Staying safe at the Summer Market.

Summer Market, the two-day event with arts and craft vendors selling their works, will take place at Black River Landing in downtown Lorain.

The gathering has a number of precautions listed to avoid the possible spread of the novel coronavirus.

For 2020, Summer Market will have about 75 vendors, down slightly from past years.

But a smaller number of sellers and more space at Black River Landing allow room for safe social distancing, said event co-founder Erin Stack.

Booths are to be spaced at least 10 feet apart, with hand sanitizer available at every one.

“The vendors have been amazing with preparing for the weekend,” Stack said. “Not only do they want to keep all event goers safe and healthy, but they are doing what they can to protect themselves as well.

“From what I can tell so far, everyone, both the vendors and the shoppers seem to be on the same page when it comes to event safety.”

In accordance with Ohio guidelines, attendees must wear masks when within six feet of other attendees who are not part of a person’s household.

Anyone feeling ill should stay home.

Stack acknowledged anyone feeling apprehensive about the health conditions, should sit out 2020 and make plans for next year.

Or, they can shop from home.

Stack this year created Summer Market’s online Marketplace for artisans to sell their works.

“It has been wildly successful and a great way for people to purchase goods and support small business owners while staying at home,” she said. “Several vendors were able to make back their Summer Market booth fee before this weekend.

“I expect Christmas time to be even better.”

Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell said Stack for several months has been working with a Lorain County Public Health sanitarian.

The event plan in place looks like a good one, Covell said.

Along with the planners and vendors, it is important that patrons take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, he said.

Attendees should wear masks, wash their hands, keep a safe distance from others and stay home if they feel sick, he said.

“Let’s not crowd around the table, right?” Covell said. “Let’s be courteous, let’s be respectful to other people.

“That’s really the key to success for an event like this.”