Farmers Market Thrives Amidst Pandemic

Farmers Market doing well with small changes

Summer has arrived in Littleton New Hampshire and a major indicator of this fact is the thriving Littleton Farmers Market. Tim Howard, the organizer and director of the Little Farmers Market’s COVID-19 layout and plan, took some time to discuss what the Farmers Market was doing and how it was operating to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While many aspects have changed for this season market, the community atmosphere that surrounds the market every Sunday is still very much alive.

Since the market opened in June there have been several alterations to the layout and pattern of the area it calls home along the River District. The most noticeable is the forced traffic flow created to ensure safe distancing between vendors and customers alike. Howard stated, similar to the Lancaster Farmers Market, that Littletons Market is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy atmosphere for everyone who visits.

Guidelines and Restrictions

A directed traffic pattern comes at a cost though, this being the removal of community gathering places such as benches, tables and standing areas that were once signatures of the Farmers Market. Howard remarked that this decision was made in an effort to reduce the chances of spreading sickness. Along with this removal is also the restriction of pet access. Howard stated that the vendors at the market found that animals such as dogs became a way for people to mingle within groups, leading to health concerns in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Along with these restrictions comes the mandatory mask policy, ensuring everyone including: customers, children, and vendors wears a mask or facial covering to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Howard pointed out that this has proved to have several positive impacts within the Market, a major one being the addition of custom made masks, which several vendors have added to their collection of purchasable goods

New rules and regulations haven’t hurt the long standing Market though, in fact Howard stated that so far this season the Littleton Farmers Market was doing very well and possibly even better than previous years. While some transitions have been met with challenges and somber feelings towards the restriction of pets and community gatherings, the Market and it’s customers are adapting well and still feel a sense of community as dozens of locals and tourists walk through the market. COVID-19 has definitely changed the way the Littleton Farmers Market operates but it has not shut the Market down and as of today, in the midst of the Pandemic the Market and it’s vendors have made the choice to preserve and carry on with their beloved Sunday market.

This article is part of a series of articles focusing on the effects of COVID-19 affecting various businesses around the North Country. Read more about these affected businesses here.

Nick Meachen is a GNTV field reporter, camera operator, and staff member at Phlume MEDIA.