Seymour Area Farmers Market to open Saturday

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The COVID-19 pandemic will not stop the Seymour Area Farmers Market from providing the community with fresh, locally grown and homemade food this summer.

But customers can expect several changes to protect their and vendors’ health and safety and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.

The market, sponsored by Schneck Medical Center, will kick off the season Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in the Walnut Street Parking Lot, located just south of the railroad tracks behind the Jackson County Public Library in Seymour.

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The market also is open from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays.

Farmers markets have been categorized as essential during the pandemic, and the Seymour Area Farmers Market is following guidelines developed by the Indiana State Department of Health and Purdue Extension, said Carrie Smith, market committee chairwoman.

Only products deemed essential will be available, and customers should know what they want to purchase beforehand so they can shop quickly and leave to allow for more customers.

Food cannot be consumed at the market and must be taken elsewhere to be eaten. Customers should not touch items they do not intend to buy.

To prevent people from gathering, picnic tables, the Book Wagon, kids’ crafts and live music will not be offered this season.

Social distancing measures are being implemented that require vendors to be 10 feet apart. Pavement markings also will be in place to help customers keep a safe distance.

Two handwashing stations have been added, and vendors will be required to wear face masks and have hand sanitizer available at their booth.

Customers are encouraged to wear masks, but it is not required to shop at the market. Homemade masks will be available to purchase from some vendors.

A drive-thru service that has been available for handicapped customers and the elderly in the past will be expanded for anyone who feels more comfortable shopping that way. Customers can enter the market on the south side of the parking lot near the handicap parking area and follow the signs to a greeter, who will take their order.

“I think the drive-thru will be really helpful for those moms and dads who need to shop for healthy food for their family but can’t leave their kiddos at home,” Smith said. “It also adds another level of safety for customers at higher risk and helps limit their contact with multiple vendors and other customers.”

Market Manager Jo Boehlke knows the changes will be difficult but believes vendors and customers will be able to adapt to keep the market running successfully.

“If we do our best to protect our customers’ health, it will communicate to the governing authorities and our community that our market is a safe place to buy the products people want and need,” she said.

This season, shoppers will be able to purchase staples, including fruits, vegetables, pork, beef, chicken, eggs, honey and baked goods.

There also are new vendors to the market this year.

“Poppin’ Toms will join the group with fresh popped kettle corn, and in August, Aquapon will offer locally raised fish,” Smith said.

Another new addition to the market this year is the Young Entrepreneurs of Seymour or Y.E.S. Club. Made up of young vendors that sell produce and other items at the market, the group is being sponsored by the Seymour Noon Lions Club.

The partnership will provide a tent, a banner and insurance coverage for the club.

“Our partnership with the Seymour Noon Lions is going to help these ambitious kids be able to sell their goods and grow their small businesses,” Smith said. “The community loves supporting our youth, and they can continue doing that with the help of this much-needed sponsorship.”

Adding new vendors and products increases the value of the farmers market experience and allows shoppers to enjoy more variety, she added.

“I always look forward to the beginning of market season as part of the committee and as a customer,” Smith said. “It is great to see the vendors back together and inspiring to have new ones join our market family.”

Boehlke said after reorganizing and providing more structure in 2016, the market has grown into a social hub.

“Normally, we’re a warm, friendly group that hugs our customers and engages them in conversation,” Boehlke said. “I love this about the market, and our customers do, too. We’ll need to dial that back for a while.”

The market will run through the last Saturday in September.

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What: Official opening for the season of the Seymour Area Farmers Market

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Wednesdays through September

Where: Walnut Street Parking Lot south of the railroad tracks behind the Jackson County Public Library in Seymour; parking is available across the street in the Robertson Mill Parking Lot

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