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 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.
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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] |
