If you’re tired of rooting through produce bins at the
supermarket while florescent lights hum above and people bump you
with shopping carts, the Hollister Downtown Association has an
alternative.
Hollister – If you’re tired of rooting through produce bins at the supermarket while florescent lights hum above and people bump you with shopping carts, the Hollister Downtown Association has an alternative.
Starting tomorrow, you can buy your produce in the fresh air at the HDA Certified Farmers Market, which will feature produce, meat and more.
Every Wednesday through August 31 about 25 vendors will set up on the grassy lot on Fourth Street in Downtown Hollister to sell their wares from 3 to 7pm.
“It’s a nice market,” said Diana Thorson, HDA market manager. “They (vendors) sell what they grow. You’re buying from the farmer.”
In past years the market was held on East Street, between Fifth and Seventh streets. Last year the HDA began holding it on the Fourth Street lot.
“It is just exploding upwards,” said Jeff Welch.
The new location is, “easier to see and more compact so it is easier to get around and visit all the booths,” he said.
Throughout the season, attendance at the market varies, Thorson said, but she expects that at any given time there will be about 50 people browsing the booths.
“It usually has a slow start, but during the summer it gets big,” she said
San Benito County’s Phil Foster Ranch will be one of several local farmers selling a variety of produce at the market – broccoli, fennel, peas and strawberries to name a few.
“I think it’s a fantastic idea,” said Terence Welch, sales manager for Phil Foster Ranch. “It gives people a chance to support local economy, and they’re getting produce fresher with varieties that aren’t found in stores.”
As for things that can’t be found in a supermarket, Phil Foster Ranch will be selling a rainbow of carrots: white, yellow, red and purple.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market will feature barbecue tri-tip from Mansmith’s BBQ and organic walnuts and freshly dressed free-range chickens from John Hain & Sons of Tres Pinos.
“It’s good to have a place where local people can connect up with local farmers. And it’s the best foods in the world,” said Paul Hain of John Hain & Sons said.
The HDA organizes the market to promote Downtown Hollister, Thorson said.
“Hopefully,” she said, “this will bring people downtown.”
Luke Roney covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@fr***********.com
