Friday Night Farmers Market set to Reopen

Peaches on display at Old Town Clovis Farmers Market. Photo taken June 2, 2017. (Photo by Ron Sundquist/Clovis Roundup)

Old Town Clovis’ Friday Night Farmers Market is set to restart business this weekend, but in limited fashion.

The seasonal portion of the farmers market will reopen to the public starting Friday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m. and will close at 8 after being shut down in March due to COVID-19 pandemic, although farmers markets are designated as essential businesses by the state.

Clovis’ year-round Saturday farmers market reopened in mid-April after vendors and growers were left wondering what to do with the crops in their fields.

The market will be taking precautions and will adhere to guidelines set forth by the Fresno County Department of Public Health and the California Department of Public Health, including having customers stay at least six feet from each other as a part of social distancing.

Customers are asked not to bring their own bags, instead letting the vendors, which will be wearing masks and gloves, handle and bag the produce for them, said Carole Lester, the executive director of the Business Organization of Old Town Clovis (BOOT), which organizes the farmers markets.

Customers are also encouraged to wear their own face masks and gloves. Hand sanitizers and washing stations will also be available.

Unlike in the past before the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be any live entertainment, including bands and DJs, and Lester said it will remain that way for the rest of the year.

“We have no plans for 2020 to bring back any entertainment. We’ve cancelled all of the bands, we’ve cancelled all of the children’s activities. We’re really toning it way down,” Lester said.

Don’t come if you’re sick, Lester also said. She said that some may not feel comfortable going out in public where crowds are expected.

“If you’re nervous, if you’re afraid, if you’re one of the vulnerable people like over 65 or you have breathing issues or you are diabetic – if you’re nervous, then don’t come,” Lester said.

Michael graduated from Fresno State in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism. During his time at the university, he served as sports and managing editor for The Collegian, Fresno State’s student-run newspaper. In addition to the Clovis Roundup, Michael has written for The Fresno Bee, the Kingsburg Recorder and Selma Enterprise. He has a passion for sports and can be found on the sidelines at local games, bringing the citizens of Clovis the athletics news they deserve.