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In the Community
Market Fresh
by Liana Palmer
The Codrington Farmers’ Market, in
the Municipality of Brighton, is situated beside
the Community Centre, 2992 Country Rd. 30,
Codrington. In normal years, it is a vibrant, rural
hub featuring attractions that draw crowds:
amazing vendors with a wide selection of local
products, live music, delicious snacks, picnic
tables, special events, free coffee, food sampling,
an Artisan Marketplace on the last Sunday of
each month, playground and walking trail nearby,
the Codrington branch of the Brighton Public
Library open during market hours, and monthly
visits from the Brighton Fire Department.
The year 2020 is very different for our Market.
There are many new rules and procedures that
have been imposed on all markets to counter
COVID-19. Physical distancing is the order of
the day, but it certainly discourages the chit-
chat between customers and vendors that was
such an enjoyable part of the market experience.
The music program had to be cancelled too,
as it would encourage congregating. Gone are
the picnic tables and the free coffee. A number
of our vendors have chosen to wait out this year,
and hope things are “normal” again next year.
Our Sunday operating hours have been reduced
as well (see Facebook page for changes).
Initially, only food products were allowed;
thus, a number of our long-time vendors were
not able to join us for the first month. Rules
have evolved since the beginning of May,
and more products, including non-food items,
are now available for shoppers. However,
physical separation, directional traffic flows,
and sanitizing remain in place. We strive to
comply with all rules set out by the Health Unit,
Farmers’ Markets Ontario, and the Municipality
of Brighton. The safety of our vendors
and customers is our highest priority.
So, we have pivoted, like almost everyone else.
We set up an order page through Facebook so
that customers could order and pay ahead,
and then come to the market just for the pick-
up. Fortunately, we are now operating again in
the Shelter, and pre-ordering is not necessary.
However, vendor stalls are facing out,
and customers must walk around the perimeter
instead of coming under the roof.
Our vendors have adapted to rules around
packaging, offering debit and credit payment
options, dealing safely with cash, and setting up
online order pages of their own. Some offer free
delivery; porch pick-ups are popular too.
The Brighton Beacon 7