Last week Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ruled that towns will be allowed to open their marinas for personal use, making boaters happy.
Some more good news for Greenwich residents is on the way.
The State has declared that farmers markets are to be considered
“Essential Businesses” and therefore can remain open.
The Greenwich Farmers Market in the Horseneck lot by exit 3 of I-95 will open for the season on May 16 at its regular time of 9:30am.
Expect to see market manager Judy Waldeyer, in a face mask and gloves, ring the opening bell at 9:30am.
Much of the remainder of the market experience will be new.
Waldeyer said farmers markets in Connecticut are responsible for creating a safe shopping environment for farmers, workers and customers.
Waldeyer, aka “The Jam Lady,” has been in regular contact with the Town of Greenwich and the Board of Health.
“I really want this farmers market to be part be an essential part of Greenwich life as it always has been,” she said.
Waldeyer noted that some towns in Connecticut are opting to cancel their markets. “It’s a privilege,” she said. “We are asking that the customers observe our guidelines.”
“We are all working hard to make this an enjoyable, but safe environment for all,” she said, adding that, whenever possible, shoppers will be asked to send just one person per household during shopping trips.
Waldeyer said she had come up with a strict protocol for vendors to follow in order to participate, that includes both her own guidelines, as well as those from the Dept of Agriculture.
Just some of the measures that will be taken include configuring booths as far apart from one another to allow for social distancing. They will arrange their booths so that there is one way in and one way out, and therefore no possibility for customers to congregate in close areas. Booths will be staffed with only an essential number of workers.
Farmers will assist customers and will select products for them.
There will be no product sampling, and no tablecloths allowed.
Vendors will also be required to wear single use gloves and face masks at all times when interacting with customers and/or handling products.
They will wipe down credit card terminals with an approved disinfectant after each use and/or provide single-use Q Tips for button pushing and easy disposal.
Waldeyer said some vendors will offer shoppers the ability to pre-order online, with pick up on Saturday in the Horseneck lot.
Stay tuned for an update on vendors who will take pre-orders.