Riverside Arts Market is ready to make its return amidst the loosing of restrictions related to COVID-19 – but it’s not going to look the same as it used to, at least for now.
The popular weekly market is initiating its Phase 1 re-opening protocol and will open on Saturday, May 23. Only businesses deemed essential will be present; this includes farmers, pre-packaged food sales, food trucks, makers of PPE, and makers of bath and body products. Morning yoga is still canceled indefinitely, as are live performances on the Riverstage.
The “essential” vendors will be required to take several safety precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Vendor booths will be spaced out, and all vendors will be required to wear face masks and sanitize their booths frequently.
In turn, market customers are asked to wear face masks, stay six feet away from other groups, avoid gathering within the market area, utilize handwashing stations provided by RAM, and consume any purchased food items off-site. RAM also recommends that those wishing to order from a food truck make a pre-order with a credit or debit card via phone, to avoid cash payments and unnecessary interactions.
Above all, customers who are feeling any symptoms – as well as those who are considered high-risk for COVID-19 infection – should stay home.
In addition to the essentials market, RAM recently launched the Riverside Arts Online Market which features products from over fifty artists and makers who are unable to attend the Phase 1 reopening. The event runs each Saturday from 8 AM to 3 PM from the RAM Facebook page. The market has also compiled a list of “RAM Makers” with links to each maker’s website, allowing customers to support them directly at any time.
For more information about the re-opening of Riverside Arts Market, check out the market’s official website.