The Bradford Farmers' Market will be staying open past Thanksgiving weekend and into the winter season, continuing to offer to fresh, local products to the community.
Due to COVID-19, the market has been providing customers with a contact less drive-through system to pick up their online orders.
Normally, the Bradford Farmers' Market shuts down after Thanksgiving weekend, with exception to a few extra dates held inside the Bradford Public Library. However, this year the vendors and board members agreed to continue the drive-through style into winter.
Since orders are being done beforehand, there has been less wait time for the vendors who set-up outside during the drive-through market, and less waste to bring home afterwards.
With the colder weather approaching, the vendors decided to offer a smaller window of time for customers to pick up their orders – starting Oct. 17, the new pickup time will be Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
“This will limit the amount of time the vendors spend outside," notes Laura Vree, manager of the Bradford Farmers' Market. “We have tons of product left until Christmas and beyond.”
The market will continue with the online ordering system and pick-up style, and will be adjusting vendor menus to concentrate on winter-legumes and other products still in stock.
“It’s working really well for us," notes Vree, commenting on the market’s drive-through system. “We’re making more connections, but through car windows… we know 70 percent of the drivers now as we recognize the cars so we have their orders ready before they pull up."
Springh Farms indicated to Vree their field was still full and wondered if they could continue selling despite the cooler temperatures quickly arriving. The board voted unanimously “let’s continue!”
“You usually only find a lot of US products in the grocery stores during the winter, so why would we stop selling?” asserts Vree. “I see how other markets are operating… our system is so much easier [because] the money is already in before they pick up their order."
Vree notes that the continuation of the outdoor Bradford Farmers' Market will be subject to change if the weather does not cooperate and pending the outcome of the current pandemic; however, they will be flexible with pick-ups and try to accommodate their loyal customers.
“It’s been really great – steady throughout the whole summer with some crazy weekends. Every vendor has been happy with the sales they’ve brought home. It has been the year of no waste! We bring what we need to bring and go home with no waste," shares Vree.
Select market vendors will also be offering seasonal boxes and packages that will concentrate on holiday-themes with special menu items for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter.
“It’s giving [customers] the option to stay healthy by staying open year-round!" reports Vree.
To make your online orders with the Bradford Farmers' Market, visit their website here.
