When it comes to Great Bend’s farmers market, there’s something sprouting.
Barton County Health Educator Janel Rose, and Great Bend’s Community Coordinator Christina Hayes have been working to cultivate the local market and a meeting to discuss the changes is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Highland Hotel poolside with a Dutch treat lunch. “We want to meet and plan with all parties interested in participating in the Summer Street Stroll, especially potential vendors and retailers,” Hayes said.
 The new proposed twist for the farmers market is a Thursday evening event in collaboration with Retailers Thirsty Thursdays and summer Great Bend City Band concerts at Barton County Courthouse Square. The evening market will include a variety of vendors, from fresh produce and garden products to crafts, handmade items, art and much more, and called Great Bend’s “Summer Street Stroll.”
The Summer Street Stroll will kick off at Great Bend’s June Jaunt on June 1, and then continue every Thursday in the Square from 5-8 p.m.
“This will give working individuals the opportunity to get fresh local produce, shop local retailers, and catch the community concert,” Hayes said.
“Having the opportunity to enhance our farmers market will give people easier access to healthy local foods at affordable prices – a strategic focus of the Health Department’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction program,” Rose said. “This is a great opportunity to improve community livability while enjoying local activities, giving the people of Barton County a new and unique experience.”
The meeting is open to anyone in the community or surrounding area that is interested in being a vendor or being part of the cooperative efforts.  At the meeting, we will discuss needs and setup for “Summer Street Stroll” vendors. For more information or to RSVP, call Hayes at 793-4111 or e-mail chayes@greatbendks.net.