Milton Farmers Market to suspend events after June 26

Responding to unsustainable revenues from farmers markets held while following required social distancing and limited-capacity rules for Delaware markets, the board of directors of the Milton Farmers Market has decided to suspend the market following the scheduled Friday, June 26 date. Suspending the market dates for the remainder of the season, while a difficult decision, allows vendors to find other outlets for their products for the rest of the summer and fall. 

“It pains us to call a halt to the Milton Farmers Market this year; we wish we could continue to provide an outlet for our vendors and carry on supplying customers with locally grown produce, flowers, food and merchandise,” said Patti Nicholson, president of the market’s board of directors. “Our mission is to operate a community-supported market that attracts customers to Milton, fostering a sense of community, and providing a family-friendly gathering place, all while operating in a financially sustainable way. It’s clear the Milton Farmers Market cannot be profitable for us or our vendors without the sociable elements – live music, prepared food for on-site dining, and friendly mingling – that the Phase 2 guidelines for markets still prohibit. To preserve the resources we will need for future seasons, we must suspend the market for July, August, September and October.” 

To find farmers markets, farm stands, CSAs and other ways to buy local produce from the First State’s 2,500 farm families, use the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Buy Local Delaware Guide.

“We will miss seeing our vendors, performers and customers at the end of each summer week,” said Mike Isabell, market director. “All the volunteers involved in the Milton Farmers Market now look ahead to next year’s market season with high hopes for more normal, workable conditions.”