MILTON, Del. - The Milton Farmers’ Market is closing for the remainder of the season, after June 26th.
The Board of Directors says it’s not only a place to buy goods, but a place for friends and families to gather, which is not allowed under phase two guidelines.
The state's guidelines for farmers’ markets are having an impact on sales and customer turn-out in Milton, therefore hindering the market’s success.
The social distancing requirements reduces the amount of vendors allowed on the property, which is limiting financial opportunities.
"It was a tough decision, we really wish we could carry on the market all the way through the 2020 season,” says volunteer, James Fisher.
The market will be closed from July to October.
"We were cutting into the reserves that we have as an organization to ensure our long term future, just to absorb the expenses and cost of this market. And unfortunately the sales just weren't keeping up with those costs,” says Fisher.
Fisher says after the first market, traffic and sales declined.
"We didn't have the market last week, but the Friday before my sales were terrible,” says Krista Scudlark, owner of Backyard Jams and Jellies.
Scudlark works for other markets but, “I was a little sad. It's really a shame it's a nice market, I’ve been with that market since day one. In fact I think I was the first vendor to sign up 13 years ago maybe,” she says.
Fisher says the social element of the market is what makes it profitable, and with restrictions in place, it makes socializing quite difficult, “that's what helps makes this market sustainable, keeps people coming back week after week.”
With live music, and meals prepared on sight, "it's such a social market. It's Friday afternoon, we sell Dogfish Head beer, there's really good music, people bring their beach chairs, and you just hang out for two hours, and we can't do that anymore,” says Scudlark.
While it was a difficult decision to make, it was necessary.
"We didn't want to put ourselves, as an organization, at risk long term. In doing this lets us preserve the resources we have to come back stronger next year,” says Fisher.
Fisher hopes people keep patronizing longtime vendors.
Friday, June 26th from from 3 - 6 p.m., is the last day the Milton Farmers’ Market will be open.
