The first Barry’s Bay Farmers’ Market of the 2020 season was held on Friday May 22 — a first in many ways, including its new location. The Market was held behind the Madawaska Valley Township offices in the vacant lot at 236 John Street (Hwy 62) in Barry’s Bay (the site of the former Shell service station). While vendors were inconvenienced by a lot less shade cover than at the Railway Station, there was more than enough parking thanks to the generosity of the Barry’s Bay Legion Branch 406 who allowed patrons to use their parking lot during market hours. And in these COVID-19 days, shoppers were not encouraged to hang around and chat – there was no live music, no take-out lunches or picnic tables, no washroom facilities on the site, and everywhere physical distancing between vendors / products / public was required. Another first was the lack of craft vendors since the market is allowed to operate only as an “essential service” supplying food products. While this meant fewer vendors, customers were still greeted by familiar faces.
There was no change of product line for the market vendors offering home baking, cooking and meat products, such as Andrea Budarick (baked goods), Griffith Farm (frozen meals), Casey Street Culinary (herb blends) and Shulist Family Farm (hand-reared meat products). Kombucha and duck eggs were available at the first market of the year, and customers will soon see seasonal vegetables arrive. But the new regulations banning craft items restricted the products offered by other vendors. de Groot’s Farm could sell honey products but hand-crafted beeswax products (candles, food wraps) from the apiaries must be ordered — not sold at the market. Raene Folden, Debbie Agnew and Christine Darbyson could only display their handcrafted salves, creams, insect repellant and soap. Customers need to order such hand-crafted products direct from the vendors.
Other obvious changes at the market include a “one-way system” and physical distancing measures at each vendor’s stand. Many vendors used a double-width table display to minimize contact with customers and, like some shoppers, some vendors wore non-medical face masks. Shoppers accustomed to bringing their own reusable bags learned that (as in supermarkets) market vendors may not pack their products into such bags. To minimize handling of cash, many vendors are happy to take advance orders with online payment and can even set a pick-up time so that you don’t have to hang around. You can find more information on the Barry’s Bay Farmers’ Market Facebook page.
As always the Farmers’ Market is a great place to shop local and support Valley producers.
