Herndon Farmers Market Reopens With Coronavirus Precautions

HERNDON, VA — One of the sure signs that spring has arrived is the opening of farmers markets all around Fairfax County. This year, with the coronavirus, that sign has been delayed.

But, on Wednesday morning, the Herndon Farmers Market officially opened for the 2020 season.

"Everybody was excited to be back, supporting the local produce people and businesses," Market Manager John Dudzinsky said.

He added that the market vendors had been very helpful when it came to social distancing, wearing masks and gloves, and other steps put in place to stem the spread of COVID-19, the illness associated with the new coronavirus.

For the time being, the Herndon Farmers Market will operate as a "one-way market," with people entering near the caboose on Lynn Street. If they need to go back to get an item at a vendor they previously visited, they must use the sidewalk near city hall — which has been taped off — and go back to the entrance to re-enter the market.

"You're not allowed to touch any produce or anything," Dudzinsky said. "You just pick what you want from the produce people, the bakers or whoever, and they'll bag it for you. All of them are taking credit cards now, so you can pay with a credit card."

A small smattering of shoppers wended its way through the market around 11:30 a.m.

"It's been a great day. I can't complain," said Tate Rusby, who was working the Family of Nuts booth. This is the first year the Chantilly-based nut roaster has set up shop at the Herndon market.

In a typical year, the Herndon Farmers Market would've opened for the season on the third Thursday of April. The market will be open Thursdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., through the first Thursday in November.

Emily West of Mount Olympus Farm said she was happy to back at the Herndon Farmers Market. The farm, which is based in Caroline County, Virginia, has been selling at the market for years.

As in other years, business on Thursday was steady. The one thing West did find a little different was all of the COVID-19 precautions.

"I've been going to the Reston Farmer's Market, so I'm kind of used to all of the precautions," she said. "But it still is a learning curve."