The Orange Community Farmers’ Market will have its opening day on Thursday, June 25 with some new safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event runs on Thursdays until Sept. 24 under the Pavilion on the Orange Fairgrounds at High Plains Community Center, located at 525 Orange Center Rd. Market hours are from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Vendors will be selling their farm-grown products, including vegetables, fruit, meats, baked goods, honey, sauces and jams. Local farms that participating include Grassy Hill, Oronoque, Shamrock, Sugaree Acre and Treat. Other vendors include Simply Jam, Sweet Seidner’s, Wanke’s Yankee Hot Sauce and Wave Hill Breads.
“Knowing that most all community events have been canceled, we are excited to be able to hold the farmers market under the current conditions and are happy to welcome new vendors this season,” said Market Master Annemarie Sliby. “We appreciate the public and the vendors’ patience in following the state’s guidelines.”
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s guidelines for farmers markets will be implemented:
– Visitors should enter and exit through the marked areas only.
– Visitors should not congregate – a limited number of people will be allowed at each vendor area at one time and need to maintain six feet from one another.
– Visitors should wear a mask, covering nose and mouth.
– Vendors will be spaced over six feet apart.
– The public will not be allowed to touch products.
– Reusable bags are discouraged; vendors will not be allowed to handle reusable bags.
– Entertainment has been canceled and food samples have been eliminated.
Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and a handwashing station will be available on site. If anyone is sick, has a temperature or has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient, they are encouraged to stay home.
Go to FarmMarketOrange.com for vendor information; more vendors may be added as the summer progresses.