BOYLE - There’s nothing quite like the farmers market in a small town.
Fresh veggies, jams and jellies, homemade bread, cabbage rolls and perogies, woodworking, crafts, clothing and any number of other one-of-a-kind items that may tickle your fancy are all available.
The social aspect of the farmers market that often sees friends and strangers sit down for a cup of coffee and a chat has been put on hold for the time being, due to considerations for social distancing and gathering indoors, but the market itself goes on.
That was exactly the case last Thursday, July 9, as the Boyle Farmers Market set up for only the third time this year at the Boyle Community Centre.
Pat Scully manages the weekly event (Thursdays 12-3 p.m.) and is herself a vendor as the owner and self-proclaimed chief jar washer of Jams and Jellies. She says it was just a matter of waiting for the village to grant the market access to the community centre amid the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent rules on indoor gatherings.
“We were on hold until we were told we could start up and the village would let us come in,” she said as the market closed down for another week. “We usually start on the May long weekend … but this year, we didn’t start until the 25th of June, so this is only our third market.”
She also pointed out the special markets that fall around Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, where up to 50 vendors will often attend with their wares. Last week though, there were only 18, which has been consistent in the three markets that have taken place so far, though Scully noted there were definitely more shoppers at the previous two markets.
“It’ll get better. People are dying for farmers markets and we’re hoping to get a few more tables in because as the produce becomes more available, more vendors will come,” she said.
There are a few new rules shoppers are advised to follow including shopping with a purpose. Safe physical distancing is required and directional arrows and signs have been placed throughout the market to guide them through the market.
A limited number of shoppers are allowed into the building at one time and sanitizing upon entry and not touching any products is also required.
If you have any symptoms of illness or are considered a vulnerable person, you are asked to stay away for the time being and have someone else shop for you until restrictions are lifted or eased. It is also asked that only one member of a household attend the market and to leave the kids at home if at all possible.
