Spaced vendors, masks and capacity limits will allow market to remain open amid COVID-19 restrictions
VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Farmers Market opened to long lines who had gathered early at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, but as rainy weather increased, crowds began to die off.
The opening comes at a difficult time for the community with the COVID-19 pandemic still causing closures of many businesses and public gathering areas.
After initially deciding to stop the market from opening, in spite of its exempt status under Gov. Jay Inslee’s orders, members of the Vancouver City Council reversed their decision allowing the market to open with extra precautions, guidelines and restrictions.
“Think of us like a grocery store,” said Jordan Boldt, the executive director of the market.
Boldt explained that vendors have been spaced by 10 feet and social distance requirements for shoppers and masks and gloves for vendors are required. The market is also counting how many people are in the area at any given time to allow for proper social distances to be observed.
Next weekend, with Mother’s Day, it is expected to be much busier and is usually the busiest of the season, Boldt said. This weekend is, in part, a trial run to get things perfect for next weekend, he said.
Watch our video to learn more, or visit the market’s website at www.vancouverfarmersmarket.com.
