Inside: Madison Village market enjoying success

Madison Village Outdoor Market thriving so far in 2020

Madison Village’s 2020 Outdoor Market so far is stacking up favorably when compared with other seasons in the event’s five-year history.

That’s the evaluation offered by village Administrator Dwayne Bailey.

“The outdoor market is the best we’ve ever had,” Bailey said during the June 22 Village Council meeting. “I think we had 25 vendors (at the June 18 market). People seem to be having a great time.”

On June 4, Madison Village opened the 2020 season for the outdoor market in compliance with guidelines from the Ohio Department of Health and other regulatory agencies to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

Hours for the market are 5 to 8 p.m., with the first hour reserved exclusively for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

The market, held in conjunction with the Madison Village Concerts in the Park series, takes place every Thursday night through Sept. 10. Musical performances are slated from 7 to 9 p.m. Both programs are held in Madison Village Park, which is bordered by West Main, River and Park streets.

Some of the rules for the festivities include spacing vendors 10 to 15 feet apart; requiring all of the merchants and their employees to wear masks at all times; and maintaining social distance of 6 feet between all groups of customers.

In addition, families or other groups of customers shopping together at the outdoor market cannot consist of more than 10 persons.

Visitors to the weekly markets and concerts are not required to wear masks, and Bailey said he estimated “a 50/50 split” among guests regarding the presence of face coverings.

People who navigate the one-way directional walkways at the outdoor market can shop for items such as homemade baked goods, crafts and products from independent home-party consultants.

Bailey noted that there’s been a vendor selling produce at every market held so far.

“In previous years, we’ve had a tough time getting produce (sellers) this early in the season,” he said.

Bailey added that the Thursday night concerts in Village Park “have been going off without a hitch.”

BILL DEBUS - THE NEWS-HERALD A sign at Madison Village Park lists guidelines for guests when they attend the outdoor market, concerts and car shows, or while visiting the site when no events are scheduled. The guidelines are aimed at helping to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.