Decorah Farmers Market: What's changed since COVID-19?

Farmers Market Exhibitors from left to right: Janet, Carol, and David Benjegerdes

The Decorah Farmers Market's landscape has been reshaped in the wake of COVID-19.

For starters, all vendors are required to wear a mask, and customers are strongly encouraged to wear one as well. Free masks in children and adult sizes are available at the market's entrance.

In addition to masks, there are three hand sanitizer stations throughout the market as well as hand sanitizer at each vendor's tent. The tents are also spaced out to encourage social distancing.

The market's Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) machine is up and running to make sure people who have been hit hard economically by the virus can "still get really high quality, local food," says Decorah Farmers Market manager Kristen Eggen.

Despite all of the changes, the farmers market is starting to slowly get back to normal. Craft and other non-food vendors have been allowed back as of June 10th; outdoor seating will be reintroduced in the coming week; and live music is scheduled to return on July 4th.

Vendors' tents are spaced out