Ligonier Country Market will open with new safety rules in place

The Ligonier Country Market will open May 23 for its 45th season — with some adjustments mandated by the covid-19 pandemic.

The market is held 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays, rain or shine, at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association Farm, off West Main Street and Route 30 in Ligonier Township.

Organizers also are going ahead with plans for the first night market June 18 on the Ligonier Diamond.

Shoppers will be required to observe social distancing and follow safety guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“As with every new market season, we’re excited to welcome back LCM shoppers and vendors to take part in the weekly outdoor market — and this year holds special meaning since it’s our 45th season,” said executive director Cari Frei. “But this season also is shaping up to be quite different, at least during the initial weeks, in light of the pandemic.

“We’re initiating several necessary changes to the market layout and observing CDC and health department guidelines for how LCM shoppers and vendors must interact so everyone is protected,” Frei continued. “So we’re asking for everyone’s cooperation and patience in observing our new market rules, as we all adjust to this ‘new normal.’ We’ll just take things one week at a time and adapt to government guidelines as they change.”

New guidelines

Beginning May 23 and until further notice, shoppers must follow these guidelines when visiting market grounds:

• Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from other people.

• Wear a protective face mask.

• Reusable bags and totes are prohibited until further notice.

• Enter and exit at the four approved areas.

• Wash your hands upon entering/leaving the market and throughout your visit at hand-washing stations throughout the market.

• Consider carrying personal hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer also will be available, while supplies last, at the executive director’s tent and other market locations.

• Follow all directional signs and guidance from parking attendants. Stay within marked/roped boundaries. Pedestrian aisles will be split to accommodate one-way-only foot traffic.

• Don’t touch vendor foods or food products. Point to what you want, and vendors will bag it for you. Food sampling is prohibited until further notice.

• Consumption of purchased foods while on market grounds is prohibited until further notice.

• Pay with a credit card, debit card or check whenever possible.

• Attempt to send only one family member to shop on market grounds.

• Complete purchases and exit the market as quickly as possible.

Shoppers also should remember that no portable toilets will be available until further notice.

Details: 724-858-7894 or ligoniercountrymarket.com