advertisement

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market remains on schedule, for now

The Buffalo Grove Farmers Market is still on the calendar for a June 14 kickoff, but that might have to change due to concerns over social distancing.

The village board likely make a decision at its May 18 meeting.

When the board discussed the matter this week, Deputy Village Manager Christopher Stilling expressed hope that the market could still be held. He noted that the governor's stay-at-home order considers local farmers markets an essential businesses and the Illinois Farmers Market Association has developed guidelines to help markets operate during the pandemic.

Those guidelines address face coverings, crowd control, handling of products, preordering and pickup, on-site consumption, and music.

"Overall, staff believes that the village can still facilitate this year's farmers market by developing strict guidelines that are consistent with the state's recommendations," Stilling said.

Trustees had several questions and even more opinions but were not ready to decide.

Trustee Lester Ottenheimer III said he supports holding the market but had concerns about the ability to monitor social distancing.

Trustee Andrew Stein said he takes issue with restrictions on customers touching produce. He also could see losing food vendors.

"I can't see (a vendor) preparing hot doughnuts and sticking them inside plastic bags. They are just going to sweat and ruin the doughnuts," he said. "The cheese vendor who operates by giving people free samples and tastes before they buy and then cuts it to order - I don't know that they would be able to operate as well."

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.