Bottles of hand sanitizer are provided, with booths and signs urging the public to avoid touching displays.
“There’s definitely less,” said Liana Wilson, an organizer, who greeted me at the door, a table with hand sanitizer waiting for use. “I don’t see many tourists, which is big in July, and less locals as well.”
Ernie Wilson, Vice president of the Cobden Farmer’s Market, said that they’ve seen new vendors despite the sparse turnout.
“It’s slow going, but it’ll pick-up when the cottages come in.” he said.
“It is typically a social place, where older people meet, and we have live entertainment.” he said, noting that there isn’t live entertainment yet.
“We’re planning to still continue with that, but we’re going to play it by ear.”
Wallace Eady of Buttermilk Creek Farm, said that people were enthusiastic about the market despite the measures.
“It was like walking into the chicken house. Everyone was happy to be out.”
Renfrew’s farmer’s market was closed due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic,
Whitewater region has had 27 confirmed cases of the virus, with one death.
