(Chelsea Update would like to thank Lisa Carolin for the information in this story.)
Although the Chelsea Farmers Market typically begins on the first Saturday in May, that will not be the case this year due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Market Manager Emily Griswold said it will be up to the Chelsea City Council to approve when and how the market will start, and she intends to submit a plan to the City Council for its May 4 meeting agenda.
Griswold says the plan reflects having “only online sales with pickup and distribution at Palmer Commons”. She is working on details of that online sales system, which would offer an alternative way for vendors to sell goods.
At the May 4 meeting, Griswold says she plans to ask City Council when vendors will be able to be physically present at the market selling their goods while observing safe distancing and other safety protocols.
She says that her plan would be to keep the online platform even when vendors return to the space because some people would continue to prefer maintaining no contact.
Have you been supporting your local businesses during Covid? Well, a farm is a business. Support your local farmers too.
You’ve learned to plan out grocery logistics during lockdown and to cook your own meals. Yes, you can change and adapt! Don’t abandon your new-found skill. Support your farmers and use this online platform. Until then, buy their products at Agricole (Chelsea). Sign up for their CSAs. And when the farmers market does open, show up in droves!
You all have the best option of being outside. Landscape places are open and it is better to shop in town, than go to Sams Club or meijers with 1000s.
Just put booth farther apart.