Kelsey Oskam, left, and Meagan Young-Bibby at the first Osoyoos Market on Main of 2020. Dale Boyd/Times-Chronicle
Dale Boyd
Times-Chronicle
Physical distancing and a little rain could not dampen the spirits of customers and vendors at the Osoyoos Market on Main which launched its 2020 season Saturday.
The Market on Main board had met consistently for the past three months, keeping up to date on health regulations and ensuring the market could operate safely, before opening up for the year.
“The main thing that we focused on was keeping everything spaced out and also keeping everything clear for everybody. Not just to follow those regulations but to make everybody feel like it was a comfortable and safe place to be,” said Meagan Young-Bibby, director of social media and marketing for the Osoyoos Market on Main.
Stalls were spaced out and customers shuffled in and out the one-way path set up much like grocery stores, with hula hoops identifying the one-shopper-per-booth guidelines.
“It’s tough because farmer’s markets are a community place to come hang out and we can’t really do a gathering place kind of thing right now,” Young-Bibby said. “So we are trying to still make it happen without it having the music and that aspect.”
The rainy Saturday weather was not a deterrent for many shoppers coming to check out the market.
“It seems busier than I was expecting, especially considering the weather, so that’s great,” Young-Bibby said. “Everyone seems to be paying attention to where the hoops are and giving each other space, so that’s nice. A lot of people came prepared with credit or debit cards or whatnot, which is helpful for vendors.”
The first market kicked off the season and will continue every Saturday following until Sept. 15. The market is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Town Hall square in Osoyoos.
Jacinthe Alarie from Pheasant Acres at the first Osoyoos Market on Main of 2020. Dale Boyd/Times-Chronicle
