The Bluffton Farmers Market will open on Saturday, May 2, with new safety guidelines. Vendors, customers and market management will work together to limit the potential transmission of the coronavirus. Some 12-14 vendors are expected on opening day.

"The Bluffton Farmers Market will be different in 2020. We will have the same great products and vendors, but we all need to modify our behavior to protect ourselves and each other from the risk of serious illness," explains Paula Scott, CEO of the chamber. "We have many new safety guidelines."

The market, which features local produce, foods, plants and plant products, is located in the Citizens National Bank parking lot at 102 S. Main St. Hours of operation are Saturdays from 8:30 a.m.-noon. The first half hour is designated for senior citizens and at-risk shoppers. 

Masks or face coverings are strongly recommended in the market area, which will have two entrances.  A limited number of shoppers will be admitted and one shopper per household will be allowed.

Social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet between individuals will be required. Vendors can assist one shopper at a time. Shoppers will not be allowed to touch products and no eating is allowed in the market.

Vendors will supply hand sanitizer for shoppers to use during transactions. They will also set up displays with added distancing. Financial transactions will be made on the table rather than hand-to-hand.

A list of vendors and products is being created at explorebluffton.com/farmers-market, including vendor phone, email, social media, and websites. Pre-order opportunities will also be listed.