Farmer's Market update for Saturday, 4-18

What’s new at the Farmer’s Market?

Things are getting somewhat back to normal at the market. Crafts have been deemed non-essential, so TJ Designs cannot return until this virus goes away. We will miss her. The good news is that the Porters will be at the market on Saturday with strawberries and Florida tomatoes.

TC Smith will return with strawberries, asparagus, sweet potatoes, red skin potatoes, plus they will bring in cucumbers, zucchini, squash, string beans, onions and tomatoes from Florida.

Don't forget to pick some free-range eggs, honey, pork skins or peanuts and Soap Nerds' unscented hand sanitizer. Bridgette can tell you all about it. All I can tell you is that it is wonderful and that it goes quickly. Be sure to get yours before it is sold out.

Excerpt from Governor Cooper's Executive Order #13

Which retail businesses are covered by this Executive Order?

This Executive Order (“the Order”) applies to any business in which customers enter to purchase goods or services, including, but not limited to, grocery stores, big-box retail stores, pharmacies, ABC stores, banks, hardware stores, and vehicle dealerships. The Order does not apply to outdoor farmer’s markets. 

Retail businesses that have been closed by previous Executive Orders or by orders of their local governments are not permitted to reopen. This does not exclude market customers from social distancing or hygiene rules. Vendors booths at least 10 feet apart and customers stand at least 6 feet apart.

Customers must enter the market at the ENTRANCE which is near the RICK HOLDER ANNEX, where you will wash your hands then hands will be sprayed with hand sanitizer, and you will be offered gloves.

Wear your own mask, if you so choose. Customers will enter the market in a single file and continue in a single file around the market. Do not touch produce or any other merchandise. Exit market between TC Smith and Kettle Style Snacks. DO NOT LINGER OR GATHER.

Remember, these rules are meant to help keep you safe, not to inconvenience you. A lot of time and thought went into setting these rules so that all of us can shop safely and support our vendors. All produce has been picked by workers wearing gloves, they are near hand washing stations, and they abide by GAP (Good Agriculture Practices) regulations.

If everyone will obey the market regulations, instead of grumbling about them, we will have a safe, healthy and smooth running market. PLEASE DO YOUR PART.

The Farmer’s Market update is a weekly newsletter from Pat Jenkins, Manager.