Batavia Farmers Market opens for 25th season

The Batavia Farmers Market is up and running for its 25th season in the Tri-City.

The Batavia Farmers Market moves back outdoors Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October on North River Street between Wilson and State streets.

"We're really excited and think it will be great," Market Director and Sponsorship Coordinator Beth Walker said. "We have several guidelines for both vendors and customers to keep everyone safe and healthy."

A map of the seasonal vendors is placed at the entrance of the market at Wilson Street and the MainStreet Booth, located near the pedestrian bridge.

Several COVID-19 precautions are in place for customers and vendors at the outdoor market, which looks to enrich the small-town community values and stimulate the local economy, Walker said.

Social distancing and wearing masks are required. Prepared food is to be consumed off-site or at the designated picnic areas.

Officials are asking customers to limit the number of people per household and no pets. Transactions will be cashless or exact change.

Select market vendors are continuing to offer prepaid ordering, which is encouraged as the vendors will have your order ready at their booth when you arrive.

If you don't feel comfortable attending the market, Gerald Subaru of North Aurora of Gerald Auto Group, one of the market's presenting sponsors, is providing a free service. The dealership will deliver preorders from select vendors Saturday mornings to those in Batavia, North Aurora and Geneva. Preorder through the vendors; links are available at www.downtownbatavia.com/farmers-market.

"We're doing our best to make sure everyone has a safe and healthy experience," Walker said. "And at the same, we're trying to support our vendors because this is their livelihood. The market is a great place to get to know your farmer and where your food is coming from."

The purpose of the Batavia Farmers Market is to provide a retail outlet for local producers as well as fresh, local products for consumers to purchase. This is a way for the consumer to know exactly where their food is coming from and who it is coming from.

In the past, and after COVID-19 precautions change, the market is a gathering place that encourages a sense of community. The Batavia Farmers Market features produce, baked goods, artisan products, plants, honey and related farm products. The vendors grow, harvest or produce up to 75 percent of market products.

For more information on The Batavia Farmers Market, visit downtownbatavia.com and follow Batavia Farmers Market on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BataviaFarmersMarket) and Instagram (#bataviafarmersmarket).