Farmer’s Market returns to Broadway in Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Farmers Market is back on Broadway as of Wednesday night, with some changes in place due to COVID-19.

This year, there are some social distancing practices in place, and booths are spread out, with hand sanitizer available throughout the market.

Those who are fully vaccinated don’t have to wear masks, and those who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to. However, leaders say they trust the community to make the right decision.

“One of the things we often talk about is organizations like ours, those that coordinate special events, they’re really going to be a critical piece in terms of restoring trust back into public spaces. We’re happy to play a role with that as the community starts to be able to come out and enjoy some of these things again,” said Brian Johnson, the executive director of On Broadway, Inc.

Live music echoed across downtown, signaling a return to normalcy.

“It feels great, it’s nice to get out of the house and be around people and then get back to this sort of atmosphere,” said Holly Van Dam of Green Bay.

“I know we’re all outside, everyone feels pretty safe, feels nice to not have to wear a mask anymore and just finally having Covid be more relaxed now,” said Scott Grassmann of Green Bay.

Vendors like Rustique were also happy to be back serving customers on Broadway too.

“It’s huge, it’s a big source of income too. So, not having it last year kind of hurt. We did well last year with to-goes at the restaurant, but not being down here was defiantly kind of sad too because there’s a lot of people you see here that you don’t see back at the restaurant,” said Robbie Kreuger, general manager of Rustique.

The event draws as many as 10,000 people to downtown Green Bay every Wednesday, and is open from 3 - 8 p.m. between Walnut and Dousman Streets.

Venders who were part of the market last year, are happy it’s back in it’s true location with a steady stream of people going past the booth.

“After surviving Covid year, our expectations are very low. So anything is really great,” said Christine Kocourek, Owner of Floppy Ear Farm. We’re hoping it will be a busy year down here to make up for last year; but frankly, I’m just happy to be back on the street and being selected as one of the vendors here.”

Officials say they had to adjust the number of vendors this year to accommodate social distancing, but are also happy to play a role in spurring the local economy.

“We really hope that being on Broadway is going to draw out the attendance figures that are really necessary that’s really going to support small businesses,” said Johnson.

The Farmer’s Market On Broadway runs every Wednesday 3-8 p.m. through September 29.

Event organizers close the market at 7 p.m. after Labor Day.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the event, including vendor listing by booth numbers, a market map, and vendor applications.

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