BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Battle Creek Farmers Market is officially open as of Wednesday, May 6, with COVID-19 safety guidelines in place.
The Market, which takes place at Festival Market Square, will also be open for business on Friday, May 8. Hours are listed as Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the Friday market is 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. until the end of October.
Given the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, officials say all social distancing measures are being followed.
“COVID-19 protocols recommended by the CDC will be followed, including social distancing, hand-washing stations, and sanitizing,” officials said in a statement. “Until Michigan’s Executive Order is lifted we will be selling food, plants, personal hygiene and cleaning products.”
In addition to these guidelines, further restrictions exclude certain types of vendors from setting up shop.
“Only those vendors selling food, personal hygiene items and plants can be at the market until the Governor makes changes to the order so that all of our vendors can attend,” officials added.
Prepared food consumption onsite is prohibited, but vendors will offer their entire menu for take-away. There will be no live music, demonstrations, sampling or children’s activities. Officials are asking customers to leave children and pets at home, and that only one family member visits the market.
Under the guidelines, the maximum capacity for customers and vendors at any given time is limited to 283.
At this time, Food Truck Friday events are tentatively being planned for May 15, June 19, July 17, August 14.
Hand washing stations will be available inside the market for customer use. Officials are asking that customers utilize them when entering and leaving the market, and to wash hands for at least 20 seconds.
Line markings are provided on the floor to indicate how far away customers should stand from each other, at least six feet apart according to social distancing guidelines.
All SNAP and EBT benefit cards are valid for use at the market. There is now no limit on the state’s Double Up Food Buck program, where previously a limit of $20 was imposed.
When shopping at the Market, free one hour parking is available for customers is available in the Hamblin Avenue ramp.
Officials noted that they expect the following vendors to be available for the opening week:
- Countryside Greenhouse and Produce
- Redline BBQ
- The Incredible Kettle
- Ben’s Soft Pretzels
- Legacy Farms
- J & S Farms
- Grampa’s Pastys
- Elwell Etcetera
- Fox’s Pizza Den
- The Cheese People
- Avalon Farms Homegrown
- Stephenson’s Farm and Market
- Bear Creek Farm and Market
- Tollgate Gardens
- Evans Bakery
Officials expect Red House Vineyards, Marygold Meadows, The Kitchens at Avalon Farms, Harris Blueberries and Pheasant Hollow Farm to join the market later in the season.
The Battle Creek Farmers Market is located at Festival Market Square, 25 McCamly Street South.
Updates can be followed on the official Facebook page.
