LOUISIANA, Mo. — The annual Farmers Market hosted by the Louisiana Community Betterment Association (LCBA) is set to open on Wednesday, May 13 if weather permits.

Diana Huckstep, LCBA chairperson, noted that if circumstances make it necessary to postpone, the market will open the following week on Wednesday, May 20.

Huckstep reports the market is scheduled to open in Sunset Park on Georgia Street. Due to the amount of construction still taking place on Georgia Street there may also be other last minute changes. She noted that vendors and customers will be notified of this on the LCBA Farmers Market page on Facebook. Huckstep urged those interested to check the page close to opening date.

Due to the COVID-19, there will be some modified protocols that vendors will be using to ensure a safe environment for customers. Social distancing measures will be in effect. Customers will not be allowed to touch the produce prior to purchase and customers will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer while visiting the market.

“We are also encouraging our vendors to use hand sanitizer, gloves, keep their area clean and frequently disinfect highly-touched areas and to not bring their product to market if they are not feeling well,” Huckstep stated. “We would also like to communicate to our customers that if they have any symptoms or if they have been exposed to someone with a known COVID-19 case to please stay home.”

Market hours are 3-6 p.m. Please keep in mind, no sales will take place before the opening bell at 3 p.m.

“We want all of our vendors to have ample time to set up their booth spaces and be ready to greet their customers. All of our customers are special to us and we want each of them to feel like they are,” Huckstep said.

The LCBA Farmers Market is taking applications for vendors who would like to participate. Booth fees are $5 per space, per week. There is a season fee for anyone who is interested.

Any vendor who has products that are grown or homemade within 50 miles of Louisiana are eligible to take part.

“We are actively seeking any organization or individual who has a current food handling certificate to sell hamburgers, hot dogs, barbeque, gumbo, etc. at the market. We are also seeking entertainment, such as fiddle players, guitar players, etc., during market hours,” Huckstep remarked.

For more information or a market application and rules, please contact Huckstep at: 314-640-4420 or by email at: lmofarmersmkt@yahoo.com.

Tune to KJFM Radio for more on this and find more local news online at kjfmeagle102.net.