STORY BY TRISTAN SASSE
VIDEO BY JUNWEN SU
On Saturday, Downtown Hays hosted its season-opener for its sixth annual downtown market. With close to 30 vendors, a variety of products were displayed throughout the morning.
Sara Bloom, executive director of the Downtown Hays Development Corp., is in charge of the Hays market.
The event is located at the Downtown Pavilion at 10th and Main. Every Saturday, the venue will be open from 7:30 to 11 a.m. until Oct. 20. Anyone will be allowed to showcase their products as no vendor fees are required for the season.
FHSU student Dane Murzyn helps with the downtown market and encourages locals to come check out the event.
“Here at the market, we have vendors from all over Hays, all over western Kansas, and some from central Kansas, and they’re all here selling their products,” Murzyn said. ” … All of these products are unique. Some come from farms, some are arts; every vendor is unique and different.”
Customers are encouraged to revisit the event because new vendors will be featured weekly throughout the summer. A large array of merchandise and produce is sold at the event, so arrive early while supplies last.
Later this summer, on July 28, DHDC will host a sidewalk sale known as Bargains on the Bricks. Vendors will pay $10, as it is the only market with a fee during the summer. Qualifying vendors must have participated in at least three markets prior to July 21.
If you would like to join the market, vendors can become part of the event by applying at https://www.downtownhays.com/downtown-hays-market.
For any additional questions, feel free to contact the Downtown Hays Visitor’s Center at (785) 621-4171. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.