Although the seasonal Ellijay Farmers Market on Broad Street is not open during the current coronavirus “shelter in place” shutdown, there is a way for local residents to visit the popular Saturday morning venue.
“We are working on doing a ‘virtual’ Ellijay Farmers Market, which will be explained on the Ellijay Farmers Market Facebook page and on the Gilmer County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers website,” said Margaret Williamson of the gardeners.
Although it was hoped the market would be open by May 13 — Gov. Brian Kemp’s latest date for relieving COVID-19 restrictions — the actual date is undetermined, according to Jessie Moore, of the Gilmer County UGA Extension Office.
“We do not have a definite date at this time,” Moore said. “We are working with the university and local officials to determine the best course of action for this year’s market, given the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our hope to have a plan soon.”
Williamson added, “We encourage individuals to find out more about our vendors so that between now and opening they can deal directly with the vendors.”
The Master Gardeners website may be found at gcmgvolunteers.wordpress.com. Their Facebook page is ‘Gilmer County Master Gardner Volunteers.’ There is also an ‘Ellijay Farmers Market’ Facebook page.
The local UGA Extension Office number is 706-635-4426, and Moore can be reached by email at jessmoor@uga.edu.