The Athens Farmers Market opened this past Saturday, two weeks ahead of schedule. Market Manager Sarah Thurman says more than 60 local vendors are taking part, providing a wide range of items.
"Everything that is for sale at the farmer's market is grown locally, it's grown organically. and it's grown by the people selling it to you. At grocery stores, you might have one type of zucchini or one type of cucumber to choose from, and at the farmer's market, you're going to get to see a variety of products within a given type."
COVID precautions are in place, according to Thurman. They include mandatory masks, no touching of produce allowed, and only allowing 50 shoppers in the market at a time, among others.
"There are some differences this year of prioritizing safety over some things you've done in the past. We are encouraging people to come, wash your hands, come inside the market to get what they need, and take food off-site to be eaten as well as leaving the market maybe faster than you would have in years past."
The market opened for a shortened season during 2020.
The market will be open every Saturday through December 18. For more information, visit athensfarmersmarket.net.
