The Dripping Springs Farmers Market will change hours for this week’s event due to predictions of dangerously high temperatures.
The Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday, will operate on July 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Normal hours for the market are from 3 to 6 p.m.
The maximum afternoon temperature for July 13 is forecast to be 105 degrees — with a heat index up to 110. While the market’s move in March to the Dr. Pound Farmstead in Founders Memorial Park provided more shade, this summer’s early and enduring heat made market conditions less than ideal.
“We want our visitors to be able to walk the market in comfort and safety,” said Market Manager Charlie Reed. “The temperatures lately have been impacting that experience. This week is looking to be the warmest yet.”
“Our producers have stubbornly endured, standing in the sun for five, six hours at a time,” Reed added. “For many of them, this is their livelihood, and it’s going to take a lot more for them to fold up shop. But we want to ensure people are able to come out and support them.”
“I love the Dripping Springs market – it’s where I started,” said vendor Cameron Hardman, owner of The Blooming Basket. “But I haven’t been able to come out for the last two months with the afternoons being just too hard on my plants. I’m really excited to try it in the morning.”
Market organizers said they are not committed to a permanent change in hours, but they will be looking at options on a weekly basis.
Follow @ds_farmers_ market on Facebook and Instagram for updates on time and location or reach out to Charlie Reed at creed@ cityofdrippingsprings. com.
