here. You can also follow them on Facebook.