Farmer's markets are becoming a staple in most communities and offer an outlet for local producers, crafters and more to sell their wares. An event like this is not new to Ulysses, however, it has evolved.
Dubbed Farmer's and Maker's Market, the local event takes place from 4-9 p.m., each Tuesday. And it has taken place each week - no matter whether there is rain or shine.
"We are currently averaging around 34 vendors a week," said Grant County Senior Center Director Nancy Borthwick. "The largest number we have had participate is 54. The least we have had participating was 22 vendors and that was the day it rained all day. The market runs - rain or shine."
The market was made possible when Grant County Senior Center received a grant from Impact Ulysses and Pathways (Blue Cross Blue Shield) in 2023.
"The grant was intended to start the farmers' market," Borthwick explained in an interview with Pioneer Electric for their Kansas Country Living magazine. "One of our goals is to grow it to allow people to use their SNAP benefits to purchase produce at the market."
Next year, Borthwick and her team have already taken steps to make it work.
According to Borthwick, "the Local Health Equity Action Team in Ulysses has already agreed to purchase SNAP machines to be utilized during the market" for next year.
"Next year we would like to introduce the SNAP program to the market," she said. "We are also going to begin a pilot program for a food voucher program. This would allow us to coordinate with the doctor's office to give vouchers to individuals who need healthy eating styles to maintain their physical health and use those vouchers at the Farmer's Market. I am hoping this pilot program can begin this season."
Customers to the local market have had a variety of items to choose from.
"We have produce, cakes, T-shirts, Hispanic waters, hot sauce, flowers, homemade items like hot pads, scones and more," Borthwick said.
Other items that have been offered include homemade pickles, hand crocheted stuffed animals, and other homemade baked goods. Food trucks have been on hand to offer selections to those who get hungry while they are shopping.
According to Borthwick, most of the vendors are local; however, there are a few who are from the surrounding area. Last week one vendor, The Shed, set up from Plains, Kan.
When asked why their market has been such a success, Borthwick responded, "marketing".
"I believe the enormous amount of marketing that Malina Grimes does on social media helps," Borthwick said. "She has a wonderful personality for helping the vendors feel comfortable and helps them navigate the Website. She is the primary reason the market is successful."
Another plus for the event, according to Borthwick, is the day of the week.
"I think it helps that it is on Tuesday," she said. "That is a time that vendors can come in and not compete with the larger markets like Garden City of Liberal on Saturdays."
Farmer's and Maker's Market kicked off its first season in May of 2025. Having it on a Tuesday was a bit "strategic".
"Tuesday provides vendors time between the markets they participate in on weekends to sell their surplus stock and prepare for the next weekend," she said.
Having it start at 4 and continue through the evening was also "strategic".
"It gives those who work a chance to stop by and shop on their way home," Borthwick said. "Once they are downtown, they can choose to stay and hang out, or head home when they are done."
Due to the location in downtown Ulysses, it can also provide an opportunity for businesses in the area. Those businesses have been encouraged to be a "part of the event" by staying open during the market's hours.
According to Borthwick maintaining the "integrity" of the event is an important part.
"We really want this to be a place for locally grown, locally crafted items," she said.
Both Borthwick and Grimes have been pleasantly surprised by the reception the market has received since its inception.
"Hundreds of people come down to Main Street every Tuesday," Grimes said in the interview with Pioneer Electric. "It gives people something to do, and I think people really enjoy it."
Borthwick agrees.
"The support from the community has been stunning," she said. "It's been a lot of work, I won't lie, but it's been amazing."
And they aren't done by any means.
Currently, the market is hosted at the Flodene Hertel Market Square in Ulysses at the corner of Grant Avenue and Main Street. According to Borthwick, they are in negotiations to make it even better.
"We're in talks with Grant County Inc. to purchase the Flodene Hertel Market Square," she said. "Purchasing it would let us make adjustments to the property to make it viable for the market."
Among the changes Borthwick and Grimes would like to see include more permanent market structures, shelters and bathrooms.
Tents for use at the market can be provided for use for $10, and tables and chairs are provided free.
New vendors are accepted weekly to participate in the event. The last market for this season will be September 30. The second season is planned to open May 6, 2026.Those who are interested in setting up can complete the vendor application form found on the market's Facebook page or contact Malina Grimes.
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