hnews_0516_WS_Farmers_Market
Keith Johnson of Blue Loom, center, and wife Nancy, right, help customers during the weekly farmer's market at the McHenry County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 16, 2020 in Woodstock. With COVID-19 restrictions to deal with, the Woodstock Farmer's Market has had to adapt to open among the pandemic. The summer market is normally held twice per week from 8 to 1 pm at the historic Woodstock square, where they have not had to pay to use, but this summer at the city's request to not set up around the square, they will be using the McHenry County Fairgrounds, property they are renting on a month-to-month basis, and will be open only on Saturdays from 8 to 1 pm. Dealing with social distancing restrictions, vendors have maintained at least a 6' separation from each other, with all vendors wearing masks and issuing strong recommendations for shoppers to wear them as well. Most vendors have a no-touch front table with lists or display products to limit the amount of customer interaction with food. The market has also restricted their attendence to not allow dogs, craft vendors, and musicians, who would normally perform in the square's gazebo. Given the market's past free use of the square and having to pay rent to open this summer, former market manager and current President of the Woodstock Farmer's Market board, Keith Johnson of Blue Loom says the market could not have opened this year, had space at the fairgrounds not been available. "We have always been a pretty healthy market," Johnson said of their finances, adding "We will be able to get through the year." Johnson also noted that sales are down for all vendors this year due to less foot traffic, but hope is high for a rebound. The market is also experimenting with an event on the Woodstock Farmer's Market Facebook page as well as Mimi's Garden's Facebook page, to promote vendor products and accept virtual sales for pickup or delivery.
