photo by: Elvyn Jones/Journal-World File Photo

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

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market, whose opening had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will return this Saturday, May 30, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Brian McInerney, the market’s manager, said that all stalls would be 6 feet apart, hand sanitizer would be available at each stall, and wearing masks is encouraged. He also encourages participants at the open-air market, located at 824 New Hampshire St., to have a plan and be efficient with their purchases.

“It’s not really a place to socialize at this time,” he said. “Know what you want to purchase and make sure you’re following the guidelines.”

No pets will be allowed, McInerney said, because people tend to be more social with their pets. There will also be no entertainment. McInerney called it an “essential market.” Because it will be the first one this season, he expects market participants to learn a lot.

“If everything works out correctly, then of course the market is going to change for the better,” McInerney said of the future.

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market typically has about 60 to 70 vendors. This Saturday, it will have between 40 and 50, McInerney said. The market did not have to turn any vendors away this week, but some decided not to participate.

Those who have been placing orders with farmers’ market vendors through the new smartphone app will still be able to do so, McInerney said. Produce ordered through the app can be picked up from the individual vendors on Saturday. McInerney encourages people to wash produce thoroughly.

McInerney said that details regarding the reopening of the Tuesday market, located in South Park from 4 to 6 p.m., have not yet been determined. For up-to-date information, McInerney suggested people check the website, lawrencefarmersmarket.org, or the Facebook page, Lawrence Farmers Market.