Farmers’ market set to reopen
The St. John’s Farmers’ Market (SJFM) — among the places shuttered for months because of the COVID-19 pandemic — is reopening for regular markets starting Saturday, June 13.
The SJFM, which suspended operations in mid-march due to precautions surrounding COVID-19, has put safeguards in place to ensure the market is a comfortable environment for vendors and customers alike, noted a news release issued late Sunday night.
“We’re thrilled to be able to reopen,” executive director Pam Anstey stated in the release.
“The market has become such an integral part of this community, and we know there are a lot of people who have been missing their favourite vendors. Things may look a little different this time around, but the market is still the place to go for fresh local produce, diverse prepared food and unique artisan crafts.”
Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Some of the precautions that people visiting the market can expect to see when it reopens include:
• Regular and ongoing sanitization of high-contact areas and washrooms throughout market day, as well as hand sanitizers available at each entrance and exit.
• Physical distancing measures, including limits on the number of people allowed inside at a time, one-way aisles and transparent barriers between vendors and customers.
• Takeout only. The market café seating has been removed, and reusable containers from customers will not be accepted.
• Vendors and staff will be required to wear non-medical masks, and customers are strongly encouraged to do so as well.
• Many contactless payment options, but in order to be accessible to all, cash payments will be accepted.
A reduction in vendors isn’t expected to be necessary.
“Initially, when we started planning for reopening, we were only able to book a restricted number of our vendors in keeping with public health requirements,” Anstey said.
“However, if the province shifts to Alert Level 3, we have just received confirmation that we will be able to bring all vendors back.
“Just have a little patience with us as we all navigate this together. If there is anything this pandemic has taught us, it is that it’s more important than ever to support local producers and entrepreneurs, as well as each other.”