• Instead of spreading out on the town common, the market will be held in the Town Hall parking lot, which will allow for better social distancing.
• There will be one designated entry and one exit point, and traffic will only flow one way, allowing for much better control of the perimeter. (The walk-in entrance is at Mount Vernon Street and you will exit out to Skilling Road.)
• Vendors will be further apart, with marked waiting and walking areas
• Clean masks or other face coverings are required for all visitors at the market.
• No pets are allowed.
• There will be a limited number of shoppers in the market at one time.
• Maximum of 3 shoppers at a vendor at one time.
• Markings will indicate where to stand while waiting.
• There will be an one-way path through the market.
• No congregating in the market area, or after you leave.
• Shoppers will not be allowed to handle any of the produce. Instead, shoppers will point to their desired items and wait for the vendor to bag them.
• No eating at the market and no samples at vendor tents.
• Vendors may not handle reusable bags, but you may put your purchases in your own bag.
• Sanitation stations will be located in different areas around the market.
• 9:30am to 10:00am will be a dedicated shopping time for seniors (60+), customers with disabilities, and immunocompromised/vulnerable persons.
• There will be no performers, Kids’ Table, community groups or any other group activities (cancelled for social distancing).

Visitors can expect to see goods from Amir’s Natural Foods, Copicut Farm, Del Sur, Grace Food Labs, Hedvika Bakery, Lanni Orchard, Mamadou Artisan Bakery, Neighbor’s Acres Microgreens, OMG Bagels, Roasted Granola, Suenos Artisanal Chocolate, Tewksbury Honey and Twyl Pasta Bistro.

Market organizer, Fred Yen, says he doesn’t know how long the social distancing and hygiene requirements will be in place, and that the market protocol may be adjusted as the summer goes on. “I think we’re dealing with the immediate response and once we get the market going, we’ll have time to reflect and say ‘OK, how will we bring some of the old character and qualities back safely?’ Now all of our energy is going into getting it started.”

With many people still apprehensive about going to supermarkets and outdoor markets, online sales have been skyrocketing for most vendors that provide online shopping options. For those not yet comfortable going to the market, you are encouraged to support your local vendors through their online shops!