Cool weather and an overcast sky didn’t stop people from
browsing the booths set up on the grassy lot at the corner of
Fourth and San Benito streets Monday afternoon during opening day
of the Hollister Downtown Association Certified Farmers Market.
Hollister – Cool weather and an overcast sky didn’t stop people from browsing the booths set up on the grassy lot at the corner of Fourth and San Benito streets Monday afternoon during opening day of the Hollister Downtown Association Certified Farmers Market.
“I noticed last year people came in spurts,” said Diana Thorson, HDA market manager. “But today it’s been a nice steady flow.”
The farmers market, a downtown tradition for several years, used to be held on East Street, between Fifth and Seventh streets. Last year the HDA moved it to the grassy lot on Fourth and San Benito streets, hoping the new location would grab the attention of people driving by.
“My goal when I did this set up was to get the commuters to stop,” Thorson said.
On Wednesday, about 25 vendors stood behind tables piled high with a variety of local produce and other tasty offerings.
“It’s a very good place to get fresh produce,” said Mari Rossi of B&R Farms of Hollister, which grows sweet Blenheim apricots. “I think it’s going to be a great event, and we’re looking forward to the public supporting it.”
The smoke from grilling tri-tip floated on the breeze as about 50 people wandered through the market, buying fresh, locally grown produce, including foot long white radishes, shiny red tomatoes, huge, bright green broccoli crowns and a variety of mushrooms.
Thomas and Beth Kenyon have been long-time attendees of the farmers market, which will open up from 3 to 7pm every Wednesday through August.
“We’ve done it ever since it opened. We think it’s terrific,” Thomas Kenyon said. “In most cases the vegetables are fresher than what you get at the grocery store.”
Though produce is the big draw, the farmers market features other edibles.
Carol McCarey, owner of Unique Gift Reserve, was selling a variety of homemade jams, jellies, fudge and more.
“I love to sell directly to the public, because I make it,” McCarey said.
Papa Joe’s Fresh Fish has a booth where owner Joe Aliotti sells fresh salmon, halibut, jumbo crab and live clams – caught in Monterey to name just a few.
In addition to food vendors, nonprofit organizations and political groups were working the crowds.
Shawn Novack with the Water Resources Association of San Benito County was at the market to spread the word about the services his organization provides, such as free toilets and rebates on water saving appliances.
“We want to get people aware that May is water awareness month,” he said.
The Republican Women of San Benito County was at the market registering people to vote.
“There’s always someone new in town that needs to make some changes, and we’re here,” said Reba Jones at the Republican women’s booth. She added that her group is happy to register members of any political party.
Though she’s there to register voters, Jones also enjoys the market.
“I purchase before I set up,” she said. “The strawberries here are the best, and it’s so nice to see so many old friends.”
Luke Roney covers education and agriculture for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at
lr****@fr***********.com
