The City of East Lansing is kicking off the 2021 season of its annual farmers market Sunday.
The market run through October 31 on Sundays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Valley Court Park.
Community Events Specialist Justin Dwrencke has high hopes for this year's market.
“We’re just really excited to, you know, have the market back again this season. [We're] really looking forward to a robust market season. We’ve got a wide variety of vendors and I think that everybody in the community can come out and find something that they’ll enjoy,” Dwrencke said.
The market’s COVID-19 safety precautions have been updated to follow the most recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Customers should not attend if they are feeling ill, exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.
While the latest MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order has eliminated the requirement for individuals to wear masks outdoors, face coverings are still strongly recommended for non-vaccinated individuals.
Other safety guidelines include:
- Customers should maintain six feet of physical distance from other customers.
- Market customers will be asked to use designated entrances.
- All food should be consumed outside of the market area.
- Animals will not be permitted at the market (excluding service animals).
- Customers may bring their own reusable bags, but they should fill the bags themselves.
- Customers should avoid touching products they are not planning to purchase.
- Customers should be aware of and abide by all market signs.
Staff, vendors and customers will also have access to hand sanitizer stations at the market.
“The landscape of order and guidance looks a little bit different this year than it did last year," Dwrencke said. "But we want to make sure that the community is still being safe when they’re coming out."
On opening day, the first 100 customers will receive a $2 coupon to spend at the market.
Double Up Food Bucks, SNAP/Bridge Cards and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH coupons will be accepted.
Although construction projects at Evergreen and Albert Avenues may be ongoing through July, Valley Court Park will remain accessible to the public through Delta Street.
Parking around the park is also available.
Community members can find further market information throughout the season at the city's website.
McKoy's story is brought to you as part of a partnership between WKAR and Michigan State University's Knight Center for Environmental Journalism.
