After serving the community for 20 years, the Natick Farmers Market was not about to let a pandemic stop them now.

Certainly, there have been changes to protocol, but for the most part customers have been understanding and compliant.

According to Debra Sayre, Market Manager, “Covid has had us rethinking traffic patterns, requiring masks and social distancing. Our customers have been wonderful following the rules to keep everyone safe at the outside market and we expect they will continue to do so inside.”

 

Sayre said the market has had an indoor presence for the past 10 years, with the past few years being held in the Common Street Spiritual Center.

“The … market has been a success because the community appreciates having continued access to our vendors, eating well and supporting small businesses.

“Many of our customers have become friends over the years and new attendees appreciate the friendliness of the market when they discover us,” said Sayre.

The market will switch from an outdoor venue to indoor one as of Nov. 7. As usual, this year-round market will be open every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. A listing of each week’s vendors can be found at www.natickfarmersmarket.org. The list is updated every week, usually by Tuesday. Included in the items for sale will be: produce, meat, fish, bread, mushrooms, microgreens and much more. 

COVID-19 precautions include changes to the traffic patterns inside the market.

“The front door will be for entering and the side door for exiting. The stairs to the lower level will be one way and vendors are spaced out for social distancing. We also plan to open windows so everyone knows to keep their coats on,” said Sayre.

She added, masks and social distancing will be expected.

“Everyone wears a mask and recognize that safety is paramount to keeping the market open,” she said.

While most of the vendors will stay on for the indoor season, some of them have chosen to withdraw until it is an outdoor market again in the spring.

“Some vendors have opted out of the indoor market and others have agreed to attend every other week or even less frequently  in order to allow as many different vendors to be involved,” she said 

“We have been serving the community for 20 years and have enjoyed every minute of it...challenges and all,” said Sayre.