The good news is that the Farmers Market will open on time on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as usual to bring sparkling-fresh vegetables and more to the city. More good news is that most of the longest-running and crowd-favorite vendors will also return with some exciting newbies (oysters anyone?). The flipside is somewhat fewer vendors overall and the essential COVID-19 precautions – tougher than for grocery stores – that will inevitably impact the easy camaraderie so characteristic of the market. The fresh strawberries, however, outweigh much inconvenience.
Market COVID-19 Rules
Visitors must enter the market at a single point, nearest the New Deal Café, and exit only at the opening nearest the Aquatic & Fitness Center and must, throughout, wear a mask that covers their nostrils and mouth. Other market access will be blocked. Purchases may not be consumed in the market, though coffee from Zeke’s (feared by returning Market Master Frances Ippoliti to be in jeopardy) will be available for carryout. Hand sanitizing will be required on entry and available at vendors throughout the market. Shoppers indicate choices but do not touch produce and items are bagged by the vendor – reusable bags may not be placed on vendor tables. Some vendors will sell only prepackaged items. In addition, vendors not present at the market may opt to use a preorder drop-off and pickup service at the market – details in process. Payment is strongly preferred via a contactless service, examples include Venmo, Apple-Pay and Google-Pay – though not all vendors will have all options. The aim is to minimize contagion involving surface contact.
A Tough Challenge
“Daunting” best describes the process of opening the market. Until late April, the board had no information on what new regulations would be forthcoming from the Prince George’s County Department of Permits, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), the county fire marshals or the health authorities. When the rules were published, there were only two weeks to go so it was touch and go for opening day.
Board President Terry Kucera chaired several organizational meetings and the numerous tasks were shared among the board. Members include Anne Marigza, vendor relations; Carole MacAdam, city and county liaison; Carissa Ralbovsky, food security programs; Alicia Baker, publicity; Cathie Meetre, treasurer and site security. Thanks go to Jonathan Gordy, a market-founding former board member, who amended the to-scale site drawing required by DPIE.
Marigza developed a layout to maximize and balance vendor space while observing a required 12’ offset from vendor to vendor, one-way circulation and social distancing. After numerous iterations, a security plan, updated letter of city support for the market and a compliant site plan were entered into DPIE’s electronic submission system to enable scheduling the first day’s opening inspections.
Valued City Support
Without City Manager Nicole Ard, Director of Planning and Community Development Terri Hruby, Captain Gordon Pracht of the Greenbelt Police and city staff’s instantaneous and generous support, this quick response would not have been possible. Thanks also to city council members for cheering the market on. Public Works Director Jim Sterling and the staff of the Aquatic & Fitness Center continue to be fully and cheerfully supportive.
Further details will continue to be published on the greenbeltfarmersmarket.org website.