During this pandemic, the Squamish Farmers' Market is offering much of what you need, though not perhaps all that you want.
Farmers' markets are considered an essential service in B.C. and have to follow strict health authority COVID-19 restrictions.
The Squamish market, which has been up and running on Saturdays since May 9, is hosting a maximum of 25 vendors, for now at its location downtown on the lot beside The Copper Coil Still & Grill.
"So that we have enough room for people to social distance," said Megan Davies, the market's manager.
"I think that is one of the big things we are trying to make people aware of — that when they come it is essential food only. You aren't going to have the arts and crafts. It is going to look and feel a lot different."
There is hand sanitizer at the entrance to the market and halfway through. There are sneeze guards and vendors can't have tablecloths, she said.
Volunteers allow access to 40 customers at a time.
Davies said that they have noticed over the first weeks that people have a certain flow pattern that can create bottlenecks at the vegetable stand, for example, where people spend more time. Having only 40 people at a time helps prevent people from crowding.
Typically, vendors have a set spot they take all summer, but this year, organizers are playing around with the configuration as they get into the pandemic-protocol groove.
Customers are not allowed to eat within the market, due to the restrictions, so organizers realized they had to move Frostbites syrup co., which sells cold treats (among other things) closer to the exit, she said, adding she had to be the "popsicle police" one Saturday when the vendor was closer to the entrance.
Placed at the exit, people can grab a cool treat and go.
"We are trying to make it as fun and lighthearted as it is and we want the market to be, while also being as safe as we can," Davies said.
Another change, dogs can't come into the market.
This, too, is a pandemic regulation.
"We are trying to eliminate as much chance of contamination as possible," she said.
The market has attracted more volunteers this year, which has been a huge help, Davies noted.
"I feel like we are getting into a rhythm of things," she said, adding that there is no hint that things will change soon in terms of the market protocols.
When they do, she looks forward to the market adding more vendors.
As for the winter market, she said the board is going to be looking at what will be possible, but it will be dependent on health authority guidelines.
"I am hoping by then, we should be in Phase 4, and things should be more settled, so we wouldn't have to adjust too, too, much for winter."
The summer Saturday market runs until Oct. 31 and is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, but there is no need for everyone to come right at opening, Davies said.
"If you feel like you need a bit of extra space, or you are a bit worried about people being around, you don't need to hit that 10 a.m. spot. The sweet spot is around 11:30 a.m."
