FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2020
Contact: Andrew Heath, Executive Director
Downtown Bentonville, Inc.
andrew@downtownbentonville.org
717-824-2281

Bentonville, AR – Today, Downtown Bentonville, Inc. announced its plan to open its walk-through, outdoor farmers market on the Bentonville Square this Saturday, July 11th. New enhanced safety measures will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Since the beginning of May, the farmers market has been a drive-through shopping experience at Orchards Park.

The market will begin with a 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 am priority shopping hour for seniors and those at higher risk for serious complications from infection.

All market attendees will enter through one of four entrances at the following locations:

1. The intersection of NW A Street and NE Second Street near Bar Cleeta
   
2. Main Street alongside the Walmart Neighborhood Market
   
3. The intersection of NE A Street and NE Second Street to the North of the courthouse
   
4. The intersection of Central and Main Street in front of Spark Cafe
   

Once inside, shoppers will notice vendors lining only one side of each street. Vendors will be required to wear a mask and tents will be spread apart ten or more feet to allow for ample social distancing.

Shoppers older than ten years of age are required to wear a face covering, allow for six feet of separation between families or attendees, and spend limited time shopping. To ensure safety enhancements are followed throughout the farmers market, extra security will be provided by SafeHaven Security.

“After careful planning and coordination with our partners, Downtown Bentonville Inc. is confident that we can provide that quintessential downtown farmers market experience for our community in a way that is mindful of safety and health recommendations. We ask that customers think of the market as an outdoor grocery store, be respectful of each other’s safety, and be patient as we all adapt to this modified market experience,” says Andrew Heath, Downtown Bentonville Inc. Executive Director.

A curbside pickup service will also be available for those who pre-order through the Bentonville Farmers Market app. The app may be downloaded from the app store by searching ‘Bentonville Farmers Market.’ All orders must be submitted by Friday at 1:00 pm for a Saturday morning pickup.

Shoppers are also strongly encouraged to explore and support the downtown businesses and restaurants while spending Saturday at Bentonville’s Farmers Market.

“While supporting our local producers at the farmers market, we hope all members of our community also plan to grab a coffee, lunch, or a gift from our businesses working tirelessly to stay afloat during these tough times,” said Heath.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE INC.
Downtown Bentonville, Inc., is a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen and enhance the Downtown Bentonville Experiencefor those who live, work, play and visit the area.

For more information, visit www.DowntownBentonville.org