The Powassan Farmers' Market will have a different look when it opens for the season May 23.
Only food items, including maple syrup, produce, frozen meats, and baked goods, will be sold at the market this year.
Although non-food vendors may participate in the farmers’ market, organizers encourage customers to purchase items from vendors promoted on the markets' Facebook page for curbside pickup.
Only one member of each household is allowed to visit the market. No pets or children are permitted.
“To keep customers and vendors safe from COVID 19, we have been working closely with the health unit to make some changes,” the market states in an email. “Remember that friendly, social atmosphere with music playing and children running around? This year things will look quite different, but we will still be able to supply our customers with fresh food.”
Market customers must preorder items before May 21 for pickup through the Powassan Farmers’ Market Facebook page or by contacting vendors directly. Payments for items will be done via e-transfer or exact change sealed in an envelope or plastic bag.
Vendors, meanwhile, will set up pop-up tents rather than permanent stalls as in previous years. And customers will need to line up six-feet apart when they arrive to pick up their orders.
Order tables will be separate from the vendor's booths for safe pickup. And there will be plenty of hand sanitizer from Copperhead Distillery available for vendors and customers. Surfaces will be disinfected frequently, organizers say.
Mackenzie Casalino is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter working out of The North Bay Nugget.
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
