4 Alexandria Farmers Markets Can Open For In-Person Buying

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Four farmers markets in Alexandria can resume in-person sales under the governor's phase one reopening guidance. Before phase one started on Friday, May 29, farmers markets were only allowed to operate with pre-orders and other coronavirus-related safety guidelines.

According to the city, the Del Ray, Four Mile Run, Old Town and Old Town North farmers markets submitted plans to comply with phase one guidance for farmers markets. The West End Farmers Market is reopening this weekend and has provided pre-order information.

Vendors and staff must wear face coverings when entering or working at farmers markets, and the city encourages customers to wear them. No on-site food preparation, food sampling, or dining is allowed.

The Del Ray Farmers Market outlined its own customer policies on Facebook:

• Pre-orders are strongly encouraged.
• Don't touch anything: food will be located on a table behind the vendor, who will get customers their items.
• Wash hands and practice social distancing.
• Do not linger: grab what you need and go.
• Masks are required at the market.
• No freshly-prepared foods will be offered.
• Stay home when sick or when you've come in contact with someone who is sick.
• Be patient with vendors and market managers as the adjustments are made.

Four Mile Run Farmers and Artisans Market's customer policies include:

• Masks or cloth face coverings are strongly encouraged for customers in the market.
• Customers should limit browsing, lingering or gathering.
• Customers may not handle food products.
• Customers should bring their own hand sanitizer.
• Customers should maintain six feet from vendors, market staff and other customers.
• Wash all produce before consuming.
• Sampling and eating food is not allowed.
• Pre-order and delivery is encouraged when possible.

Check for updates from the farmers markets on their websites and social media. Customers can find full lists of vendors and pre-order information at www.visitalexandriava.com/alxathome/farmers-market.

• Old Town Farmers' Market - Facebook (Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon, Market Square, 301 King Street)
• Del Ray Farmers' Market - Facebook (Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, East Oxford and Mount Vernon Avenues)
• Four Mile Run Farmers' & Artisans Market - Facebook (Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4109 Mt Vernon Avenue)
• West End Farmers' Market - Facebook (Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4800 Brenman Park Drive)
• Old Town North Farmers' Market - Facebook (Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Montgomery Park, 901 North Royal Street)