J. Michael McTernan was our speaker (yes, he is the son of our fellow Rotarian Tom!). He was the driving force behind the Kenosha Public Market. Farmers were concerned re: COVID keeping HarborMarket from opening. He wanted to help local farmers/vendors to continue to make a living during this time. He solicited a diverse group of community minded board members, some who had been involved in other markets across the US, applied for licensing and 501(c)3 status, created the name and set a goal to have everything up and running by the time crops came in. He informed vendors that were not "essential", that they would not be able to participate due to COVID restrictions. He met with the local Fire department and City of Kenosha to learn the best way to keep everyone safe and understand restrictions in place and to determine a place where this could be held safely. Met with the Police Chief to obtain input/advice on crowd control. He reviewed CDC guidelines to learn about social distancing and all other guidelines. "A new way to market" was developed to give an on-line presence, in case the open air market couldn't . Decided to do curbside pickup. Today there are 50 vendor booths set up in a U configuration, w/ 10 feet space on each side, their vehicle can be parked next to them for easy set up/ clean up and supply replenishment, located by the Municipal building open space. Lawn parking on the west side for ~ 75 cars. There is a one-way traffic pattern for those walking the market (counter clockwise). They have produce-meats-honey-desserts-breads-flowers-garlic and so on. They also have food vendors separate from the market to pick up your food and take home to eat - 2 distinct areas food vendors/market. You can place your order on line and it will be delivered right to your car. Creating the market to be self sustaining: vendors pay $25/week or $50/week for double space. Vendors supply their own tents, displays, signs. They accept donations/sponsorships. Board helps at the market each Saturday. They are currently working on having a winter presence. Check them out at https://www.kenoshapublicmarkets.com/
