Farmers market has reopened at Pioneer Park with new safety rules

On June 13, the popular Downtown Farmers Market, considered an essential grocery service and economic lifeline for local farmers and producers, reopened to the public. The market will remain open through Oct. 24.

“The focus this season is on safe and efficient product sales,” organizers said in a release. “Market staff has worked closely with city, county and state officials to redesign the market for optimal health safety. Farmers and makers will be positioned in a new configuration with generous spacing for vendors and customers. Arts and craft vendors, musicians and food service trucks and trailers have been eliminated for the 2020 season to limit gathering and social interactions.”

Enhanced health safety measures include shorter hours (now open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.), a revised vendor layout calling for one-way traffic throughout the market, 10 feet of space between vendor booths, and lines with social distancing markers. Organizers have also banned food sampling and dining areas and have installed handwashing and hand sanitizer stations throughout the market. Masks will be required for staff and vendors.

“It will be a different experience for our regular customers,” said market director Alison Einerson. “Our focus is creating a safe environment for patrons and vendors.”