West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market has a successful, socially-distanced season launch

Chris Cirkus of the West Windsor Community Farmers’ Market pulled off a successful opening day on Saturday due to lots of planning, tons of signage, help from volunteers, and a touch of humor.

Signs directed drivers on Alexander Road to the new farm market entrance and then volunteers directed them to the parking area and answered questions. There were hand washing stations, masks for visitors who forgot them, and directions chalked on the parking lot pavement to guide people regarding where to walk and how foot traffic should flow.

About a dozen vendors were selling produce, plants, jams, wine, and other food items at the market. Some vendors offered online ordering so people could pick up their items and not worry about things being sold out if they arrived later in the day.

Cirkus said the parking lot was restricted to 75 cars. The largest group of shoppers arrived right after the market opened, but it thinned out after the first hour.

She and her husband designed whimsical signs that greeted visitors and set the tone for the day. The signs included important reminders about personal hygiene, social distancing, not touching items, and wearing masks. Our favorite: “Peas wash your hands!”

Market hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, rain or shine. Visit westwindsorfarmersmarket.org for pre-order options and additional information, or call 609-933-4452. The new market entrance is accessible from Alexander Road and is just two-tenths of a mile east of the intersection of Alexander Road and Vaughn Drive. The market accepts SNAP EBT food stamps and provides up to an additional $20 towards fruits and vegetables to customers using their benefits at the market.