Downtown Bradenton Farmers’ Market Returns Oct. 3, 2020
Following thoughtful consideration and planning, the Bradenton Farmers’ Market will return to downtown Bradenton on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., and continues every Saturday through the end of May, 2021. Over 40 vendors will line Old Main Street every Saturday at the market, selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisan food products, and handmade crafts under the shade of the historic buildings and trees. For more information about the Bradenton Farmers’ Market, visit the website.
Bradenton’s Farmers’ Market COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
“The safety of customers, vendors, volunteers, and staff remains our first priority. Many precautions have been taken to welcome people back to the market while remaining safe,” commented Morgan Bettes, Market Manager.
To ensure social distancing, the space between vendors has been increased, and the footprint of the market has been expanded to include portions of Third Avenue West and Fourth Avenue West.
Following federal, state, and local regulations, facemasks are highly encouraged to be worn by all patrons. Farmers’ Market vendors, staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking when physically-distanced from others.
Musicians will return to the market and will perform from behind an acrylic protector for safe interaction. All other special events and activities have been suspended through the end of 2020, and will be re-evaluated as new information becomes available.
A Customer Code of Conduct
“A Customer Code of Conduct has been established for the Bradenton Farmers’ Market. We ask that all customers adhere to these expectations to ensure the market is a safe, healthy, and fun environment for all,” said Johnette Isham, Executive Director of Realize Bradenton. The Code of Conduct includes expectations that customers stay at home if sick, and maintain social distance when shopping. Other expectations include making a shopping list before visiting the market, not ‘shopping with your hands,’ and purchasing what you touch. To encourage social-distancing and to reduce gathering opportunities, dog owners must leave their pets at home, unless it is a service animal.
“In keeping mission to improve quality of life, we continue to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT cards. We are also members of the Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) network, which provides free Florida-grown produce to SNAP recipients by matching SNAP/EBT purchases, up to $40,” Bettes explained. The FAB program is being administered by Feeding Florida, Florida’s Food Bank Network.
For more information, visit the website. Prospective vendors may apply by completing an online application form.
About the Bradenton Farmers’ Market
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market, a production of Realize Bradenton, features more than 40 vendors who offer locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants, organic products, prepared foods, and the work of local artists and craftspeople. The market, located on Old Main Street, between Manatee Ave. W. and Third Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, is open every Saturday through the end of May, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Parking is free. For more information, visit the website.
About Realize Bradenton
Realize Bradenton is a nonprofit organization that builds community and promotes economic prosperity to build a vibrant, healthy, inclusive, and fun downtown Bradenton.
Collaborating with the City of Bradenton and an array of partners, the organization promotes the ideal that “Downtown is Everyone’s Neighborhood.” By bringing people together for shared experiences, Realize Bradenton offers initiatives in Business Development, Community Placemaking, Wellness and Nutrition, and Development of Young Leaders. For more information, visit their website.
Photos courtesty of Bradenton Farmers’ Market Facebook page