NEWS

Hello DFM Shoppers,

I am delighted to write this week’s newsletter because it means DFM is reopening this weekend, Saturday, June 27. While closed for the past four months, we have worked hard to rethink of how to reopen the market and keep everyone (staff, vendors, and shoppers) safe and healthy and at the same time continue DFM’s mission and values.

With the support from the Board of Directors, the Town of Davidson, our vendors, and YOU we have been able to raise the needed funds to purchase new equipment and safety materials, redesign the market layout, and implement new features to create more access to local fresh foods and goods while keeping our community safe. Thank you!

So, what can you expect with the new Davidson Farmers Market?

First, we are reopening the market in two phases. Phase 1 is for two weeks, June 27 and July 4, and is pre-order pick-up only. Below, you can find which vendors are offering pre-orders, what this week’s offerings are, and how to place an order for a June 27 pick-up. These two weeks are important to our vendors and shoppers because it allows everyone the opportunity to reopen and become comfortable with the new layout and health and safety procedures before our grand reopening July 11. Think of it as our soft reopen.

Phase 2 will start July 11, and will include in person shopping at the market plus pre-order pick-up. Below we explain more of what to expect with DFM’s new layout and our new health and safety procedures for vendors, staff, and shoppers.

Besides reopening with new shopping options and a new market layout, we also have exciting news regarding DFM staffing. DFM has become such a beloved market for the Lake Norman area and over the course of 12 years has increased the number of vendors and has attracted a large shopper following that it was time to expand DFM operations to support the growth of the organization. We are thrilled to announce that we have hired a second staff member, a Market Coordinator. Courtney Spear has joined the DFM team in the new position and will be responsible for market operations, vendor and shopper relations, and oversee our volunteers. This role is critical in the advancement of DFM as I move into a new role as the Market Director to grow the organization and strengthen operations. I am excited to work with Courtney and know her previous work with DFM will help keep DFM’s momentum going and ensure the market continues for years to come. Please welcome Courtney back to DFM!

We look forward to seeing everyone in the coming weeks as we reopen. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me directly or stop by the Market Tent on Saturday.

Happy eating,

Justin

The Vendors | Saturday, June 27

This week our vendors have a variety of pre-order selections ranging from fruits and vegetables, proteins, fresh cut flowers, wellness honey and extracts, and baked goods.

Pre-order options include al a carte, bundles, and boxes. To view this week’s vendor offerings and to place an order for pick-up on June 27, please click the link below.

CLICK HERE FOR PRE-ORDER OPTIONS 

What To Expect

The market will look a little different when we reopen.

Phase 1 Hours, June 27 & July 4: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Phase 2 Hours, Every Saturday starting July 11: 9:00 a.m. – Noon

The biggest change is the layout. The market now has a perimeter, creating a flow for shopper traffic and allow DFM to monitor the number of shoppers in the space at one time. The market is still located behind Summit Coffee, but is now primarily in the Jackson Street Parking lot and the greenspace around it.

Rather than accessing the market from multiple locations, there is now a designated entrance and exit. The entrance is at the top of the Jackson Street Parking Lot, entering at the red tent. To the right of the entrance will be the Market Tent. To exit the market, shoppers will leave using the sidewalk near the entrance headed towards the Market Shed. We will have lots of signs to help direct traffic and plenty of volunteers to help answer shopper questions.

We also have proper social distancing between vendors and have created a center barricade to help direct shopper traffic to keep everyone safe. At the Market Tent we will also have market maps to help shoppers locate their preferred vendors.

All vendors, staff, and volunteers will wear masks and have hand sanitizer accessible. In addition, there will be two hand sanitizer stations in the greenspace outside of the market boundaries for shoppers to use (provided by the Town of Davidson).

Because we are using the entire Jackson Street Parking Lot, there will not be parking at the bottom but DFM is not using the parking lot next to Summit Coffee allowing additional parking for our shoppers in addition to street parking and the parking lot parallel to Jackson Street.

We also have health & safety procedures (see below).

We Ask That You Please

• Wear a mask to protect DFM vendors, staff, and shoppers;
• Let a vendor pick your produce and product, please refrain from touching;
• Maintain social distancing when shopping: at least 6 feet; 
• Credit card payments encouraged and accepted, keep cash payments to a minimum;
• Minimize gathering within the market, catch up with folks outside the market boundaries, and;
• No pets allowed in the market, certified service animals welcome.

Sponsors & Friends

TITLE SPONSOR

Clark Goff/Allen Tate

FRIENDS

Lake Norman Embroidery and Screen Printing

Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas