By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Hays Fresh Produce Market is in full swing, offering farm-fresh and handcrafted items.
The market opened on May 24 and will continue into the fall. It will operate from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturdays in the Bomgaars parking lot, 2900 Broadway Ave.
Greg Swob, organizer of the Hays Fresh Produce Market, said the market has been around for about 25 years and will include at least 22 vendors this season, with more to come.
"We opened up with about 18 vendors last Saturday, and that was 90% food," he said.
Swob said the market will run through October or November, depending on the weather. It features local and homegrown goods, including fresh produce, eggs, roasted peppers, jams, honey and crafts.
Handmade crafts will range from knitted to wooden items.
Swob said the market is still welcoming new vendors. Those interested can reach out through the Hays Fresh Produce Market Facebook group.
"We welcome anyone who has a product that they would like to sell, as long as it meets the state food sold to consumer guidelines," Swob said.
All items must be made or grown by the vendor, and reselling is not permitted, with the exception of peach sellers from outside the area.
Customers can expect a wider selection of sellers on Saturdays compared to Wednesdays. Swob also participates as a vendor, offering honey from his own hives through Swob Honey Farm.
"I want to thank the public for really supporting our market as well as they have," Swob said.
