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.
