By NICK BUDD
Hays Post

According to Brenda Meder of the Hays Arts Council, close to 1,500 people flocked to downtown Friday night for the Spring Gallery Walk. Throughout the night, people strolled through more than 30 exhibitions — and the weather was nearly perfect.

“There were people that said that they’ve never seen crowds like that,” Meder said, “so it’s hard to say, but I know it’s at least as good, if not better than it ever has been.”

Although the city saw near perfect temperatures for the walk, Meder said that she’s seen success even when the weather isn’t great.

“I’ve had at least 75 art walks in my 24 years here, and there has definitely been other wonderful weather, but I don’t know if you could top what we saw on Thursday night,” Meder said.

Meder said one reason is that, over the years, the Hays Arts Council has worked to partner with almost anybody who wants to get involved with the walks.

“We’ve always been here to collaborate with anyone that wants to get involved,” Meder said. “People aren’t seeing it as a specific, elitist or one-entity event. Everyone understands that they can now be a part of the art walk.”

One addition to this year’s art walk was Hays City Hall. According to Jason Riegel, water conservation specialist for the city of Hays, city staff members ended up handing out more than 40 shower heads and over 70 aerator.

The Summer Gallery Walk is scheduled for June 20, and the Fall Gallery Walk will follow on Aug. 20.