The Amicalola Regional Farmers Market will open in Dawsonville on Saturday, May 9 at 8 a.m.

The farmers market, which was originally planned to open on April 18, was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about being able to grow enough produce because of the rainy weather. 

This will be the fourth season of the market but the first time it will be held at the new City of Dawsonville Farmers Market Pavilion on Allen Street, according to a press release by the Amicalola Regional Agriculture Committee. 

The 2020 market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon or until sold out.

Because of COVID-19, extra steps will be taken at the market to keep shoppers and vendors safe.

“Due to the current pandemic, extra precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of the shoppers and vendors such as pre-bagging produce at even dollar prices so that no coins are needed, vendors must wear masks and gloves, and requiring shoppers maintain 6 feet of distance from one another,” the release said. “Shoppers are also asked to wear masks at the market.”

The market will contain as much locally grown produce as possible. Vendors who participate must show that their produce was grown in Dawson County or in a county that touches Dawson. For items that are not produced or grown locally, the committee will review each application on a case-by-case basis.

Amicalola Regional Agriculture Committee Chair Louise McPherson said that she is grateful to bring local citizens the opportunity to buy local produce.

“We are excited to continually expand the opportunities in Dawson County for customers and vendors at our new farmers’ market location,” McPherson said in the release. “The Amicalola Regional Farmers Market will continue to help connect local farmers with those seeking fresh food and farm-related products.  We also look forward to the time that it is safe for our local crafters to bring their beautiful and amazing creations to the market without worry of them becoming contaminated with germs.”

Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore said in the release that she is excited for the opportunity to open the market despite the virus.

“Although this isn’t quite the way we had hoped to open this market season, we are thrilled to be able to provide a place for our local farmers to sell their fresh produce,” Moore said. “We are extremely grateful to the City of Dawsonville for providing space in the heart of our community to host the market.”

The market usually includes crafts and artisan products in addition to produce, but this year craft vendors will not be participating until later in the market season as an extra precaution with the virus. 

Vendors will be offering locally grown produce, baked goods, flowers, honey, cornmeal, grits and eggs, among other things. Some vendors will be offering to fill pre-orders. 

For more information about the market, visit http://fb.me/amicalolafarmersmarket or call the Chamber at (706) 265-6278. 

For an application to participate as a vendor, contact Market Manager and local Extension Agent Clark MacAllister at clarkmac@uga.edu.