After months of being closed because of the pandemic, the beloved farmers market in Legion Park on Biscayne Blvd. in Miami’s Upper East Side reopened for business Sat., Dec. 12.
“We can’t wait to see you, but please no hugging!” says market manager Art Friedrich. “We also want to remind you that things will look and BE different! We firmly believe that there really is a pandemic happening, and that some small but effective changes for this year can make a difference in keeping more people happy and healthy.”
Visitors should keep their distance, not crowd vendors tables, and follow the line markings placed on the ground. No touching the produce – staff will handle all their purchases. Legion Park offers lots of space for eating outside of the market area in the park. “Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the vast grassy areas with your close friends or family,” says Friedrich. “We must discourage dogs, because they lead to people not social distancing because they are oh so cute.”
The opening of the popular year-round market, run by Urban Oasis Project, was delayed because of insurance and indemnification requirements.“The layout will be very different, with 10 feet between booths, booths only on the south side so it’s more one way, no sampling, 100% mask wearing, no consuming food or drink in the market,” he says. “Folks can go to the rest of the park for that.”
Friedrich is committed to adhering to those safety measures to keep the marketplace safe.” Much like so many restaurants, you can enact actual effective changes that aren’t even that complicated,” he says. “I’m stressing to my vendors that we are in it for results, not to put on a show. And I know I’ll lose some vendors, and I’m totally fine with that.”
He adds that the market opening will mean a change for their online order pickups. “We will no longer have Radiate Lab as a pickup spot for online orders. Instead, we’ll have the Biscayne lot of Legion Park with some reserved spots for folks picking up. If you’re staying for the market, please try to park in the main parking lot.”
Legion Park Farmers Market, Saturdays 9-2pm
6601 Biscayne Blvd, Free parking in main lot, 6447 NE 7th Ave.
