Hollister Farmers’ Market kicks off another season

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Hollister’s weekly Farmers’ Market reopened on April 16 on San Benito Street and drew a fine turnout despite the cold weather.

Bri Rodriguez, who manages the market, said it has been in operation for 38 years and has grown to include more than 90 vendors—from fruit and vegetable stands to food trucks. 

DJ E-Poki performed during the event.

“We sell Belgian Liege waffles made out of a brioche dough with sugar pearls inside,” said Nick Belaski of Wafflz & Pearlz. “There are many different varieties: dipped waffles, waffle pops, and classic waffles with fresh toppings.

Customer Jay Guardro’s favorite menu item is the Wafflz & Pearlz Strawberry Pop, a recently introduced item made with Dubai chocolate and strawberries. 

Belaski said he thinks the new pop will be a big hit, but their most popular item is the dipped Cookies and Cream waffles.

“This is our second year doing the Farmers’ Market,” Belaski said, “and the flavors people have liked have been pretty consistent. They tend to be creatures of habit.”

Market-goer Aliana Reyes said this is the fourth time she has been to the market. Her favorite spot is an area next to the bookstore where you can create your own slime.

She said, “I love to come here with my family because there are so many things to do.”

Cassandra Garcia said she got a baked potato and a piña colada.

“I moved here around two years ago,” she said. “It’s our first time here at The Farmers’ Market and it’s one of the funniest things ever.” 

Brook Sword said her favorite vendors were the farmers and BR Beef, where she buys the organic beef jerky.

“I love the delicious vegetables and the good weather,” she said. “I come every single week and buy dinner, so I’m so happy that it’s back.”

Andrew Avila of Hollister’s Valois Family Farm said the most popular items are mushrooms and strawberries.

“The trend changes,” he said, “It’s surprising to me that a lot of people have recently been buying carrots.” 

Customer Zuleyka Reyes said she saw online that it was the first day of the Farmers’ Market and decided to attend.

“I try to come every now and then,” she said. “Ivan’s Baked Potato is probably my favorite. They are really good. And there is a vendor here that sells really pretty fresh flowers.”