SUNDRE — Following uncertainty as to when the local farmers market would start for the season because of pandemic lockdowns, an organizer was pleased to once again welcome people back.
Traditionally starting earlier in the spring, the weekly Sundre Farmers' Market this year got underway on Friday, June 19.
“It was always intended to reopen — it was just a matter of when, and to get a handle on what needed to be done,” said Karen Campbell.
Plans had to be made to adhere to provincial government guidelines by establishing physical distancing protocols.
That involved modifying the market’s set up, including limiting the number of patrons in the Sundre Curling Rink to about 30 at a time, which with the vendors adds up to approximately 50, as per regulations, she said.
“We have to be careful with proper spacing.”
The moveable access ramp at the rink’s large bay door was also changed, she said, explaining that it was split into two sections — an entrance and exit — separated by a space in the middle.
Campbell said she also met with a health inspector who offered recommendations and approved the new setup.
This first market featured only food vendors, but moving forward there will be more variety with craft merchants as well for the rest of the season, which is expected to continue until the third week of September, she said.
“Lots of enthusiastic people are coming back,” said Campbell, who was glad to be able to reopen the market’s doors.
“We had a long lineup of customers…everybody’s gung-ho and wants to get out.”
People have also been very obliging of the new regulations and protocols. Due to the limited number of shoppers allowed inside at one time, she said patrons are being asked to refrain from standing in clusters and conversing for extended durations.
“Shop with a purpose, that’s our message.”
Of course that’s not to say people are discouraged from visiting and socializing. But they are being asked to maintain physical distancing and to perhaps meet up with friends and acquaintances outside the rink to catch up. After all, maintaining physical distancing does not mean people can't still be social, she said.
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