The Nashua Farmers market opens today, June 26, around City Hall in downtown Nashua. (Telegraph file photo)

NASHUA – Despite the pandemic, people can still pick up fresh produce and other offerings at the Nashua Farmers Market this year, but in a new location with various safety measures in place for the season ahead.

The market’s opening day will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m this Sunday and the season will stretch on Sunday through Oct. 18. This year’s new venue will wrap around the side of Nashua City Hall from the Elm Street side of the building. Sections of the market will pop up in the City Hall Plaza on the Main Street side, on the rail trail next to the building and in the back parking lot on the Elm Street side. Social distancing will be maintained and there will be a one way flow implemented to direct pedestrians through the market. Parking is available next door at the Elm Street Garage.

“I think you’ll find it a very positive, great place to go,” Mayor Jim Donchess said during his weekly press conference. “There’s a lot to offer. There are vendors, farmers and it will definitely be a great experience if you can make it.”

The move came about due to the expansion of outdoor dining along Main Street. Just as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted the restaurant experience, it is also impacting the market this year as organizers make health and safety their top priorities.

A series of new procedures will be in place this year for the safety of both customers and vendors.

For market managers and vendors some of these rules and regulations include creating a one-way thoroughfare for the market, encouraging quick transactions to keep traffic flowing, not allowing onsite food consumption, separating booths with at least 10 feet in between vendors and frequently cleaning and disinfecting high touch surfaces, for example.

There will also be hand washing/hand sanitizer stations set up throughout the market. Unless a health condition prevents one from doing so, masks shall be worn by all vendors, employees and customers. Masks will be provided to people who do not bring one on their own.

Moreover, for customers some rules and regulations include staying home if sick, maintaining social distancing at the market, wearing a face covering while shopping and not picking up any products at the vendor booths, rather asking the vendors for assistance, for example.

The full safety plan can be found online at, https://downtownnashua.org/.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.