St. Charles Farmers Market Back In Business, Socially Distanced

ST. CHARLES, IL — More than two months after the St. Charles Indoor Farmers Market was shuttered due to the coronavirus, the market has made a triumphant return outdoors. The St. Charles Farmers Market reopened to customers June 5 outside Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, where it will be every Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market showcases the produce and products of more than 20 vendors, with several more on the way later this summer and vendor applications still being accepted, market manager Rob Murphy said.

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The first two days of the St. Charles Farmers Market since reopening at the start of June have been "excellent," Murphy said, adding the timing was perfect with the state loosening restrictions as it entered phase 3 of its reopening plan at the end of May.

"It signifies that we’re beginning to return to a normal life after the quarantine," Murphy said, adding "it’s very positive that this is happening."

Most "towns have canceled their outdoor events, so farmers markets are pretty much the only thing that’s left, as far as social outdoor events," he said.

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Vendors "take up a whole city block" providing plenty of space for customers to keep their distance from others and remain safe while supporting farmers and other small businesses, Murphy said, crediting customers for wearing masks and following safety guidelines.

Many of the market’s vendors are also accepting preorders to help customers quickly get what they want.

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Farmers markets are vital to local farmers, and the summer is "prime time" for them, Murphy said.

"This is a main part of their livelihood in the summer," Murphy said. "Without the farmers market, it’s really hard for the farmers who are growing things to sell their products."

"Please come out and support us," Murphy said, encouraging people to check out and share the St. Charles Farmers Market’s social media posts.