Ballard, University District farmers markets to reopen this weekend

The University District and Ballard farmers markets will reopen this weekend to serve as trial runs for possible future farmers market openings. The University District market will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Ballard Farmers Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Sunday. Both will feature a number of modifications to protect both consumers and merchants. Drive-through marketing is encouraged at The Ballard Farmers Market, although people can still come on foot to purchase items. The modified layouts include spacing vendor booths situated 6 to 10 feet from each, hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations and limited entrances to control capacity. Markets won't have food samples or prepared foods, music, entertainment, cooking demonstrations or public-seating areas. Service dogs are permitted, but all other pets are not. People are asked to stay home if they are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick. They are encouraged to pre-order and pre-pay vendors if possible and designate only one shopper per household. Patrons are also asked to follow social-distance protocols of keeping 6 feet of space between themselves and others. To pre-order from farmers, visit the produce hub.