QUINCY — Quincy Farmers Market will open for the season on Saturday, June 20, at Heritage Park, outside the Reiman-Simmons House, 415 F St. SW, Quincy.

In the past, the market was held at Lauzier Park. Because all Quincy city parks are closed due to COVID-19, the market was not allowed at Lauzier Park this year. Instead, the Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum will host the market at its grassy and shady park.

“We’re planning on staying there for the next seven markets,” said Chelsea Putnam, manager of Quincy Farmers Market.

The market will be held on the first and third Saturdays of the month through Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Putnam said that this year’s market will feel more like an outdoor grocery store. Because of COVID-19 state regulations, only certain types of vendors are permitted at farmers markets.

“We have categories of produce and food, health and sanitation and home improvement,” Putnam said. “All of our vendors fit into those main categories.”

The opening market will include vendors of soap, blueberries and home improvement products.

Farmers market organizers are encouraging participants to wear masks. They will also provide a handwashing station and sanitation. Vendors will be spaced over six feet apart to promote social distancing. The market will follow guidelines as outlined by the Washington Department of Health and the Washington State Farmers Market Association.

“The market will be smaller than it was in the past,” Putnam said. “We can’t have entertainment. We have a lot of older vendors that can’t risk being at the market themselves. We’re looking at 10 vendors for the first one.”

Even though the market will be smaller and slightly shorter than normal, Putnam said it is important to still have the market as a way to help keep morale up during the COVID-19 crisis.

“We want to help people have things to do and stay a little more positive,” Putnam said.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].