The Downtown Farmers Market returns for 2020 season with new look

SYRACUSE — With vendors and patrons wearing masks to help prevent spread of the coronavirus, the Downtown Farmers Market on June 9 opened for its 48th season in Syracuse’s Clinton Square. 

The market, presented by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse Inc., is scheduled “rain or shine,” every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 13. The Downtown Committee describes the market as “the place to find fresh, locally-grown” fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers. 

To support the health of shoppers, farmers, and staff amid the coronavirus outbreak, organizers are implementing and following new public-health guidance for farmers markets, as outlined by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. 

The guidelines include requiring everyone to wear a mask/facial covering, spacing out farmers’ booths to allow at least six feet of distance between booths, and providing handwashing stations throughout the market. 

The Downtown Committee said about two dozen farmers participated on opening day. As the growing season continues, as many as 50 of the region’s farmers and produce dealers will be featured each week.

Additional requirements

Besides masks, spacing, and handwashing stations, the state guidance also requires all vendors and staff processing credit card, debit, and SNAP transactions to wear protective gloves.

In addition, only vendors and their staff are allowed to handle products; customers “must not touch” any produce/products until after purchase, the state guidance says. All the vendors must sanitize their stands “regularly,” which includes wiping down tables and cash boxes.

Additional guidance includes a policy that all market staff and vendors must stay home if they are sick, and sampling of products at the market is “not allowed until further notice.”