Farmers Market Plans Spring Opening During Coronavirus Crisis

FREDERICKSBURG, VA —The Fredericksburg Farmers Market in downtown is making plans to open for the season on Saturday, May 16. City staff members are working on new requirements to implement social distancing guidelines for the farmers market in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the city said Friday.

The farmers market will be open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hurkamp Park at 500 William Street. All shoppers are recommended to wear masks and gloves. The city has put together shopping instructions for the farmers market during the crisis.

Three entrances will be available to the farmers market: the corner of William Street and Prince Edward Street; the corner of Prince Edward Street and George Street; and the corner of George Street and the alley of the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad Building.

If the park reaches a maximum capacity of shoppers, the city will post temporary 30-minute closure signs at the entrances. If there is a line of people waiting to get into the park, shoppers are asked to consider coming back in 30 to 45 minutes. Shoppers often come in waves, but those waves usually dissipate within 35 minutes, the city said. The busiest shopping times are usually between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

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Barricades will be in place to guide shoppers toward the Market Manager tent, located in the middle of the park. City staff will ask if you are there for shopping or for pick-up of prepaid orders. Based on the answer, the shopper will be directed to the appropriate line. The public will shop in the order that they arrive. Staff members will allow shoppers into the market as density allows.

All farmers market vendors will be wearing masks and gloves. They will prepare orders and bag them. Shoppers will not be permitted to handle any product. At the end of shopping, the public will be asked to leave through one of the three entrance/exits.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits will be available at the Market Manager’s tent.

Shoppers who wish to preorder from vendors are encouraged to see the vendor list online. Shoppers who cannot visit the farmers market can check the website to find the vendors who allow online shopping.

People who need more information or have questions can call 540-372-1086 or email marketmanager@fredericksburgva.gov.

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