Story by ADIA REYNOLDS Photos by NICK McCOY
Tiger Media Network
Christopher Schroeder opened the first annual Winter Market at The Heritage Eatery & Bingo last weekend. The market was inspired by the noticeable gap in local artisan exposure that the spring and fall markets usually fill. Schroeder worked for the other markets and decided it was the right time to fill the empty niche. The Hays Winter Market is a small but steadily growing locale for vendors and prospective buyers alike. The vendors offer gifts and stocking stuffers, just as the Hays Community Calendar advertises.
The entrance to the market 
One of the first vendors, offering various photos and prints. 
A customer browses some t-shirts on sale at one of the tables. 
A close up look at a table offering various designs on different products. 
Another vendor selling purses and other merchandise. 
The table for Photos Forever, a business offering various photo-related merchandise. 
Vanessa’s Craft, showcasing various crocheted, yarn figures. 
A look at the purse vendor, and the other merchandise she had on sale. 
Various other merchandise, including bags and crocheted items. 
Another look at the table selling various designs, including those on t-shirts. 
A closer look at the t-shirts available at the previously mentioned table. 
One last look at the vendors present at the Hays Winter Market.
The market contained seven vendors at separate tables. Schroeder ran the table for ‘marshmallow shooters’ as a show of goodwill for another vendor who was too sick to attend.
Table two was a collection of finely curated purses in a variety of makes and colors. Table three was a collection of Christmas antiques available for purchase, two of which were ‘Singing Santa’ figurines – perfect for Christmas decor or perhaps a slightly humorous White Elephant present.
Table four hosted handmade crochet. These stuffed animals were handcrafted and lovingly made. Designs included spiders, Sour Patch Kids, octopus, and other various critters. The vendor continued to crochet while attendees browsed their wares.
Table five included more crochet, aprons, and other kitchen materials.
Table six was filled with trinkets such as earrings, keychains, and Hays-specific merchandise. Run by Cathy Rigby, table six is also known under the name of Rigby’s small business, “Cathy’s Custom Creations.” Rigby told a story about a scam that occurred in years past, where a t-shirt for Hays was designed and made available for purchase online. However, the seller disappeared without a trace shortly after. Hearing the outcry and disappointment of her peers, Rigby designed her own Hays-themed creations, now available for purchase at the Winter Market.
Rigby also exemplifies the common theme among vendors at the Winter Market. All use this venue as a serious opportunity to supplement their income.
“I just adopted my two granddaughters and I needed a way to make some extra cash,” Rigby said.
“Forever” is a company that prides itself on being “your complete, permanent memory-keeping & sharing platform,” according to the brochure provided at their stall. The employees made a point of emphasizing the permanence of their product.
“Both of us create yearly yearbooks, blankets, and photo albums,” Forever employee Sandy Werth said. “They make the perfect Christmas gifts.”
The Forever brand also offers data reclamation and restoration services. This involved scraping photographs and videos off of CDs, VHS, and film rolls.
Attendants of the Winter Market were not limited to Hays inhabitants. Geraldine Reynolds, who was passing through the area, called the Winter Market “a quaint, charming testament to the spirit of local small-business.”
The Winter Market will be available on Saturdays from November through mid-May.