May 15, 2020

Ready to go: Windham Farmers’ Market to open next weekend amid the new reality

By Lorraine Glowczak

In its third successful year, the Windham Farmer’s Market will be at it again this summer at the same location on Turning Leaf Drive in Windham (intersection of Route 302 and River Road) beginning on Saturday, May 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Vendors who will provide fresh, local foods and hand crafted products at this year’s market include: Baker Brook Farm, Cates Cache, Fox Run Gifts, Hailey’s Kitchen, Mains Made, Mulberry Farms, PH & Hidden Falls Farms, Siochanta Farm, Small Wood Farm, and Churchill Events.

There will be slight changes from previous years, because of the need for added personal distance and safety.

“The only modifications that will take place for this year’s Farmers’ Market will be to adjust to the new reality,” said Tom Bartell, Director of the Windham Economic Development Corporation. “The plan is to maintain the continued health and safety of the market and community and to comply with the State of Maine Governor’s Orders. The plan will be evaluated and amended throughout the summer for continued effectiveness.”

The Farmers’ Market will be set up to maintain the state mandated safety precautions. This will include the following:

·       Increased booth separation.  Each booth will have a line established for waiting customers and that line will be marked in 6-foot increments to maintain personal distancing.  
·       There will be two hand sanitizer stations for customer use, each located at either end of the market, and labeled with visible signage. 
·       Trash cans will be provided for the customer areas with step-on lids.
·       There will be signage reminding us to observe appropriate procedures. 
·       Frequently touched areas will be sanitized regularly.
·       Use of face masks is strongly encouraged for everyone’s protection.

“One of the additions to this year’s market is that shopping from 8:30 to 9 a.m. will be reserved for customers 55 and over or for those at risk,” said Bartell. “There will still be a welcome booth open with staff to greet customers and to process SNAP/EBT and MHB purchases.”

“To further keep our community members safe by avoiding direct personal contact, the market made the difficult decision to skip the popular children’s attractions, special events, and entertainment for this summer.  We do remain committed to supporting our customers and vendors with a great shopping experience,” said Market Coordinator Lisa Fisher.

Be sure to make a Farmer’s Market visit every Saturday morning this summer and support your local farmers and artisans.

For more information about this year’s market or to inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Lisa Fisher at 207-894-4097.




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