The Golden Farmer’s Market is back for 2021 this weekend, with the first market of the year on Saturday, May 22 at spirit square from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Patrons can expect much of the same COVID-19 protocols as last summer. There will be two entrances to the market, with handwashing and hand sanitizing stations, as well as a specific flow that must be followed throughout the market.
This year, masks will be required, as booths will be closer together.
Melissa Kardash, who helps organize the market, says she’s hoping that people will come out and support local, while respecting the rules.
“We’re just asking that people respect the Public Health Order regardless of personal politics, it’s how we have to operate to have a successful year,” said Kardsah.
“We’re all doing our best to have a successful year, we appreciate that people respect the regulations so we can continue to move forward and provide a platform for our vendors.”
One big change this year is that artisan vendors will be allowed back into farmer’s markets, after 2020 saw markets limited to just food services as essential services in order to operate.
Kardash says she is excited to welcome back vendors and have more flexibility with who can come to the market, whereas last year they weren’t able to accommodate part-time vendors.
“It’s nice to be able to provide more opportunities for those vendors who want to come but maybe couldn’t last year,” said Kardash.
“We can expand and have new vendors and accomodate more faces.”
She says that markets like this are important for small local businesses and vendors who don’t otherwise have a chance to profit off their wares.
“We rely on those artisans to make our market work, so that was our hardest part last year and lots of vendors lost out on the at opportunity to sell and connect, we’re really hoping this season picks up and people can reconnect,” said Kardash.
“We really just hope that people come out and support local vendors and businesses, with all the shutdowns over Christmas, not many vendors had heir sales or could connect with customers.”
After this weekend, the market will return to it’s regular 11-3 slot on Wednesdays, starting on June 16, until Sept. 29. There will be a second weekend market on Saturday, Oct. 9 as well.
