BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Winter Farmers' Market opens its 16th season on Saturday, Nov. 6, once again in the C.F. Church Building at 80 Flat St.
This year, the market - one of the few weekly indoor Vermont farmers' markets open for in-person shopping for the extended winter season - will again take measures for the safety of customers and vendors.
Organizers will limit the number of customers in the space at one time, and encourage them to move through the market, make their purchases, and move on so others can do the same.
However, they said that “as this pandemic has taught us, we need to pay attention and be ready to pivot to other plans if needed. They plan to post up-to-date details on the market's website, brattleborowinterfarmersmarket.org.
Those familiar with the Winter Market from past years will find a smaller market this year with fewer vendors and lots of open space for social distancing.
“Unfortunately, our Kids' Room will again be closed and there will be no live music for the time being,” the organizers write. “But we plan to put a few café tables and chairs outside where you can enjoy ready-to-eat market goodies and our vendors will still be offering a wide array of locally grown and locally produced foods, handmade soaps, jewelry, and more.”
Thanks to a grant from the Vermont Foodbank, customers using SNAP food benefits will again be able to extend their food budgets with the market's Food Boost Program, which can triple their buying power.
Masks will be required. Shoppers who are not feeling well are asked to stay home or send a friend. Those unable to wear a mask for medical reasons or who are unable to come to the in-person market due to medical concerns can contact the Winter Market so they can work out an alternate shopping plan.
As always, the indoor market opens on the Saturday following the last outdoor market in October.