More farmers markets are reopening in Fresno area. Here’s what to know before you go
Two more farmers markets – in downtown Fresno and at Manchester Center – have reopened in recent weeks.
Just which farmers markets are open has been a smidge confusing lately as some shut down when the coronavirus first hit. Those markets have reopened and several seasonal markets are reopening for their usual spring and summertime run.
This is the height of farmers market season. Peaches, nectarines and corn are starting to show up at markets (and Fresno State corn is here). Blueberries, cherries and strawberries are all in various stages of their seasons.
All that can mean a lot of people showing up – at a time when markets are making a lot of changes to stay safe during COVID-19.
So, in addition to which markets are open and when, we’ve included some information about what’s changed at each farmers market.
Here’s the latest on where to get your fruit and vegetables – and how – from farmers markets in the Fresno and Clovis area.
The Market on Kern recently reopened for the season, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. The downtown Fresno market on Kern Street between M and N streets runs until the end of October.
Expect lots of certified organic fruit and vegetable vendors, along with pastries, honey, candy, popcorn and more.
Booths will be six to 10 feet away from each other, and customers are asked to not handle fruit and vegetables unless they plan to buy them. You’ll also see hand-washing and hand sanitizer stations.
“Six feet of social distancing and masks are required by the City of Fresno, so we do ask that customers come prepared with a mask,” said market manager Erin Paz.
Prepared food vendors are selling tamales, roasted corn and more, but there is no seating and no live music.
“The idea is that they don’t stay and linger any longer than they need to be,” Paz said.
Like most farmers markets, The Market on Kern accepts EBT payments, and this one provides a match of up to $10.
The Manchester Center Farmers Market has reopened at Blackstone and Shields avenues, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday. It had shut down earlier in the year over coronavirus concerns.
Expect lots of fresh fruit and vegetable vendors.
Food trucks will be selling takeout food only.
Customers will be asked to allow six feet of social distancing and masks will be required.
The Old Town Clovis Farmers Market has both its markets operating.
The smaller year-round Saturday morning market has reopened, running from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Fifth Street and Pollasky Avenue.
The larger Friday night market started this month on Pollasky Avenue. It starts at 5:30 p.m.
It features produce sellers and food trucks. There are no live bands or other entertainment.
The River Park Farmer’s Market extended its hours temporarily, and is now open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays.
It’s in the parking lot near the center of River Park on North Blackstone Avenue.
The Vineyard Farmers Market, at Blackstone and Shaw avenues, is open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays.
Masks are required for customers and the market is limiting how many people are in the space at any time.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 1:31 PM.
