Fresh, Local

The Goderich Farmers’ Market is proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

As one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the area, which has survived relocations due to a tornado and becoming a sidewalk sale in the interim, the Goderich market is once again adapting to survive the COVID-19 pandemic that is causing everyone to rethink their business model.

The market has always been held on The Square in Goderich every Saturday morning, but the Town of Goderich has closed the park until further notice.

BIA Manager and Market Co-ordinator Susan Armstrong has been busy rearranging the entire market to ensure the safety of all the visitors and vendors.

Because the Goderich Farmers’ Market brings together more vendors than the average market, it took some creative thinking to make the reimagined version of the market work.

The market will be held on Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. with several mini-markets, including one off South Street, one on Montreal Street and at curbside corner(s) on The Square.

Under the Phase 2 reopening guidelines, the market is still bound to only provide food. “We have an amazingly broad spectrum of local products,” Armstrong said.

You can pre-order online to keep your visit brief by visiting www.goderichbia.ca for links to local vendors.

All of the physical distancing procedures will be observed. Keep a minimum of six feet between yourself and others and stay home if you are unwell. There are sanitizing and/or hand-washing stations available.

“The market really is a destination for local shoppers and visitors alike,” Armstrong said.  For more information, visit the Goderich BIA website at www.goderichbia.ca

At the time of press, the Goderich Flea Market that operates in Courthouse Square Park on Sundays was unable to open due to the park closure and set-up requirements.

In a Facebook notice, organizers said they were hopeful restrictions would ease and they could get going in July but they are playing the “wait and see” game.

Follow them on Facebook at Courthouse Square Sunday Market to learn when they will be able to open.