The school year’s first K-State Farmers’ Market took place Wednesday in Bosco Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students, student organizations and faculty sold items including food, jewelry and an array of of homemade items.
The farmers market is held on the last Wednesday of March, April, September and October every year. This event is hosted by the Union Program Council and the Wildcat Wellness Coalition.
Willow Lake Farm, also known as the K-State Student Farm, sold fresh produce at the market.
“Willow Lake Farm is a two-acre community student farm about ten minutes outside of town, and it is volunteer-based,” said Chad Dykstra, farm manager and senior in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology.
The farm sold seasonal produce, including jalapeños, bell peppers, squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, onions and a variety of herbs.
Vendors’ wares went beyond produce at the farmers market. The Burrow, the Manhattan chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance, sold handcrafted trinkets made by club members.
“It’s a nonprofit organization that uses Harry Potter and other fandoms to make a difference in the community,” said Stephanie Bayless, treasurer for The Burrow and junior in geology and physics.Related:
The Burrow: More than a 'Harry Potter' fan club
The Burrow’s sales from the farmers market were donated to Direct Relief, an organization that helps people affected by disasters, including the recent hurricanes in the Atlantic.
Rachel Stetson, junior in kinesiology, nutrition and dietetics, was also present as a vendor, selling gluten-free baked goods from her new company, Wakadoos. Stetson started Wakadoos this past summer.
“I am excited to be here and to have a way to sell,” Stetson said.
Buyers flocked to the market in spite of chilly weather.
Sami Jansen, freshman in animal sciences and industry, and Miranda Huston, freshman in horticulture, said they saw a flyer about the farmers market in their dormitory. They said they were excited to be able to walk around and see what was for sale because they often go to farmers markets back home.
Megan Katt, health educator at Lafene Student Health Center and the Wildcat Wellness Coalition, said it is necessary to have a farmers market on campus because other campuses across the nation have one. This is the second year of the K-State Farmers’ Market.
