Patience plea for rejigged market

“PLEASE be patient” – that’s the message from the Hobart Lord Mayor ahead of today’s inaugural Tasmania’s Own Market.

Coronavirus outbreaks in other states were last week blamed by Public Health for a decision to veto a previously approved interim version of the iconic Salamanca Market.

In line with state government rules limiting outdoor gatherings to 500, the new market was to be divided into two sections, each with its own entry and egress and each restricted to 500 people.

Revised Public Heath advice deemed the separated market a gathering of more than 500.

The smaller, modified market will feature 80 Salamanca Market stallholders in Salamanca Place between Montpelier Retreat and the Silos from 8.30am to 1.30pm.

The market can accommodate up to 500 people at a time, which includes those manning the stalls.

Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds asked patrons for patience.

“We don’t know how busy it is going to be – we’ve put a lot of planning into this, but there will be things we learn from the event,” she said.

“We’re hoping the Hobart community comes out and supports the market and all the producers and local businesses.

“Council staff and stallholders have been busy making final arrangements such as working out how to fit the stalls into the jigsaw puzzle and positioning of hand sanitisers.”

Local buskers will be another familiar feature returning to the market, with musicians invited to showcase their talent in the two allocated busking spaces in Kennedy Lane and Wooby’s Lane.

Seven volunteer safety angels will be out in force at the market to ensure patrons are complying with social distancing and to help with any inquiries.

To see which stallholders will be onsite today, visit salamancamarket.com.au.

jessica.howard@news.com.au