Vernon Farmers Market ready for new season, with COVID changes in place

Apr 24, 2020 | 5:11 PM

A scaled-down version of the Vernon’s Farmers’ Market will open its new season on Monday in the Kal Tire North parking lot.

“We’re calling it modified,” said manager Ingrid Baron. “The big thing is it’s only essential food products, so food, processed food, liquor and food plants.”

Farmers’ markets are considered essential service during the pandemic.

“There is two chicken [processing] plants and two beef plants that are shut down [due to COVID outbreaks], and people are going, ‘Oh my goodness, we should be getting local stuff. Where are we going to get this from?'”

Baron said they will start the new season with 25 vendors spaced apart in one zone, and only 50 people will be allowed in the zone at one time.

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There will be 23 feet between aisles, with one-way traffic.

“They will have to line up. There will one entry and exit point. We’ll have someone there counting,” Baron told Vernon Matters.

There will be at least two wash stations, with no sampling, entertainment or seating areas.

“We are going to allow concessions, but it’s take-out only. They’ll be set in up in a different area so you can take your food and go.”

Baron adds they’re asking patrons to limit how many people come from one household and to send just one person to do the shopping, if possible.

“And you won’t be able handle most products. The vendor will put it in a bag for you. We suggest everyone should wash their produce when they get home anyway.”

People can bring a reusable tote bag, but the market will be giving them out as well.

Vernon is signed up to do the Local Line online farmers market but Baron says they are likely a couple of weeks away from starting, as they figure out how to handle pickups.

Vernon will have a page on the site where patrons can see all the vendors and their products, buy products, and pick them up at the market or get it delivered.

The Vernon Farmers’ Markets will be held every Monday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at Kal Tire Place.

by Pete McIntyre

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