Wauwatosa Farmers Market Set To Open

WAUWATOSA, WI — The 2020 Wauwatosa Farmers Market is set to open, and organizers say it will look different from the 2019 version, though more than 25 farms and businesses will be represented.

"We're starting with a stripped-down version, which means all non-essential activities for at least May and June will be suspended," Jackie Costa of the Farmers Market told Patch. :This includes Makers Market, yoga, music, community booths, sponsor booths, POP tokens, on-site cooking and eating and other activities that encourage high-touch interactions and lingering. These components will be back as soon as it's safe to have them."

Farmers markets are considered essential businesses that may remain open because they provide a critical food resource. Wauwatosa's market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, except July 4 through Oct. 17.

Organizers say a maximum of 150 people will be allowed into the market at one time. Market board members and volunteers will help control shopper numbers and will help control shopper flow, they said.

To keep foot traffic moving, the market will flow in a one-way counter-clockwise direction with only one point of entry and exit.

The market will also have the following safety precautions:

• Hand-sanitizing stations positioned throughout the market.
• All market booths set 10 feet apart.
• Shoppers will be asked to physically distance themselves.
• All ready-to-eat foods must be consumed outside of the market.
• No seating on site.
• Only vendors will be allowed to touch products before sale. Vendors have been encouraged to sell pre-weighed packaged items to limit food handling and keep customers moving.
• Vendors and market volunteers are required to wear cloth face coverings during market hours.
• Vendors have been asked to have one staff member handle money and the other staff member handle product, if possible.
• All vendors will be asked to clean and disinfect all surfaces, including tables and tablecloths before each market and in between customers, as possible.
• Shoppers are also encouraged to wear face coverings.
• Food samples will not be offered.