TEXARKANA, Texas - Saturday brings with it even more opportunity to buy local fresh produce and homemade goods in person.
The Texarkana, Texas Farmers' Market kicks off its summer season from 7 a.m. to noon at 305 Texas Blvd. after a successful launch of its mobile market in recent weeks.
Annemarie Sullivan, who is running the market until a replacement is found for former manager Holden Fleming, who moved out of state, said the market intends to focus primarily on being a local food source. Normally, they hold weekly special events to draw more visitors.
"We're going to hold off on those until we can figure out either a more virtual way to do that or kind of a safer way to do that so we're not all crowded up in one space," Sullivan said.
With the COVID-19 health crisis ongoing, several precautions are being taken at the market, including the recommendation to wear masks and practice social distancing. The market will have hand sanitizer available, and virtual events are planned in order to limit large groups at the market.
Vendors will be spaced farther apart than they normally are and if need be, they'll set up additional pop up tents.
"It looks like we'll have at least 15 vendors or so," Sullivan said.
"I know we have meat products available," Sullivan said. Expect to see eggs on hand. "I know we're going to have various produce. I think onions are in right now, green beans. We should still have some more beets coming. Maybe the last of the carrots for the spring. Definitely squash and zucchini."
The season is starting, and as it stands now the market will continue through this month and the next.
"We're probably saying just through July right now, depending on the season and kind of what people have. And because we're starting late we might go in through August, but for now I've just been saying through July because that's our normal season," Sullivan said.
The mobile market has been going for about five weeks and has sold plenty of product and produce, she said. Although they haven't had the normal set-up in place, the market has been reaching customers.
"I think all our vendors are happy to set up again because they really do appreciate being able to talk to people and hang out with their customers and stuff," Sullivan said, noting vendors will police social distancing as they see fit at their various locations at the market.
The mobile market will also continue until further notice. The pick-up day will be moved to earlier in the week. The market will announce that new day on its social media pages.
(More info: TexarkanaFarmersMarket.com or Facebook.com/TexarkanaFarmersMarket.)