When will Tri-Cities farmers markets reopen? Sooner than you think

This is the time of year Tri-Citians begin strolling open air farmers markets to fill shopping bags with fresh locally-grown asparagus, grab a taco from food vendors and enjoy live outdoor music.

But coronavirus has changed daily life in recent months and these open-air markets are no different.

“Part of the market is that we’ve encouraged people to linger,” said Stephanie Button, executive director of the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership.

“We’ve had several pop-up restaurants. People order food, and have a lovely evening with entertainment,” she said. “But during social distancing, it must be about the shopping and not the staying and playing.”

So the Downtown Kennewick Farmers Market and others in Tri-Cities and across the state are changing the way they do business.

And local market organizers are following state recommendations, having their plans reviewed by the Benton Franklin Health Department.

Local health officials confirmed during a media briefing this week that they’ve received plans from at least a couple of the Tri-Cities markets.

While market organizers are waiting for final approval on their proposals, many of the anticipated changes are the same for providing a healthy and safe environment for vendors and buyers.

The Washington State Farmers Market Association issued guidelines that include no sampling, live entertainment or high-touch items, such as lotions, at booths.

The association also advised vendors on how to alter their booths and displays to maximize social distancing and sanitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

And while crafts vendors have been commonplace at markets, only vendors fitting Washington state’s definition of essential services will be allowed for now.

In other words — only food and agricultural products.

At the Kennewick market, there will be no food trucks or jewelry vendors. And wine tasting will be eliminated at all markets.

Button said their craft vendors must make essential items such as scrubs, soaps or personal protective equipment items.

The market is also putting more space between vendors, directing customers to follow a set walking direction, staffing more volunteers to manage the number of visitors shopping at a given time, adding hand-washing stations and making sure sellers have appropriate protective equipment.

“Until a vaccine is in place, we must be mindful of public health for a safe and healthy market,” Button said.

Oscar Martinez, organizer for the Pasco Farmers Market, agreed, saying they are planning similar measures.

The Pasco market expects to be the first Tri-Cities market to open, starting May 9 once health officials sign off on their plans.

And The Market at The Parkway in Richland is already looking for extra volunteers to help ensure customers maintain social distancing and other safe practices when it opens in June.

Farmers markets:

Pasco Farmers Market: 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays starting May 9 through October. In downtown Pasco at Fourth Avenue and Columbia Street. Information: downtownpasco.com/pfm or Facebook.

Historic Downtown Kennewick Farmers Market: 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday from June 4 to Oct. 24 at the Flag Plaza on the corner of Benton Street and West Kennewick Avenue. Information: historickennewick.org/farmers-market or Facebook.

Market at the Parkway, Richland: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday from June 5 through the last Friday in October. Along the Parkway between George Washington Way and Jadwin in Richland. Information: richlandwafarmersmarket.com or Facebook.

Prosser Farmers Market: No opening date set yet. Information: prosserfarmersmarket.com or Facebook.

3 Eyed Fish Farmers Market, Richland: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays starting June 7 through September. In parking lot of 3 Eyed Fish Wine Bar, 1970 Keene Road, Richland. Information: Facebook.

This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 12:38 PM.