The market will operate differently this year, but many long-time vendors will be back.
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The Farmers Market Opens Sunday, Pandemic Style. Here’s What to Expect.

This Sunday, June 7, marks the start of the East Lansing Farmers Market for the 2020 season.

The hours will be the usual 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the location the usual Valley Court Park, and many long-time favorite vendors will be there.

We expect you’ll be able as usual this time of year to get fresh eggs, rhubarb, spring onions, greens, mushrooms, jams, breads, syrup, local cheeses and meats.

But thanks to COVID-19, some things will be different.

For one, you will have to wear a mask and roam either alone or with one partner. You will have to socially distance by staying six feet from other customers and not linger. And, the City says, you should not come if you have coronavirus symptoms, have tested positive for it, or have traveled outside Michigan in the last two weeks.

Whereas normally people drift in from all directions and wander freely, this year you will need to enter from the south (just behind Crunchy’s) and walk a designated path. You can’t bring pets (service animals only), and you can’t have vendors put material in your own bags.

Map provided by the City of East Lansing.

The announcement of the market from the City says, “The market area will be highly managed by multiple City of East Lansing staff members in order to maintain safety. Common touchpoints will be frequently cleaned, and all staff members and vendors will be wearing masks (and gloves as needed).”

If you’re currently using food assistance, note that Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP/Bridge Cards will be accepted.

Who is expected to be there? Applegarth Honey, Owosso Organics, Corrion Farm & Greenhouse, Tomac Pumpkins, Wildflower Eco Farm, Wooden Shoe Herb Farm, Jenny’s Sweets & Treats, Droscha Sugar Bush, Pregitzer Farm, Stone Circle Bakehouse, Trillium Wood Farm, Sapo De Solis, Mycophile’s Garden, Guiding Light Garlic Farm, Civil Ferments, DavePops, The Country Mill, El Burrito Mexicano, DMS Fish Supply, 517 Coffee Company, Tantay, Hickory Knoll Farms, Half Barn Farm, Apple Blossom Kombucha, and Wernette Beef.

The announcement also indicates you can expect the Bavarian Inn Cluck Truck, which offers brats, potato cheese puffs, Bavarian Inn Root Beer, and more.

The market is located in Valley Court Park and operates on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.