The Fremont Sunday Market has finally been given permission to re-open, following strict guidelines and procedures, aimed at protecting visitors and vendors alike. The Seattle Mayor’s Office and Public Health of Seattle/King County have finally given the Northwest Marketplaces permission to set a plan and prepare for re-opening.
Northwest Marketplaces has been working all summer at the Ballard Farmer’s Market to develop procedures that prevent COVID-19 transmission – and they will be bringing their successes to Fremont. However, this will mean changes for those familiar with past operations at Fremont Sunday Market.
For vendors – space will be limited, and only FSM members will be eligible to set up booths for the time being. No drop-in vendors can be given space, temporarily. Reservations will be required for all vendors. Unfortunately, for the time being, there will be no prepared food, antiques, and collectible vendors allowed.
For visitors – the Market will be gated, for entry and exit, with temperature checks and limited occupancy. This may result in lines and delays, but Northwest Marketplaces is working exhaustively to find ways to make this easier and less frustrating for all.
Of course, all visitors and vendors will be required to wear face coverings.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, and due to the continued closure of the Market, Northwest Marketplaces had to lay-off staff. They look forward to welcoming back the workers to the Fremont Sunday Market, but that will take time as well.
On September 16th, the Fremont Sunday Market will mark 30 years of existence. Jon Hegeman and Candace Reiter launched the Market at the end of the summer in 1990, in the face of a whole lot of doubters, and saw it spring to life with great enthusiasm and quick acceptance. Where Fremont once had sidewalks devoid of pedestrians on Sundays; after the first year of the Market, Sundays became the best business day for most retailers and restaurants at the Center of the Universe.
Please watch the Fremont Market Facebook page (click here,) or keep reading Fremocentrist.com, for word of the first re-opening date for the legendary, the stalwart, and the indispensable Fremont Sunday Market!!