Farmers, vendors to gather on Fifth Street every Wednesday from
3 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting May 11
The Downtown Hollister Farmers’ Market will again open for the
season May 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The seasonal market is open
every Wednesday through Sept. 28.
”
We are going to grow quite a bit,
”
said Tammy Jackson, the market manager.
”
We are already up to 70 booths.
”
Fifth Street will be closed between San Benito and Monterey
Streets for the booths, which will fill the street and public
parking lot behind the Vault Restaurant and spill out onto the
grassy lot on Fourth and San Benito streets.
Farmers, vendors to gather on Fifth Street every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., starting May 11
The Downtown Hollister Farmers’ Market will again open for the season May 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The seasonal market is open every Wednesday through Sept. 28.
“We are going to grow quite a bit,” said Tammy Jackson, the market manager. “We are already up to 70 booths.”
Fifth Street will be closed between San Benito and Monterey Streets for the booths, which will fill the street and public parking lot behind the Vault Restaurant and spill out onto the grassy lot on Fourth and San Benito streets.
Jackson said the Briggs parking garage will be open with free parking, and the alleyway exit from Monterey Street will be converted to a two-way road during the market so people can get access to the garage.
Last year, the market averaged 58 booths most weeks, with a high of 62.
Jackson said that all 70 booths are on board for the opening week, and there will be a mix of farmers selling fresh produce, food booths, artists and spaces for nonprofits.
New this year is a cotton candy booth; a clam chowder booth; a catering business called Culinary Decision, which will offer organic soups; salads and casseroles; as well as Heavenly Bakery, a new bakery that opened on the corner of Sixth and San Benito streets. Jackson said the food booths will offer a mix of prepared items to eat on site as well as products to take home and cook.
Since Jackson started as manager of the market three years ago, she said the foot traffic has been increasing each year.
“I get people calling to ask when it is starting,” she said. “I get a lot of e-mails. It feels like people are excited. With the economy, it is an inexpensive evening out for the family. Kids can bounce (in the bounce house) and they can get cheap food.”
Jackson said most of the farmers are the same vendors from last year, including the popular Pinnacle Organics, run by Phil Foster, and Heirloom Organics, from Grant Brians.
“They definitely have a following,” she said.
She also mentioned the Kettle Corn booth, which often had a long line last summer, and Swank Farms, which sells fresh salsa.
There will also be artist booths selling handmade arts and crafts, as well as retail items such as Silpada Jewelry. Some of the items for sale will include bowl planters, birdhouses, Vista Notes calendars and note cards, and Felton Farm Soaps, as well as others.
For the kids, there will be a bounce house and a face painter who charge a small fee.
“We just hope people come out and support local farmers and help boost the local economy,” Jackson said.
For the first week David Huboi’s band will be performing on the steps of City Hall.
Jackson added that she is still looking for entertainment for the event, such as bands, so those interested in performing can contact her at 408-804-1234.
