Shoppers enjoy first day of the ALMH Market

 

[May 18, 2020] 

On Saturday morning dozens of shoppers flocked to the Logan County Fairground for the opening day of the ALMH Market.

In an effort keep everyone safe while they shop new rules are in place for the market this year. Shoppers and vendors are required to wear masks. Shoppers are asked to observe social distancing, not touch products before purchasing them and to “shop quickly and be ready to order when it is your turn.”

In addition, the market has eliminated the socialization activities and events. There is no children activity corner, no eat in accommodations for prepared foods, and no live entertainment.

Shoppers are to enter through only one door and are greeted by volunteers who assure that everyone entering is wearing a face mask. Those not wearing a mask are asked not to enter.

Inside the market the floor plan is a little different from past years and shoppers are requested to all travel in the same direction. Arrows and markers are placed around the building to navigate through the two large barns.

There are fewer vendors spread out across the two barns to help control the number of people standing in close proximity to one another.

Some of the regular vendors on Saturday included Abe’s Carmelcorn, Toohill Seed and Beef, and Odelehr Farms. There were also a couple of new vendors including Hilltop Community Gardens, which will be a vendor for the new Market on the Hill in Mount Pulaski when it opens.

Once again, the big sellers for the first day of the market were the potted flowers and hanging baskets offered by Ioerger Family Farms.

Nuthatch Hill had their barbecue truck parked right outside the building on the east side. Shoppers were able to purchase prepared foods to go. The popular barbecue business also had a booth inside the door offering seasoning and rubs along with packaged meats.

Shoppers exited by a different door than they entered. Those who had made purchases were given a free flexible plastic cutting board as a thank you for shopping.

The market plans to be open every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon. The same shopping rules are expected until restrictions are lifted.

[Nila Smith]