October 26, 2024

Colfax Farmers’ Market still up in the air

By Dustin Teays

The coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for organizers in Colfax to determine if they will be able to hold farmer's markets this year. (File Photo)

Even with coronavirus restrictions being lifted across the State of Iowa, in Colfax it is still unclear when, how or if they will be able to move forward with holding farmers’ market this year.

The status of the Colfax Farmers’ Market is still up in the air as organizers aren’t sure where or when they would able to hold it. Even though some restrictions have been lifted, they are still regulations in place like having certain entrances and exits and stalls being a certain distance apart.

“Even if we did do it we are going to have to figure out regulations,” Colfax Main Street Director Stuart Patterson said.

While farmers’ market typically kickoff around Memorial Day, Patterson said the pandemic has pushed everything back. Right now, even though things are in limbo, he hopes they can revisit the possibility of starting in July, if things have died down.

“We are just having a really tough time trying to figure out where to do it and how to do it in Colfax. There is no set timetable yet,” Patterson said.

Additionally, there are plenty of construction projects happening in Colfaxi including a water main project and Bank Iowa with construction equipment throughout town. Mineral Springs Park was looked at, as well, but it was unsure whether there are restrictions on having gatherings in parks.

“Even if we did try to do it in Mineral Springs Park or on Front Street again, the water main construction is kind of blocking our plans,” Patterson said. “We are not sure if it is going to happen or not.”

Even though things are unsure right now, Patterson said if there were vendors who would be interested in doing the farmers’ market, they are encouraged to contact the owners at Absolutely YOUnique Boutique in Colfax.

“I would have them if they are interested in being a potential vendor for farmers’ markets to contact Nikki and Tammi at Absolutely YOUnique Boutique,” Patterson said.

People can look to the Colfax Main Street Facebook page to get updates on the farmers’ market as well as other activities in the area.

“It’s just a big bummer this year that because of COVID and construction and all that type of stuff, it just makes doing the farmers’ market in Colfax really difficult for this season,” Patterson said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com