With numerous changes in place to meet the Covid-19 rules for gatherings, the Clinton Farmers Market will open for the season June 4.
The Market on the Village Green will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday until Oct. 1. Restrictions, at least those in place at the start, will limit the number of vendors and customers who can partake in the weekly event.
Clinton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Walters has spent numerous hours researching the New York state directives for Farmers Markets this spring. The Farmers Market Federation of New York, she said, has been helpful as directors around the state discuss their plans.
“It’s so new to everybody and no one wants to do it wrong,’’ she said. “Talking with them has been a good support system.’’
The New York State Agriculture and Markets Department requires a number of changes from the traditional setup of Farmers Markets as both a place to shop and to socialize. Gone is the socializing and the shopping will be limited.
Changes at the Clinton market will see the number of vendors cut in half. Last year the park had 70 to 80 vendors; to start this year Walters has had to limit it to 35 to 40.
This will allow each vendor to be more spread out from neighboring booths.
As well, the type of vendors allowed restricts it to those with produce, food that is not cooked, or vendors with homemade soaps and lotions. Farm-grown meat, vegetables, fruits and products made from fresh sources - jams, baked goods, sauces - will be sold.
Prohibited are vendors who sell crafts, prepared food and non-profit groups. Also, no entertainment, which could cause people to linger and gather, is allowed.
Walters said the prepared food vendors are a hit at the Clinton Market each Thursday. “A lot of people come during their lunch time,’’ she said. “But they draw…