The Metcalfe Farmers’ Market opened Sat., June 27 on the Metcalfe fairgrounds. Here this group made it official. Left to right are: councillor George Darouze, market manager Melanie Anderson, MPP Goldie Ghamari, market board president Susan Potter, volunteer Jacob Taylor and Louise Allard. Morin photo

Sue Ayotte on the left picked up some vegetables from Kate Thompson and Paige Buma from the Russell Farm Market. Morin photo

METCALFE – The Metcalfe Farmers Market is up and running for another year.

The market has been in operation for the past 27 years, so having opening day on Sat., June 27 was appropriate.

Thirty vendors signed up for this first day at the market.

The COVID-19 restrictions meant that some vendors had to set up outside and the building next to the market was held in reserve in case of bad weather.

Market manager Melanie Anderson said putting some vendors outside ensured social distancing measures were adhered to.

“We are six weeks later than normal,” said Anderson regarding the market’s opening date. “I am hopeful people have been waiting.”

Anderson said there were some regular vendors who were nervous about coming out at this time but she expected that eventually everyone would return.

“There are some vendors who have come from other markets,” said Anderson.

Councillor George Darouze was on hand for the opening and was pleased to see so many vendors and people. “I am happy to see we have not stopped,” said Darouze.