photo by: Elvyn Jones/Journal-World File Photo

The downtown Lawrence Farmers' Market at 824 New Hampshire St. is pictured Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Lawrence’s downtown farmers’ market, which had planned before the coronavirus pandemic to open this Saturday, is delaying its start until May 30.

Lawrence Farmers’ Market Manager Brian McInerney said organizers decided to delay the opening because of local and state orders to limit public gatherings and encourage social distancing. The market usually runs from the beginning of April through the end of November, and close to 80 vendors participated at the beginning of last season, the Journal-World previously reported.

In an effort to still help farmers sell fresh produce to local residents, McInerney said organizers are working to develop a smartphone app where people can see vendors’ offerings and place orders for curbside pickup or delivery. More information about the apps will be released when plans are solidified, McInerney said.

Some local farms and other vendors have begun taking orders through their websites, and more information about those options can be found on their individual Facebook pages.

A weekly Thursday farmers’ market at Cottin’s Hardware, 1832 Massachusetts St., is still being held, but there are only two vendors currently, store owner Linda Cottin said.

In nearby Johnson County, the Overland Park Farmers’ Market postponed its Saturday opening after complaints from concerned residents, The Kansas City Star reported. In Wichita, one of the city’s two annual markets has decided to go forward with its Saturday opening, the Wichita Eagle reported.