By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter
The second installment of the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market was held on Saturday, July 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the municipal parking lot on James Street in Wallaceburg.
With the help of numerous volunteers, and a lot of planning by the organizing committee, the latest market was successful for patrons and vendors alike.
Every week before the market, the committee will create and post a map showing where each vendor will set up. In addition, the map outlines safety strategies for keeping all participants safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.
“We’ve been at the market for years, so its nice to come back every year… and we have our faithful customers that come to every market to restock,” Mary-Jo De Roeven, the owner and proprietor of Tickled Pink, told the Sydenham Current.
“It’s something we’ve been involved with in the community for years.”
The single entrance and exit were clearly marked, directional arrows were used to keep foot traffic flowing safely and a hand washing station was provided.
The vendors also requested that patrons using cash, pay with small bills and exact change where possible to avoid excessive contact when dealing with cash payments.
“COVID-19 hasn’t really impacted our sales in the market today, too much,” DeRoeven added.
“Outside of the market, sales have been impacted, but everyone comes and takes the necessary safety precautions. And they are still able to get what they like, so today’s sales haven’t been impacted much. We have had a steady flow of customers since we got here around 8 a.m., at least a few hundred people have stopped in.”
The following local vendors from Wallaceburg and the surrounding Chatham-Kent area were in attendance at this week’s market: A Child’s Homestead, Black Dog Garlic, Country Market Garden, Park’s Blueberries, Sycamore Farm Market, Tacq’s Garden Market, The Baker’s Affair, The Potting Shed, Tickled Pink Bath Bombs and Williamson Farms.
The next Wallaceburg Farmer’s Market will take place on July 18, 2020.
Details can be found on the Wallaceburg Farmers’ Market Facebook page, here.
Here are some photo’s from Saturday’s event by Rori Bennett:
