(Canton, Ohio) – Tis’ the season for fresh produce and farmers’ markets, but like many gatherings across the nation, these seasonal outings are also being affected.
In Stark County, only two of the several markets traditionally open this time of year will be accessible.
North Canton
The North Canton Farmers’ Market will open on Wednesday, June 3rd in the parking lot of the former Kmart at North Main and Applegrove streets. The market will be open every Wednesday evening from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. through September 30th, 2020. City officials have indicated the first hour of each market, form 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., will be reserved only for seniors and those with health concerns. The market will be organized by Know Your Roots, a group of sustainability consultants.
The market was originally planned to be a drive-thru market, but now that Ohio has started to ‘reopen’ it will function as a traditional walking market where 25-30 vendors will set up each week. The market is also still accepting applications or vendors and sponsors. Entertainment and other amenities, however, will not take place this year. Additional precautions include:
- Pets and reusable bags will not be permitted.
- There will be a set entrance and exit.
- Vendors will be spaced 10 feet apart.
- Vendors will be required tow ear masks and shoppers will be encouraged to wear masks.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the property and at every vendor.
- Shoppers must follow social distancing rules.
- Shoppers cannot touch products before purchasing them.
- Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping carts or way to carry purchases.
Alliance
A second Stark County Farmers Market will take place this year in Alliance. The Alliance Farmers’ Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 27th. It will be held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. through October 3rd in the Giant Eagle plaza parking lot on West State Street in Alliance. The market tends to see around 20-25 vendors each week.
Special events will not take place for the time being and while musicians will be present playing live music, shoppers will not be permitted to sit and watch performances. There will also be no community tables available.
