Beaver Staff
Greater Napanee’s Hometown Market will return July 4 with a new location outside the Strathcona Paper Centre, as well as a new set of COVID-19 safety precaution guidelines.
Following the guidelines of both KFL&A Public Health and the province of Ontario, the market will set up on the south lawn of the SPC to allow for physical distancing between shoppers and vendor booths.
A maximum of 10 vendors will be allowed to set up shop at the first market, with a preference given to local food producers. As the province loosens its restrictions on local businesses and social gatherings, more vendors could be added throughout the season, which will run every Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 26.
Family activities and additional programs that have been traditionally held at past Hometown Markets will be cancelled for the 2020 season.
“We hope the public understands that this is not what we had envisioned for the 2020 season,” said Lyndsay Tee, manager of economic development for the Town of Greater Napanee. “We had a wonderful line-up of music, activities, and fun planned for the community (before the COVID-19 emergency was in place) and were excited to share the fun with the community. This pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty for everyone, but we are certain that by following these safety precautions and protocols we have put in place, we will create a safe environment for the public to access locally produced foods and work to keep our Market alive during these challenging times.”
Among the guidelines for shoppers are to stay home if they feel sick, keep six feet from other shoppers or vendors and the recommendation to wear a wear a cloth face covering. Attendees will be asked to complete a quick screening checklist with Market staff upon arrival.
For a list of all COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures that will be in place at this year’s Market to protect vendors, staff and patrons, visit the ‘Hometown Market’ page at www.greaternapanee.com. A description of participating vendors will be listed on that web page as well.