Washington’s 32nd annual farmers market kicked off Thursday

WASHINGTON - Al Cardwell found himself in a predicament at the farmers market on Thursday night. The owner of Al's Homemade Soaps relies on customers using their sense of smell to test out his products but with masks strongly encouraged, that became an obstacle for him.

Nevertheless, the vendor from Columbus Junction said he had been coming to the market for the past three to four years and would continue to because he enjoyed the social aspect. Although new rules this year made for new business practices, it wasn't all bad, he said.

Sarah Grunewaldt, Main Street Executive Director, said due to the COVID-19 pandemic a number of new regulations were put in place. For the 32nd annual market, vendors were on one side of the sidewalk and customers on the other at a six-foot distance, traffic was to flow in one direction to prevent customers from crossing in front of each other, all vendors and volunteers wore masks and customers were encouraged to wear masks as well.

Sanitation stations were set up and it was requested one person per household attend the event to limit the amount of contact, she said. 'We're also trying our best to not have people sitting and lingering in the park as much as possible,” she said.

New this year, wine and beer from Wooden Wheel Vineyards and Kalona Brewing Company might be available in the future. Grunewaldt said thanks to City Council approval, the two entities have been approved to sell products at the future markets.

Although the layout is much different this year, Grunewaldt said many people liked the fact that it was open and able to be enjoyed.

'We've had some positive comments from people thankful for us putting in the effort so we can have a market,” she said.

Shirley Harvey, of Wellman, stopped by the market to sell homemade cookies and masks. Harvey has been a vendor for several years and often brings hand-sewn items.

After sheltering in place for so long, Harvey said she was glad for the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the social aspect of the market. With many places canceling, she was glad to see Washington taking measures to hold theirs.