Despite the challenge of this pandemic-era summer, the Holt Farmers Market saw record attendance at their Saturday markets. Since their May 30 opening, the market has seen an estimated 9,700 customers, with an average of 607 visitors per week. While only about 50% of vendors were able to return to allow for social distancing, many vendors sell out of their stock each week due to the uptick in market traffic.
After a two month closure in the spring, the market reopened with social distancing measures and other health and safety guidelines. Like many businesses, it was a challenge to adapt their event-focused business to keep everyone healthy and safe. But for Chuck Grinnell, market manager, it was important to make sure the market was open to the community this summer.
“The market is such a vital place for the community,” he said. “It was incredibly challenging to reimagine the setup to allow everyone to shop and support local vendors in a safe manner. But we did it! We were excited to see the community still coming out to support our vendors during this challenging time.”
In addition to face masks, hand sanitizer use, and social distancing, the market has a maximum building capacity and a new one-way customer flow. While market staff and vendors are excited to welcome customers and old friends back, all market visitors are asked to keep socialization inside the market building to a minimum.
“We’re hoping these safety measures will keep everyone healthy and safe,” Grinnell said. “We’re anxious for a time when these guidelines aren’t necessary anymore. But until then, we’re grateful for the support of the community and want to encourage everyone to keep supporting local businesses.”
Holt Farmers Market is at 2150 Cedar Street in Holt, 517.268.0024, holtfarmersmarket.org.