Troy Farmers Market Lives On Despite COVID
By Connor Danz, Creative Editor
Considered a staple, the Farmers Market in Troy, New York remains an annual tradition for all residents of the areas, taking place every Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, rain or shine.
As is to be expected of most things, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the market to adapt to the new rules and regulations set up by Governor Cuomo in order for the business to remain in operation throughout the season.
During the summer season, this led to the adoption of a new location at Riverfront Park with designated walking paths, a loop design, and a maximum capacity of three hundred.
Every year, during the winter months of December to April, the market moves to an indoor location to maintain a comfortable shopping experience. This has led them to their current situation where they have to bring the market indoors while maintaining their covid rules and guidelines, which brought about many changes.
The first of these major changes is the switching of locations, the indoor market was formerly located in Troy Atrium, connected to Uncle Sam’s parking garage. To accommodate for social distancing, they have brought the market to the former Price Chopper on 865 2nd Avenue, Troy NY 12182. This new facility allows for space for all of their vendors to stay and maintain social distance.
When you first get to the former Price Chopper, you must stand in a line to get in with cubes of six feet for you to maintain social distancing. The line moves very quickly so you will be in the market within five to ten minutes. When you get inside, the market has a series of isles that you can only enter or exit at certain places.
There are also markers on the floor so you are able to maintain six feet from the other customers. New rules from the summer market also care over to the winter market, primarily, no eating until you leave the market, so you can fully enjoy your food without taking off your mask and worrying other customers.
The Winter market appears to be a success and I highly recommend paying it a visit if you’re looking for something to do on a Saturday morning. It has delicious homegrown and made foods, homemade crafts, and top-notch covid safety, a true treat for everyone.