Rutherford County Partners with Main Street to Promote Safety Measures for Upcoming Saturday Market

Rutherford County Government is partnering with Main Street Murfreesboro to promote safety measures for the upcoming Saturday Market.

The Saturday Market, anticipating over 50 vendors, will open for the first time this season on Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 am in downtown Murfreesboro around the historic courthouse square.

To protect vendors and patrons, Main Street has determined to follow strongly recommended guidelines to slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We, like Main Street, have the desire to keep our community safe while carrying on the tradition of the Saturday Market,” said Rutherford County Mayor Bill Ketron. “We are urging market patrons to follow the recommendations set forth by Main Street and the Saturday Market organizers.”

Rules and recommendations for the market include: Wearing face coverings, limiting the number of shoppers per household, no pets in the market area, and practicing social distancing, especially around the vendor areas. Rutherford County Health Department has given Main Street free reusable masks to give out in June while supplies last. Patrons at the market can pick up a mask at the Main Street information table on the west side of the courthouse.

Ketron emphasizes the importance of practicing the safety measures. “While we understand that some may find it inconvenient to wear face coverings, we are asking that while you are in the market area, that you please wear one. This is not only for your protection but also for the protection of those around you.”

According to Main Street Director Sarah Callender, vendors have been asked to wear face coverings, wear and change gloves frequently or consistently wash hands with sanitizer that has an alcohol content of 60 percent or more. Most are providing cashless transactions, but will still accept cash. A select number of vendors are also offering pre-order pickup. “There is one parking space designated for picking up orders,” said Callender. “It is on the north side of the square by the well.” Pre-orders and pickups must be arranged with the individual vendors.

Callender asks that customers respect the vendors during set up time. “We do not want any foot traffic in the market area before 8:00 am when the market officially opens,” said Callender. She further explains, “This gives vendors the opportunity and room to unload their vehicles.”

Mayor Ketron had something to say about the foot traffic as well. “The historic courthouse renovations include new landscaping and sod, so we are asking vendors and customers to stay off of the grass and freshly landscaped areas.” The restrooms at the courthouse will be available for public use during market hours of operation.

Lastly, Callender requests that the public refrain from parking overnight inside the square, as it blocks vendor spots for the market.

“We are grateful for the ability to move forward with the Saturday Market,” said Callender. “We appreciate the patience of our customers as we navigate this event with these special rules and recommendations to keep everyone safe. We also thank Mayor Ketron for his willingness to work with us to make this happen.”

“The opening of the Saturday Market is always a much-anticipated event,” said Ketron. “ I am confident that our citizens will do their part to follow these recommendations while enjoying our downtown area. Just remember: maintain your space, cover your face, and help us remain #RutherfordCountyStrong.”

Downtown stores and restaurants will be open earlier on Saturdays for walk-in shopping/dining during the market. For a list of participating vendors and a link to the layout map, please visit: https://mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/main-street-farmers-market/.