AMHERST — A larger location on the Town Common and revised procedures aimed at keeping customers and vendors safe will be in place when the Amherst Farmers Market’s 49th season begins later this month.
For the first time, the market, which opens May 30 at 7:30 a.m., will be on the large expanse of greenspace each Saturday, rather than the pavement of the Spring Street parking lot and section of Boltwood Avenue.
The opportunity to use the Town Common came because the area, normally reserved for days-long events such as the annual Rotary Community Fair and the Taste of Amherst, will be vacant this spring, summer and fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That gives us plenty of space to spread out and distance,” says market manager David Machowski.
The market will be open each week from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with up to 37 vendors who will have produce, meats and eggs, baked goods, flowers and other items.
The Town Council approved the revised plans this week that, at least for this year, make a series of changes to enhance social distancing and limit people from making the market a social occasion, such as prohibiting music and performers.
“It’s more limited in that customers cannot touch anything so the tactile experience is gone and no food samples are being allowed,” Machowski said.
Among the rules will be a requirement that all people wear face coverings and keep at least six feet apart while walking through the market. A sanitizing station will be positioned at the entrance to the market, where people will be asked to line up.
“It will have a sequential pathway instead of your being able to wander,” Machowski said of entering the market.
With the market starting about six weeks late, Machowski said, farmers are expecting “pent-up demand” for local produce, which he observes has not stopped or postponed the usual growing season.
Ten parking spaces in the Spring Street lot will be dedicated for customers interested in curbside pickup. People should soon be able to place orders in advance online using CherryTree Market with many of the vendors signing up to be part of this service.
