Pasco Farmer’s Market prepares for weekend opening

PASCO, Wash.-- Because they provide fresh fruit and vegetables, farmer's markets are permitted to operate as an essential business.

The Pasco Farmer's Market opens for the season on Saturday, with many new elements in place to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

"We haven't been able to find any hand-washing stations anywhere, they're all sold or rented already, so we found somebody to make 16 hand-washing stations for the Farmer's Market," said Gustavo Gomez with the Pasco Downtown Developmennt Association. "We'll also have hand sanitizer, and everyone will have to wear masks."

Only 24 vendors will fit in the outdoor space when booths are separated to account for social distancing. There will be one designated entrance, and one designated exit, and customers will be required to remain at least 6 feet away from each other and vendors as much as possible.

"If we don't buy from them, they might not be here next season," Gomez said. "The loses are a lot bigger for them. You're shopping from local farmers. There are some farmers from Washington, and some farmers from Oregon, you're getting fresh, local fruits and vegetables."

One vendor will also sell face masks.

The market opens Saturday at 9:00 a.m.

The Farmer's Market is looking for volunteers to help operate the weekly event. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact him at 509-546-1304.