EAST PROVIDENCE — Though a bit delayed, the seventh annual season of the Farmers Market on the Weaver Library grounds launched last week, Thursday, July 9, under slightly different conditions due to the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but still featuring the usual amount of frivolity and folksiness associated with it during its previous six years.

“Although it was a very hot afternoon, we had 10 vendors and had 258 people enter the market over the three hours,” said Joyce May, the library’s Assistant Director for Adult Services and coordinator of the market since its inception. “We had two vendors drop out at the last minute due to problems related to COVID-19. So, our work does not end. We'll be working on recruiting three or four more for the season.”

The weekly festivities, which begin at 4 p.m. and continue to 7 o’clock, feature a lineup of vendors offering fresh local plants, vegetables, fruit, eggs, baked goods, honey, cheese, salsas, jams and more.

Those expected to regularly attend this week include: Farmers Margarita and Teo Pons, Geek Gardens, Martinellis, Daily Farm and Cedar Ledge Apiaries, along with Harvest Kitchen, Delfina’s Plants, Blush Bakeshop, WebeJammin, Soul Fresh Proteins, Hilly's Soaps, Pop’s Hot Dogs. Also, East Providence's own Sacred Cow Granola is being sold at the market table as is Rhed's Hot Sauce.

The focus of the market in 2020, according to organizers, must be on keeping everyone healthy and safe. To that end, every precaution to avoid the spread of the coronavirus is being taken and customers are being asked to plan their shopping trips with efficiency in mind. Sanitizer will be available. All purchased food must be enjoyed at home, not at the Weaver site.

Because of state health guidelines related to the pandemic, Weaver staff roped off ingress and egress to the market for the first time. Mrs. May noted it was a bit extra work, but it did give the library an accurate count of customers who attended last week.

One of the new requirements by the state, of course, is the wearing of masks when in public places. To that end, Mrs. May said one of the members of the Friends of the East Providence Public Library support group made what she called “beautiful vegetable-themed masks,” selling 42 of them. Those funds support the group’s efforts.

This week’s edition, July 16, is highlighted by an appearance of Justin Marra from Rumford will be performing tunes in a blend of Americana, Folk, Blues and Rock. At the July 23 market, Ocean State Ramblers, a favorite local blue grass band, is the featured performer.

“We're so glad that we didn't cancel the market music,” Mrs. May said, adding cones are being put 14 feet between the performers and patrons according to new guidelines for outdoor performance. “Folks really enjoyed hearing live music again.”

The Weaver Library Farmers’ Market welcomes customers with SNAP/EBT, WIC, Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons, and credit or debit cards. Thanks to a grant from Farm Fresh Rhode Island, SNAP customers can double their SNAP. For every dollar swiped, get a free dollar in Bonus Bucks for fruits and vegetables.

For the most current market information, see the Weaver Library Farmers’ Market Facebook page or call the library at 401-434-2453.

— East Providence Post and eastbayri.com staff photographer Rich Dionne shot the accompanying gallery of photos.

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