The Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market is setting in to its new routine of having vendors behind plexiglass barriers and operating from a new location at 79 Derby Avenue in Vankleek Hill every Saturday morning.
Market vendors have been in their new location for about three weeks now, and there is a flow to how market-goers enter and exit the market, so that physical distancing rules are maintained. Shoppers can point to the items they want (items are on a table behind the plexiglass barrier) and sanitization products are available throughout the market.
“The number of shoppers has been increasing week over week and so have overall sales,” says market president Aartje den Boer, one of the founders of the market, which begins its 24th year in August 2020.
With the move to Stage 3 and more businesses reopening, the market is now able to welcome artisans selling their wares and prepared food items, although food cannot be cooked on the premises.
On July 18, musical entertainment returned to the market and there were a few tables set up with a rule of three persons per table for market-goers. On July 25, the market will welcome 50 Proof to play outdoors at a safe distance from market pedestrian traffic.
A promotional video is in the works at the market — with some filming happening at the market on July 25.
Market vendors are in the process of adding their products to the Open Food Network website, so that you can pre-order and pick up your purchases at the market. The website is operated by a not-for-profit organization. If you visit: www.openfoodnetwork.ca and search for Vankleek Hill Farmers’ Market, you will see the local vendors whose products are available for online ordering.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the weekly Saturday market, which is open from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., email: [email protected].
