We could have easily decided to forego winter markets this year. It would certainly have been the safest option to take, and we don’t blame anybody for the decisions they have made to keep themselves, their families, and the community in general safe.
At the same time, the Bennington Farmers Market owes it to the community to continue to operate during these times. As we saw back in the spring, national food distribution networks are fragile, so we need more resilient local food networks. Our vendors are family-run businesses. Our customers have come to rely on us.
So we will keep going for as long as we feel it is reasonably safe to do so. We have also made many changes to the market this winter to make it as safe as possible.
First, we’ve relocated to a bigger space to make physical distancing easier. The new location, the cafeteria in the former junior high school at 650 Main Street, will serve our needs for winter markets for years to come.
Second, we’ve improved our online pre-order and curbside pickup systems for anybody choosing not to shop in person. We think it’s a pretty robust system, the details of which you can get here, and we’re excited to offer these options for our customers.
Finally, we’re committed to everybody’s safety, so we ask first of all that everybody wear masks and practice physical distancing when visiting the market. We also ask for your patience as we continue to adapt to changing conditions and as we continue to refine our approach to providing an awesome little year-round farmers market.
As always, feel free to contact us with your suggestions, concerns, and questions. Or come see us at the new location from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on any of the below dates:
November 21
December 5
December 19
January 9
January 23
February 6
February 20
March 6
March 20
April 3
April 17