Farmers’ market could be open June 13, with some restrictions

The Regina Farmers’ Market (RFM) has the green light to open next week, but organizers say they are aiming for a June 13 launch to do it right.

“We were thrilled to have the recognition of the work that we’re doing and be able to open sooner than Phase 4, which is where they originally categorized us,” said Holly Laird, executive director of the Regina Farmers’ Market Co-operative, which celebrates its 45th anniversary this month. “But there is some work that we need to do to make sure that we can open safely.”

Thinking of them more as a major event than an essential service, the provincial government had initially grouped farmers’ markets into Phase 4 of the Re-open Saskatchewan Plan, a phase that currently has no set start date. Last week, the province updated its guidelines to include them in Phase 2 instead, which is set to begin May 19.

But that green light comes with several conditions, including limiting the number of customers to ensure proper physical distancing can be maintained, supplying hand washing or sanitizing stations, take-away food and prepackaged liquor only, and no activities like live music or kids play areas that might encourage gatherings.

Laird said they are working closely with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to come up with a plan that meets all the safety requirements. A location that can facilitate the plan has yet to be decided on, she added. The outdoor market typically takes place at City Square Plaza in Victoria Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

“Vendors and customers alike are very excited,” she said in an interview Friday.

“I think there probably will be some hesitancy from people, too. I think there’s people from all across the spectrum right now that might not be ready to rush out to the market.”

That’s why even once they officially open, the RFM will continue to serve customers through their online store, a strategy they’ve been using since the start of COVID-19 restrictions. Online ordering opens Mondays at noon and closes Thursday at noon. Payments are processed on Saturdays, and deliveries made the same day before 5:30 p.m. Customers also have the choice to pick up at Douglas Park on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and noon or 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

When they do open, it won’t look like what people are used to, said Laird — casual daytime strolls in the sunshine to see some live music or have breakfast, but it’s better than nothing.

“There is a bit of sadness for sure,” she said. “But I also think that we have a great story about our resiliency and how we have pivoted very quickly into something different and continue to do what we do best.”

There is some work that we need to do to make sure that we can open safely.