The Owen Sound Farmers’ Market is making another big change in advance of Christmas: double market days.

“With the colder weather we need to transition back to an indoor market,” says Owen Sound Market Vendors Association President Laura Buckler. “But unfortunately, in order to observe COVID protocols, we only have 22 indoor spots for more than 35 vendors.”

The Owen Sound Market Board has come up with a unique solution to the problem. Beginning this Saturday, November 14th, food vendors will be at market between 8:00 am and 11:30 Saturday morning. The market will close at 11:30, and re-open at 1:00, with our makers running the regions only ongoing Christmas Craft Market from 1:00 – 4:00 pm every Saturday afternoon until December 19th.

“Virtually every Christmas Craft show in the region has been cancelled this year,” says market co-manager Morag Budgeon. “This change will allow us to create a Christmas Craft Market that will run for 6 consecutive Saturdays, giving everyone a chance to support local craftspeople when they do their seasonal shopping.”

Jewellery, pottery, candles, candy, textiles, books, stained glass, and many items will be on offer at the Christmas Craft Market.

The new controlled entrance to the indoor market will be at the north end of the market pavilion. All vendors and patrons will be required to wear masks and observe physical distancing rules when inside the market.

“We know it’s another big change, but our patrons have been really supportive as we work to find ways to keep the market open during this pandemic,” Buckler says. “We hope that people shop for food in the morning, then return in the afternoon to see our regular makers, as well as the new ones we’ve been able to add leading up to Christmas.”

“For the convenience of our patrons, the online shop, continues operating for those who prefer to shop online and stop by the market to pick up their purchases,” Budgeon says. The curbside pickup door will now be open from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, to accommodate customers unable to pick up in the morning. The store can be accessed from the market website, www.owensoundfarmersmarket.ca

source: media release, Owen Sound Farmers' Market