BY MARIAH MOORE
Community members pull out long tables, setting up baskets and cloths, all their sales based from the back of their cars and trucks. The farmers market started its yearly run this year on June 1st, and continued every Wednesday and Saturday after. This is a wonderful opportunity for local growers to display and sell their fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a way that directly taps into the community. Sellers gather in the parking lot of the Orschlens (located on 2900 Broadway Ave.) for this event.
Though mainly selling vegetables and goods which were in season- tomatoes, pickles, bushels of dill- there were a few people selling specialty crops. The general manner of the sellers was phenomenal. They were all kind and willing to talk about their crops, as well as their passion for contributing to events like this. Many of the sellers come both days, oftentimes bringing a different variety each day.
Walking around, it was very easy to see how much time had gone into growing and producing high-quality products. The sellers took great pride in their goods, and only brought the best of the best for selling.
The age of the buyers was something which came as a surprise. There were several college-aged students who eagerly poked around the market as well, a stark contrast to the older and more relaxed usual crowd. This reinforced the idea of buying locally, as well as community members of all ages taking an interest in organically grown goods.
Organically grown food can often come at a very large cost, however, through local options like this market, it allows more people to eat healthier foods. With items like tomatoes costing as low as 25 cents per one, its affordable for nearly every budget. However, the advantages of local farmers markets don’t stop there.
Photo Cred. USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture 2013
Farmers markets allow for a connection between agrestic growers and non-rural buyers, this link means that more money stays within the community, thus stimulating the local economy. Selling smaller batches of goods oftentimes will allow for more careful production, this also can contribute to the lowered price of the goods, as they are being bought directly from the farmer. Not only is it more cost-effective, it is also an opportunity for jobs. People can make income by selling what they produce, allowing more people to make a living and allowing more people to eat healthy foods. The USDA also suggests that cities that host farmers markets can encourage greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Though the exact date of when this farmers market began is unknown, the earliest record of it being held at this location and time is in August of 2000. For nearly 19 years, the community has been able to reap the benefits of this market, and it shows no sign of stopping any time soon. Admission is free, and the market runs from June to October. Hours for the market are: Wednesday, 5pm-8pm / Saturday, 8 am to noon. For more information, visit the Visit Hays website (http://www.visithays.com/212/Farmers-Market), or contact the Orscheln Farm & Home Store.