Plans are in the works for the 2015 Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market, and organizers are seeking vendors and Barton County seniors who are interested in the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

The Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market has a special opening night on Friday, June 5, and then runs for the 2015 season on Thursday evenings through Sept. 3. Hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The June 5 opening night for the market coincides with start of June Jaunt and Kansas Speed Week Cruise Night and that night is open to all types of vendors, including commercial vendors. There will be no charge for participating vendors for that evening but everyone will need to register to receive an assigned and approved vendor space, said Janel Rose, educator with the Barton County Health Department.

The farmers’ market seasonal focus is locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, garden products and baked goods, locally produced crafts, handmade items, and area artists’ creations from ceramics to paintings and other arts, she said. 

Rose and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes have been working together to enhance downtown events with the Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market in collaboration with retailers’ Thank You Thursdays and the City Band concerts at Jack Kilby Square as well as summer movies in the park. “This will give working individuals the opportunity to get fresh produce, shop local retailers, and catch community events,” Hayes said. 

“This opportunity to increase farmers’ market days also means giving people more access to healthy foods which is part of the Health Department’s Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Program work” Rose said. “We invite local vendors to contact us about participating at the June Jaunt events and the Summer Street Stroll Farmers’ Market.”

Kansas Senior Farmers

Market Nutrition Program 

Those wanting to participate in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program can apply from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, or on Tuesday, June 3, at the Great Bend Senior Center, 2005 Kansas. Additional dates will be announced for sign up at Hoisington and Ellinwood Friendship Meal sites.

This is a federal program that will provide $30 in checks for income-qualifying seniors age 60 and older to purchase locally grown fresh vegetables and herbs, fruits and honey at a local farmers market.

Great Bend’s Summer Street Stroll Farmers Market will participate in the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program for 2015. This is a Chronic Disease Risk Reduction program of Barton County Health Department in partnership with Friendship Meals and ElderCare.