The first Farmers Market of the season will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in the area between the former Lyon’s Auto Supply and City Hall.
One hour, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., is reserved for the elderly and people with underlying health conditions to shop.
Safety public health measures have been put into place, said Dawn Rognerud, president of the Town Square Farmers Market organization.
Vendors have been asked to install barriers between themselves and customers.
“We’re asking customers not to pick up things; vendors will do that and will package items for them,” Rognerud said.
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Hand-sanitizing and -washing stations will be available, and directional signage on the pavement will keep the traffic flowing in the same direction, “similar to what you see in stores,” she said.
Several new vendors are joining the market this year, including Sparky’s Coffee Roasting of Cavalier, N.D., Persephone’s Floral of Grand Forks and a couple of area produce vendors, she said.
“Some old favorites will be returning, such as the Bakers Wagon, Little Bangkok, French Taste, Red’s Attic, Two Sisters’ Bagels and Maggie’s Catering and Bakery," she said.
Some of these businesses “have great customer bases,” Rognerud said. “We love to see new people -- and have the chance, every Saturday, to visit with our regulars.”
Zach Thomas, a singer-guitarist, will provide musical entertainment.
Like most seasons, a fewer number of produce vendors will be on hand than is the case later in the summer, Rognerud said.
Weather conditions late last year and into this year have delayed crops’ maturity, she said, but lettuce, radishes, microgreens and leafy greens, such as spinach, should be available.
Even with the unusual restrictions that are required, vendors have been “really great to work with,” Rognerud said. “We’ve taken time to work with our vendors and make sure they understand what we’re asking of them.
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“We want to provide that balance (of safeguarding public health) and still be able to share their goods,” she said. “In every meeting we’ve had with vendors, we’ve been met with positivity and thankfulness for all our efforts.”
