It's tradition for the Bradford Farmers' Market to kick off opening weekend with vendors, crafters and musical guests, but this year, things will be quite different.
The plan is to open on May 23 as originally scheduled, but there will be no frills attached and strict physical distancing measures in place.
"Our goal will be to get you in and out of the market quickly and safely. We will have nothing that encourages you to stay, unfortunately. No music, no seating area, no benches and we will also not be allowed to have crafters at our market," read a post on the market's Facebook page.
"We are not going to be "business as usual" at the market for the foreseeable future," explained market manager, Laura Vree on the market's Facebook page. "However, we will be your best option for fresh and local food, so we are offering new and more physically distant ways to get your products."
Last week, Vree set up a survey for market goers to provide feedback and suggestions on how the market should carry on for the 2020 season.
"I was impressed with the survey responses and the comments left were really great as well," said Vree.
Eighty-one percent of the respondents said they had some level of concern attending the market in its traditional format, with 69 percent preferring an online market, and 77 percent said they would be comfortable lining up at booths with physical distancing measures in place.
The plan is to open a virtual market with customers placing orders online and picking up at the library parking lot each Saturday morning. Pickup orders will be placed in the trunks of customer vehicles for contact less pickup with debit or credit payment options only.
Vree said they are hopeful that sometime in June they will be able to open up vendor booths and allow for visits via single file line and safe distancing in between patrons.
"We are so looking forward to seeing all of you through your car windows, and eventually outside of your cars, at a distance of course," said Vree. "We are hopeful for a good season."
