APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The schedule is changing for some popular downtown Appleton events during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Downtown Appleton Farm Market will start two weeks later than usual. The first day of the market is set for Saturday, July 4.
Only produce and pre-packaged foods will be available at the market. There will be no vendors selling arts and crafts or hot foods, or entertainment acts. The total number of vendors will be reduced to 50-60 so there can be space between booths.
“The 2-week delay in the start of the Farm Market here in Downtown Appleton will allow us to make sure we have adequate time to put new regulations and safety measures into action,” Jennifer Stephany, executive director of Appleton Downtown Inc., said in a news release. “Being able to still host our weekly Downtown Appleton Farm Market allows us to continue supporting the local farmers in the area, provide a safe food resource for the community, and keep engaging and sharing that Downtown Appleton is, and will be, here for you during this time of uncertainty.”
Farmers’ markets are considered essential businesses under Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” order.
“Fruits and vegetables that are grown locally and eaten soon after harvesting retain more of their nutrients than those that are shipped from further locations and sit on supermarket shelves for long periods of time,” Kurt Eggebrecht, City of Appleton Health Officer, said in a news release. “The Appleton Farm Market also provides economic benefits. The money that is spent in the local community is circulated within it, which has long term effects such as preserving and creating local jobs.”
The farm market is set to run until October 31.
Meanwhile, the Thursday night Heid Music Summer Concert series will also begin later than usual. It will start out as a virtual event on July 2. Music from the OuterEdge stage will be streamed live on ADI’s Facebook page. Organizers hope to be able to eventually hold concerts at Jones Park and allow in-person attendance as restrictions are lifted.
Concerts are scheduled through September 24. The lineup of bands is expected to be announced later.
