Holiday vendors start selling Nov. 5
By Kim Steele
Killeen Daily Herald
The Harker Heights Farmers Market is ending its first year on a positive note and moving into its two holiday-related sales events.
The final summer farmers market will be from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday in the parking lot of Carl Levin Park. Heather Cox, activities coordinator for the Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department, believes it will be as popular as the market has been since it opened in June.
“The farmers market went really, really well this year, and we’re planning on having it again next year,” she said, noting crowds during the weekly Saturday sales averaged about 150 shoppers. “Because of the drought, we didn’t have as many vegetable vendors as we wanted, but it still turned out well.”
The farmers market specialized in recruiting vendors who produce and sell only Texas-grown fruit and vegetables, baked goods and crafts. Cox said the purpose of the market was to foster direct communication between consumers and local growers and artisans seeking to increase business.
“What is great for the vendors is that many of them were doing this as a hobby before the farmers market and now it has become a business for them,” said Cox, adding that Sunrise Muffins ‘n More has begun catering. “Now they have developed a following of repeat customers.”
The holiday farmers market will be from 8 a.m. to noon, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, at the same location. Cox said a variety of holiday-themed items will be available, as well as fall vegetables and gift baskets containing popcorns, cocoas, salsas and dry mixes.
Holiday-related items include homemade mini-pies, giant wooden Christmas card yard decor, cherry cider jelly, wreaths and handmade fall decorations.
Cox said she is pleased at how the farmers market has taken off. She said she brought her experience with farmers markets in other locations, such as Lincoln, Neb., when she took the job here.
“I was surprised when I moved here and saw that Harker Heights didn’t have a farmers market,” said Cox. “This city has a more stable target market, so why not get people out so they can meet and support each other.”
Contact Kim Steele at ksteele@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7567.
Harker Heights Farmers Market
Summer vendors include:
Hudmart fruits and vegetables
Veggies R Us
Clydes Clock Shop
Katies Krafts
Sunrise Muffins ‘n More
Family Nourishment Network
Cristina’s Sweets
My Divine Delivery
Wesley’s Great Goods
The Knitting Rose
The Wooden Arrow
Mama’s Art Gallery
Whimsy Belle Boutique
Bumble Bee Soap Co.
Touched by an Angel Soaps.
Additional holiday vendors include:
Bobbie’s Art
Show Your Love Baskets
Out to Lunch
Peggy Wallace’s baked goods
Crafts by Tracy Conley
Regina Bryant
For more information or to sign up as a holiday market vendor, go to www.ci.harker-heights.tx.us/default.aspx?name=pr.farmers or call Heather Cox at (254) 953-5493. Interested vendors should apply by Tuesday.