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Events

Charleston Farmers Market Starting Back Up in “Essentials Only” Format

Marion Square is welcoming back the Charleston Farmers Market on Saturday, April 10, 2021. However, it will be following the “essentials-only” format, only allowing certain vendors to take part in the event.

The Charleston Farmers Market first began in 1989 and is a weekly showcase of local crafts and goods. 

The “Charleston Essentials Market” will only include goods from farmers and growers as well as crafters and artisans. Both vendors and individuals who wish to attend must follow CDC guidelines including wearing a mask and social distancing.

The farmers market will be open every Saturday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm until November 27, 2021. The market is not currently accepting applications for new vendors to participate but hopes to open up to allow more businesses soon.

Charleston officials are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if and when it is appropriate to open the farmers market to run at full capacity.

Events

Charleston Farmers Market Reopens With Limited Vendors

The Charleston Farmers Market reopened on September 26th at Marion Square.

The farmers market looks different than usual, operating only as an “essentials market” with limited vendors. While all of the farmers and growers have been invited to participate in the market, artisans and prepared food vendors are not allowed to participate yet.

In addition to the limited vendors, there is also a limited capacity and social distancing required of all who attend and participate in the market.

Numerous vendors, who have always relied on the income received at the market, have taken a significant hit due to the pandemic and subsequent closing of the market.

Amanda McLenon, a longtime market vendor, created a petition to get the Marion Square market running again and has over 800 signatures.

“For a while, we understood it wasn’t safe to be there, so we sat back and sacrificed our livelihoods to keep people healthy,” Amanda explained. “But if people are in the bars now, we can certainly be safely open providing local produce and handmade goods outside in Marion Square.”

The Charleston Essentials Market will operate on Saturday mornings from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. In addition, the West Ashley Essentials Market will operate on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the West Ashley Greenway.