Letter to Editor: Hello Monte Vista Farmers market vendors and supporters

To the editor,


MONTE VISTA - We plan to have the first Monte Vista Farmers market July 10. Our market will be at the same location (parking lot at the corner of US Hwy 160 and Jefferson Street) and same time Fridays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  We will still be taking SNAP for all food items and offering the Double Up Food Bucks program for fresh produce.


Farmers markets are considered essential businesses, similar to grocery stores. At this time, vendors offering crafted items are not included as being essential, but with the cautious, partial opening of some retail businesses, I hope that by mid-July we will be able to include our craft vendors. We will most likely still have restrictions such as requiring masks, distancing and limiting contact. It is likely that we will have to limit social congregating, which is unfortunate since building and supporting community has been one of the goals for our market. However we want to do our best to protect our customers, vendors, market staff and supporters and keep everyone well and safe.


You may want to be thinking of ways to distance from your customers such as an extra table between you and them or something else to mark that they should maintain distance. If possible, two people at your booth would be helpful so that one can handle your product and the other handle money. We will discourage customers handling product.


I am researching sources for gloves and masks and hand sanitizer, so let me know if you are unable to find them.


As the market start date comes closer I will send out more information, including more specific requirements that we will need to follow for complying with health and safety restrictions. These are strange times and not easy for anyone. Let’s work together to be able to continue our market.


Deanne Elliott, Manager
Monte Vista Farmers Market