Several safeguards will be put in place for the Allen County Farmers Market, which opens for the 2020 growing season next Thursday.
Social distance guidelines will be followed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers noted in a press release.
Once again, the market will be held along Jefferson Avenue on the east side of the courthouse square.
Among the new rules:
— Customers will be allowed to enter and exit the market area only from the north end (coming in from East Street).
— Only 50 customers will be allowed in the market at a time. While waiting to enter, customers are required to stand at last six feet apart.
— Customers are asked to keep their visit “simple and short. Buy what you need and do not linger, socialize or congregate in the market space.”
— Only one person will be allowed to shop at a booth at a time.
— Only essential food producers will be allowed to sell their goods for the time being.
— Barricades will be set up to maintain safe distances. All foot traffic will follow a one-way route.
— Chalk boxes will indicate proper spacing.
— There will be no sampling or handling of food prior to purchase.
— Pets are not allowed.
— The market will continue to offer SNAP processing and matching. Participants are required to bring their SNAP card. Credit and debit cards also will be accepted.
— Customers are asked to leave food and beverages at home.
— Buyers should come prepared with small bills, if paying with cash, to help reduce the times vendors must give change.
— Do not use your own reusable bags.
MARKET-related community events, such as music and cooking demonstrations, are postponed.
Staffers will be on hand to monitor crowd density and help sanitize commonly used surfaces, such as the market information table. And EBT redemption devices.
