DHDC
A Downtown Hays Tradition continues this Saturday. It’s time for some good ol’ fashioned, brick-and-mortar shopping during the 2020 Bazaar on the Bricks Sidewalk Sale! The sale runs from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (rain or shine) on Main Street and beyond.
Many events have had to adapt or cancel, and this event is no different. Downtown Hays Development Corporation (DHDC), believes that by adjusting just a little, our community can still enjoy a fun and safe Sidewalk Sale. This year, the only vendors shoppers will find along city streets are those who already call Downtown home. By limiting the number of outside merchants, DHDC hopes to encourage physical distancing and allow plenty of room for businesses and visitors to spread out.
“DHDC has put significant thought into the safety of business owners and customers alike while planning this event,” Allie Glidewell DHDC Director of Events and Operations said. “The streets will feel a little more empty than usual, but it’s done intentionally to keep our community safe and healthy.”
Also to ensure best safety practices, the Bazaar will not offer kid's crafts and activities this year. Shoppers will also find some participating stores have opted to keep their sales indoors.
Though the event might look different than last year, the Downtown merchants are excited to offer you deals and steals on products from clothing and accessories to discounts on drinks and art classes.
“I have visited with a lot of our business owners and they realize the importance of physically distancing but socially connecting, and feel the sidewalk sale is a great way to do both,” Glidewell said. “This kind of gives us all the opportunity to start fresh. Out with summer products, and in with new trendsetting fall items.”
DHDC requests the publics' help to ensure the safety of all participants and asks that vehicles not be parked in the public parking stalls located along Main Street between 8th and 12th streets after 5am. Some side streets, including parts of 10th and 11th Street, will also be closed, so please be mindful of the Hays Police Department's cones.
Under the Downtown Pavilion, more than 20 Downtown Hays Market vendors will be ready to greet you with local produce, handcrafted baked goods, and artisan products for every taste, style, and recipe. Normal hours of the market are 7:30 to 11:00 am but for this event only, they will also be available from 7:00am to 1:00pm while supplies last.
“With all the events that have had to be cancelled this year, it’s great to see this tradition live on,” Sara Bloom, DHDC Executive Director said. “It’s a great way to support our local, small businesses on The Bricks, and supporting those businesses only unifies and betters the Hays community. We hope to safely welcome lots of faces to Downtown this weekend.”