After a delayed start due to COVID-19, farmers markets will soon be commencing in Stuart and Panora.

The Stuart Farmers Market begins on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Since City parks are still closed to the public, the market is temporarily moving to the former Stuart Sale Barn on Highway 6 at the east end of town. Visitors will be able to drive or walk to the vendor tables, as Market Manager Sue Ruden says this summer’s market won’t be typical, “We discourage children coming in. We really encourage single people to come in and make their purchases and leave. We love to talk to people, but it just isn’t something that we’re encouraging this year. I feel like we’re lucky to even have the market open this year at this time.”

Ruden also encourages masks and for people to point at the items they’d like to purchase, rather than grabbing at them. Pets are also not allowed. The Panora Square Fridays Flea & Farmers Market begins tomorrow from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the downtown square. For more information on the Stuart Farmers Market, contact Ruden at 515-789-4228, and for more information on Panora’s market, call 515-822-4744.