Wichita’s other big farmers market will delay the start of its season, add more space
The Kansas Grown Farmers Market at 21st and Ridge launched its 2020 season on April 11 and has already been open two Saturdays.
But managers of Wichita’s other big farmers market — the Old Town Farm & Art Market that takes place downtown at 835 E. First St. — have decided to postpone their opening for a couple of weeks.
The Old Town market was scheduled to start the season last Saturday, April 18, but it didn’t happen, and organizers posted on the market’s website that the launch has been delayed until May 2 amid coronavirus concerns.
“Opening a public gathering space amid a global health crisis and a subsequent state ‘Stay-Home’ order could potentially not be in the best interest of our vendors, shoppers, and staff, whose safety is of the upmost importance,” the announcement said.
The decision wasn’t easy, the post said, noting that fresh vegetables and other products found at farmers markets are important to maintaining health, both of the body and of the community.
But safety is a bigger priority, it said.
“If there is a chance that we can slow the spread of disease or help preserve a fun and safe shopping experience for our customers by postponing opening day for a couple of weeks, then that is what we’re going to do,” it said.
Kansas’ state-wide stay-at-home order isn’t scheduled to expire until May 3, but farmers markets are listed as “essential businesses” in the order and are able to open.
When the Old Town market opens, organizers have said, it will have an expanded footprint and will stretch all the way down Rock Island to Second Street, organizers have said.
Old Town Farmers market representatives have not responded to calls and messages seeking comment.
The Kansas Grown market opened in West Wichita with extra safety precautions that adhered to state guidelines, but organizers added a few of their own extra safety measures. They spaced booths 10 feet apart and didn’t allow free sample distribution. Hand sanitizer and gloves were provided for guests and masks were given to vendors. They’ve also posted signs reading “Please purchase what you touch.”
Market president Tricia Holmes said that the first two weeks have gone well and that crowds have been “smooth and steady,” Customers and vendors both have been careful about social distancing, she said.
“We’re seeing a larger percentage of people wearing masks and gloves than not,” she said. “Safety protocols have been working.”
The market had 38 vendors attend last week, but that number should increase as summer nears, Holmes said. Organizers decided that June 6 was too soon for their popular Kids Day event, which always draws big crowds, and have rescheduled it for Aug. 8.
This Saturday’s Kansas Grown market is scheduled for 7 a.m. to noon.
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