While many events and in-person activities have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, while office meetings have gone virtual and store shelves wiped clean at times of various supplies, the Holly Springs Farmers Market has been a constant this year.
The market, which never missed a Saturday of being open for customers, has continuously evolved to embrace safety best practices and new recommendations. And, beyond adapting, the market is thriving, with more customers and vendors than ever before while also expanding its footprint to allow for a more socially distanced setting.
That expanded footprint, which now encompasses West Ballentine Street downtown around the Cultural Center and wraps around the building through part of the parking lot, is perhaps the most obvious difference longtime shoppers notice at this year’s market, aside from shoppers and vendors wearing facial coverings. The expanded layout allows shoppers to line up, socially distanced, at vendors’ booths while still allowing room for other shoppers to walk by at a distance.
“We’ve had a number of people who have commented they are somehow at risk (for COVID complications) but feel very safe coming to the market, not only with being outside and having the extra space, but with the additional steps we’ve been taking,” said Jessica Stygles, Holly Springs Farmers Market coordinator.
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hose steps include pavement markings six feet apart for shoppers to queue anywhere lines typically form at the market. Additionally, instead of touching produce and other items for sale, customers are encouraged to point to goods they want to purchase, allowing the vendor to bag them – eliminating touch points.
“We’re asking people not to touch products, which is a big change,” Stygles said. “Now, if you touch it, you buy it.”
Many vendors offer touchless payments like Venmo or chip readers, and others round purchases to the nearest dollar, eliminating the need for exchanging coins from person to person. Some vendors offer pre-ordering, allowing customers to place and pay for orders before market day, reducing their time and touchpoints inside the market. Hand sanitizers are given to vendors to place on their tables for customer use.
Messaging about safety reminders, while plentiful, is friendly, blended with market humor customers enjoy and have come to expect: “Wait your turnip: One customer at a time.” “Tomato long story short, please shop quickly.”
The market has eliminated non-essential activities, such as cooking demonstrations, and restricts the number of shoppers inside the market area when necessary to allow for plentiful distancing. Live music, instead of being featured inside the market, is performed on the Cultural Center’s outdoor stage, allowing fans to enjoy the music from afar.
Behind the scenes, vendors are directed to follow state safety protocols and prepackage products as much as possible. A vendor’s lounge is available inside the Cultural Center for occasional breaks from wearing facial coverings in the heat.
“Markets are essential,” Stygles said, “and they’re an efficient way for our community members to obtain a diversity of healthy food options in an outdoor setting.”
While the market provides needed products to customers, it also has been a help to vendors, some whose contracts with local restaurants and other food services have fallen through due to COVID shutdowns. Stygles said one farmer is able to bring four times as much as usual and still is selling out every week.
“It’s amazing,” Stygles said.
While Stygles said being both a market manager and a public health educator at the same time has been the most challenging aspect of running the market during COVID-19, relationships with other farmers market managers have proven valuable as she joins in a group call with her counterparts across the state a couple times a month or more, sharing ideas and best practices.
“We’re looking forward to getting back to normal,” Stygles said, “and we appreciate all the community support we’ve gotten during this trying time.”
Shop the Holly Springs Farmers Market Saturday mornings, 8 a.m.-noon on West Ballentine Street around the Cultural Center. For more information about the market, vendors, safety precautions, preordering and more, visit the market website, www.hsfarmersmarket.com.
Offerings at the market from the more than 40 vendors on the roster include:
Fresh local produce and microgreens
Free range eggs
Pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork
NC seafood
Cut flowers
Local honey
Goat cheese and fudge
Baked goods, including gluten-free and keto-friendly options
Jams, jellies, and preserves
Pickled vegetables
Fruit butters
Coffees and teas
Fresh kettle corn
Prepared salads, sandwiches, and meals
Gourmet pastas and sauces
Maple and elderberry syrups
Versatile dressings, marinades, and sauces
Spicy pepper relishes
Indian-inspired ice creams
Candied nuts and nut clusters
Handcrafted gourmet chocolates and toffee
Dip and soup mixes
Dog treats
Face masks
Bath and body products
