Stay One Cow Length Away: Brooklyn Park Farmers Market Explains Social Distancing

The Brooklyn Park Farmers Market is every Wednesday, but this year is in a new location. It now takes place in the back parking lot of the Community Activity Center.

For many years, the market was at Zane Sports Park, just a few blocks away. Because of COVID-19 there are many other changes too.

Jake Patton, recreation specialist with the city, says the market urges visitors to practice social distancing by staying ‘one cow length away’ from others. In addition, Patton says there’s a one-way traffic flow pattern and handwashing stations.

“We have hand washing stations when you walk in and we’re heavily recommending masks as you come in as well,” said Patton. “One of the biggest things the MDA put out that I really like, is they’re asking people to stay one cow length apart. I think it’s kind of fun to think about it that way. One cow length will keep you at social distance, keep you safe while you’re out here.”

Special steps are also being taken to make sure the food stays as clean as possible.

“Our vendors are also touching all the produce for you,” Patton said. “They are making sure that other people are not going in. They’ve got barriers up to make sure that you guys are safe whenever you do get your produce when you take it home and wash it. Then there will only be a little bit of contact on it.”

Brooklyn Park Farmers Market is Growing

The Brooklyn Park Farmers Market is Wednesday from 2-6:30 p.m. through Oct. 7.  On a recent visit to the market, you could say people have a strong appetite for the many choices available. The parking lot filled up quickly as people flocked to the food canopies run by local farmers. There is corn, potatoes, tomatoes, wild rice and many other tasty options. There was even someone selling vegan soap.

“It’s been growing for many years.” Patton said. “Being my first year of directing, they’ve got a lot of different things going on. We’re trying to help our vendors that are from all over the state – a lot of them from here in Brooklyn Park – but all around the state. They’re trying to help their businesses grow and we’re trying to help them out with that. Giving them a space to do that. Giving them a space to have consumers come in.”

The chance to get farm to table food definitely is a huge appeal for people at the market.

“That is exactly what it’s all about,” Patton said. “You look around and you see all these great things that people have worked very hard to farm and grow out. It takes weeks and weeks and we get new things every week as they start growing. You’ll see it. You’ll see new things come in every single week that you can just tell that’s farm to table.”

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