A new home, masks, and more changes take effect as Broad Ripple Farmers Market opens

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Broad Ripple Farmers Market opened Saturday morning as scheduled despite a health pandemic, fluid stay-at-home orders and a last-minute location change.

“It’s incredible we managed to open today,” said Colleen Fanning, executive director of the Broad Ripple Village Association.

While the market is open, several changes have been put into place, most noticeably the new location. The market is now in the overflow lot behind Glendale Town Center.

“It actually works better for us because there is more space,” said Fanning.

The bigger space will allow for customers and vendors to practice social distancing. Vendors will be spaced 10 feet apart and only one customer will be allowed at a booth at a time.

The market is open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., but the first half hour is reserved for people 65 and over and for those that are more vulnerable. There will also be no dogs, eating or drinking allowed at the market. In addition, masks are encouraged for customers and required for vendors.

“This is the new fun. It’s not the market you are used. Today is about shopping for healthy food and supporting local vendors, many who depend on the market for income,” said Fanning.

Despite the new location and guidelines, the market is encouraging people to pre-order and pre-pay online for Saturday pick-up. Most vendors have their own order cut-off times, which you can check here.

For more information, watch the video above.