Outdoor shopping at the 2nd Street Market to return this weekend

One of the Miami Valley’s favorite places to buy local food, the 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton, will resume its outdoor market Saturday, March 20.

Farmers, growers, producers, and artisan vendors from throughout the region will be on site, weather permitting, each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The 2nd Street Market, located at 600 E. Second St., began its outdoor market last June in response to the pandemic. Located in a former freight house, the indoor space is too narrow to allow for safe social distancing, according to Five Rivers MetroParks, which operates the market.

When outdoor shopping resumes in March on the south side of the building, masks will be required, and visitors should social-distance and keep the number of shoppers from one household to a minimum, said 2nd Street Market Manager Lynda Suda.

“I think people are going to be excited to see us back and have gotten used to more of the outdoor feel,” Suda said. “I think we will see bigger crowds because people will be looking for things to do this spring.”

The market will also offer curbside pickup for people who pre-order directly from the market’s vendors.

Suda said planning for the reopening is ongoing, and visitors should check the market website and Facebook page the week before it opens for a list of participating vendors and other updates.

Shoppers can still support the market vendors through online sales, gift cards and pick-up purchases. A list of online vendors can be found on the Metroparks.org web site.

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Ready to plan a garden? The market has posted a video on its Facebook page from Mission of Mary Cooperative with tips from its farm manager on how to gear up for the growing season.

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