New safety procedures told
The Greene County farmers market opens Tuesday, July 14, at its usual location in the east parking area of the courthouse in Jefferson. The hours of operation are the same as in recent years, 4 to 6:30 pm.
“We appreciate your support as Greene County farmers market adapts its operations to provide a safe shopping experience for our community,” market manager Chris Henning said. “In this time of Covid-19, our mission remains the same: to provide a place for local producers to sell their healthy, nutritious and farm-fresh products and to provide the public with access to a safe and secure supply of local food.”
An operations plan has been developed with protocols to ensure the farmers market meets accepted best practices with extra sanitation in vendor spaces, handwashing stations that are accessible to all, and social distancing and face masks or face coverings are required for all attendees (vendors and customers).
Vendors have specific requests of customers:
- Use the designated entry and exit point at the southeast diagonal drive at the corner of Lincoln Way and Chestnut St. Other points of entry will be roped off. Organizers have tried to arrange vendors so customers will not have to carry purchases far, so vendor locations may be different than in the past.
- Wear a face mask or face covering while in the market area. Complimentary masks and hand sanitizer will be provided at the market entrance. (Fabric masks of several designs will be available for purchase at several vendor booths.)
- Household groupings of two are permitted. At this time, the market is not open to groups of three or more, and children and dogs are not permitted. Keep a safe distance if a customer is already at the vendor’s tent.
- Look for signage at vendor tents to see what’s available. Vendors will bag products from a table behind them to minimize contact. Be mindful that others are also waiting to be served.
- Limit your time at the market and at each booth. No on-site dinners or musical performances will be available. Attendees are encouraged to shop quickly.
- Please be patient as organizers and vendors adapt to new and changing protocols. “We take our responsibility to provide a safe and healthy shopping experience at farmers market seriously,” Henning said.
- Organizers are in a fluid environment with state rules and regulations that may change. The operations plan will be changed if needed. Updates will be posted to the Greene County farmers market Facebook page.
