Both local markets are waiting for more information before announcing when they will open.
The Ponoka Farmer’s Market and the Ponoka Community Market have posted on their respective Facebook pages that both are continuing to wait for direction on when and under what conditions they can start their seasons.
The Farmer’s Market was due to open a week ago, but a statement posted by the markets’ directors explained that opening has been postponed until further notice due to COVID-19 restrictions. The post added the market is still waiting on information from Alberta Health Services on what precautions would be necessary.
As for the Ponoka Community Market, a post from manager Debbie Lamey explained she spoke with the provincial health inspector at the beginning of May and was due to speak with officials from the town about the possibility of opening.
“Thank you all for hanging in there with all of us. It has been shall we say interesting,” said the post from May 6.
“When they announced things could reopen, there are so many things to do to get ready. There are new restrictions daily, so we have to wait to see what our market will look like.”
Lamey added that the hope was the restrictions would be available prior to May 14, which would allow for discussions with the town about reopening.
“This will be a work-in-progress as we do not want to put the safety of our customers and vendors in jeopardy. Thank you so much for all the calls. We do miss all of you,” the post stated.