CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- The Carbondale Farmers Market opened for its summer season Saturday but, due to social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening comes with big change.
The weekly event where folks can grab fresh, local, produce has now been transformed into a drive-thru.
Dozens of people lined up in their cars Saturday morning as market staff worked in pairs - with one taking orders and the other handling produce.
Market organizers say the farmers market will continue to operate in this new fashion for the foreseeable future - saying it's about safety first but also keeping customers supplied with fresh produce.
"Once we figured out how we could keep the customer and ourselves safe, then we put it all together; I think it's working. Everybody seems to be okay with it. They're driving through, being patient, and maybe not seeing quite as much stuff, but it will get bigger and bigger," says Farmers Market President, Kurt Sweitzer.
The Carbondale Farmers Market is every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The drive-thru process will adjust accordingly as the market grows with more vendors and more produce to offer customers.
