The wait is over. Avid farmers market enthusiasts can now return to the Great Park Certified Farmers Market without needing to stay in the car. Walk-up shopping is back at the Great Park Certified Farmers Market, and will resume on Sunday, Sept. 13.

While COVID-19 forced many businesses to close, the Great Park Certified Farmers Market was still able to provide shoppers with fresh fruits and vegetables, but in a safe, contactless drive-thru format. However, the organizers are eager to return to in-person shopping.

The city of Irvine shared the news via an Instagram post on Friday, Sept. 11.

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This weekend, get ready to browse the Great Park Certified Farmers Market the old-fashioned way: on your feet! 🚶🚶‍♀️ The Farmers Market is resuming walk-up access this Sunday, September 13. Pedestrians can now enjoy shopping for locally grown fruits and vegetables from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, weather permitting. Staff are working hard to make sure continued state and local safety guidelines are followed as we transition from our drive-through format. Vendors and visitors will maintain 6 feet of distance from one another, facial coverings are required, and pets are prohibited until further notice. For more information, visit ocgp.org/farmersmarket. We can't wait to see you this Sunday! . . . #ocgp #greatparkfarmersmarket #irvine #cityofirvine

A post shared by City of Irvine (@cityofirvine) on

This weekend, get ready to browse the Great Park Certified Farmers Market the old-fashioned way: on your feet! 🚶🚶‍♀️

The Farmers Market is resuming walk-up access this Sunday, September 13. Pedestrians can now enjoy shopping for locally grown fruits and vegetables from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, weather permitting.

Staff are working hard to make sure continued state and local safety guidelines are followed as we transition from our drive-through format. Vendors and visitors will maintain 6 feet of distance from one another, facial coverings are required, and pets are prohibited until further notice.

For more information, visit ocgp.org/farmersmarket. We can’t wait to see you this Sunday!

Orange County has made progress against the virus, with positivity rates and hospitalizations continuing to decline. Earlier this month, county barbershops and salons were allowed to return to work indoors. On Sept. 8, the county moved into the “Substantial” category within the state’s new tiers for COVID-19 monitoring.

While face masks and social distancing will be enforced, the city of Irvine also posted a list of new COVID-19 guidelines for those interested in visiting the GPCFM.

FARMERS MARKET GUIDELINES DURING COVID-19

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Vendors will be placed at least 6 feet apart, the Farmers Market will maintain an aisle space between all tent rows, and attendance will be tracked by staff to monitor crowd levels.
  • Maintain 6 feet of social distance between other groups.
  • Facial coverings are required for those ages 2 and older.
  • Follow posted signage indicating where to stand for service and direction of travel.
  • Do not enter the Farmers Market if you are exhibiting any illness symptoms or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
  • No pets are allowed.
  • Food trucks and craft vendors are unavailable until further notice. Market attendees are asked not to linger once shopping is complete.

Considering the world is still battling a pandemic, there’s no doubt shopping will feel and look a bit different. However, Irvine residents will surely find a balance welcoming back this vibrant and engaging community activity.

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