To our dearest community,
First & foremost we would like you to know, we care about you. We care about your health and safety. We appreciate all the concerns, love and support you’ve shown us during this time. We want to continue to serve you in the safest manner that we can. Here are somethings we would like you to know, and the safety measures that we are taking to begin our market season.
The Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market will hold its first market of the year on Wednesday, May 6th, from the hours of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The operation times for May through September will be as follows:
Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The operation times for the month of October will be as follows:
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
Here are the safety measures that we will be taking at the market:
We will be placing extra hand washing stations throughout the market. We are encouraging everyone to wash their hands upon arrival and frequently while at the market. There will be signs to remind you.
There will be signage and multiple methods to visually remind everyone to maintain the practice of social distancing of approximately 6′.
Market staff,vendors and volunteers will be frequently sanitizing surfaces throughout the market.
Vendor booths will be will be separated to allow efficient space for social distancing between vendors and customers.
We will have signage to remind and encourage customers to not touch the products on vendor tables, please point to what you would like and allow them them to bag your items for you.
There will be no consumption of food on-site. This means that there will be no food sampling at this time and that all ready to eat foods and beverages must be taken home to enjoy. Take-out only.
Our Power of Produce (POP) club for kids will not be starting the first day of market. The market needs a little more time to design a safe way to connect kids to farmers. We will keep you updated.
We are adding a plexiglass shield to our market booth. We will still be there to assist you.
We are encouraging masks, however they are not required at this time.
We are also offering for the first time an online catalog for preordering + order assembly + drive through pick-up. You can view that catalog at http://www.localline.ca/grand-rapids-farmers-market
There will be more information on how to order and pickup coming soon.
We are dedicated to bringing beautiful fresh local foods and products to the community while meeting special needs at this time. Especially during a time where social distancing and limiting contact with one another can help protect vulnerable people.
We hope to see you at the market this season, however if you are feeling ill we ask that you please err on the side of caution and wait to come until you are feeling better.
And lastly be well and stay safe!