Virus prompts changes with farmers market
The Cloud Eleven Mountain Farm LLC booth will be available again this year at the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market, with some changes in how business is exchanged due to social distancing recommendations.
Photo courtesy JULIE NEWCOMB
BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry Farmers Market opens for business on Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bonners Ferry Visitors Center parking lot.
Due to Governor Little’s COVID-19 related mandates on social distancing, the market organizers have planned to attempt to ensure customer and vendor safety with some changes in the market makeup this year.
Julie Newcomb, of Cloud Eleven Mountain Farm LLC, has been working with market organizers in finding ways to help fit the current social distancing recommendations into the farmers market experience.
“We’ve been on many Zoom calls with farmers across the state and nation trying to work out how best to present our food in a safe way,” Newcomb said. “Our Bonners Ferry market is going to manage the entry and exit area and limit the number of customers allowed in the market area at a time.”
Customers will be able to shop for produce, soap,and what has been classified as “essential business.” This decision on items that would be allowed to be sold was made during an April 11 meeting.
Other rules will also be in place for visitors to the market.
There is one entrance this year, and the vendor booths will have more space between them. Customers will not be allowed to handle the items for sale, and will need to ask a vendor for assistance. Customers will also be asked to keep their distance from the vendors and other customers as well.
In addition, the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market will have a handwashing station available and market staff will encourage customers to use it as they enter the marketplace.
Newcomb suggests that people who do not want to visit the farmers market in person, can utilize the BOCOLOCAL.com website. The website allows customers to peruse a list of some producers and farmers in Boundary County. Customers can then contact those listed and order products directly.
There is a recording of the vendor meeting available at the market’s Facebook page. The market is open on Saturdays, from April through September this year. More information may be found at bonnersferryfarmers market.org or by calling 208-597-2927.