This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
The Kingsport Farmers Market will begin its 2020 season on Saturday, May 23. In order to keep vendors and market-goers as safe as possible, some operations have changed.
“We’re excited to get the season underway,” said Kristie Leonard, market manager and Special Events Coordinator for Kingsport. “But for us to be able to open and continue to operate this season, this won’t be our market as usual.”
At the direction of the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, the market will implement new protocols for guests and vendors alike.
The most obvious change will be in how you enter and exit the market. There will now be designated, clearly marked entry and exit points, as well as signage inside the market to help visitors navigate the new vendor layout. To create adequate space between vendors, parking has been modified (see map). Overflow parking is available in the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce lot.
The CDC and the SCRHD recommend that people wear masks when visiting public places like the market.
All market programs, including Saturdays with the Chef and the Homegrown Gardening series, have been suspended until further notice. Anyone who needs to redeem SNAP benefits may do so at the market kiosk.
So what do market visitors need to prepare for?
– If you feel sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.
– Be alert and follow all posted signage in the market.
– Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and others. Look for physical cues like tape, chalk and signage to help you remember.
– Be prepared to shop quickly and efficiently. Farmers markets are often social place, but it’s important right now to refrain from socializing in groups for a long period of time.
– Only touch produce you intend to purchase. Allow vendors to help you with produce.
– Please bring small bills or exact change to limit cash transactions.
– You may bring reusable bags, but please do not pass to vendors to fill. Your vendor will hand bagged products to you for you to place in your bag. Vendors will have a limited number of paper and reusable bags on hand.
– Do not eat on site—take all foods to go.
– Wash all produce when you arrive home.
– Please respect vendors by leaving adequate space between yourself and them. Do not go behind a vendor table.
– Leave your furry friends at home. To maintain the quick and easy flow of customers through the market, only service animals will be allowed at this time.
– Wash and sanitize your hands often.
Wednesday markets will begin on June 3. To learn more about the Kingsport Farmers Market, please visit kingsportfarmersmarket.org.
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation department has made the difficult decision to cancel its Summer Program for 2020. While the decision is one out of caution for the safety and health of summer program participants, staff have come up with unique and fun ways kids can still get involved and have fun this summer!
“We realize a lot of kids look forward to summer camp with us every year and we know it is always important to engage in mental and physical activities,” said Parks and Recreation Program Administrator Renee Ensor. “We are excited to offer some new family oriented programs this year, which provide a variety of leisure time choices.”
Here are the programs your children can chose to take part in:
- Summer program in a box
- This box will include six themed weeks; each week will have games and crafts pertaining to that theme. The box will also include a t-shirt, water bottle, sunglasses and more! Every week the parks and recreation staff will have scheduled zoom calls with the kids to do some physical activities and games.
- Registration is required – May 18-29
- Register online kingsportparksandrecreation.org
- Fee: $20 per box/$15 after first child
- Pickleball
- Outdoor pickleball at the Borden Park court. We will have scheduled time slots on Mondays and Thursdays from 9am-1pm. Open to ages 14 and above. The scheduled time slots will not exceed more than 10 people and the parks and recreation staff will be disinfecting the pickle balls at the end of each time slot. Participants must bring their own paddles. To register you must call (423) 224-2489 or email ReneeEnsor@KingsportTN.gov
- NBA 2k
- Staff will be hosting a virtual NBA 2k tournament and season.
- Ages 8-12
- Participants must have their own gaming console and NBA 2k game. No equipment will be provided.
- Contact (423) 343-9723 or TravisSensabaugh@KingsportTN.gov to register
- Registration date: May 22-June 5
- Fortnite Fridays
- Parks and Recreation staff will be hosting virtual Fortnite Fridays where participants will be able to play Fortnite games with others and parks and recreation staff.
- Ages 6-12
- Participants must have their own gaming console and Fortnite game. No equipment will be provided.
- Contact (423) 343-9723 or TravisSensabaugh@KingsportTN.gov to register
- Registration date: May 22-June 5
- Travel Trainer
- Parks and Recreation staff will be going throughout different communities to bring the workout to you. Staff will be doing simple fitness instruction and all equipment will be provided. Classes will not exceed more than 10 people and the staff will designate spots for participants that will meet the 6 feet apart guidelines. Contact (423) 343-9723 or email TravisSensabaugh@KingsportTN.gov to find out dates, times and locations.
Additional programs for disc golf, archery, tennis, walking, cornhole toss, nutrition, health/wellness and much more will be offered later this summer. Stay tuned and check out Kingsport Parks and Recreation on social media for more information about these exciting opportunities.
For more information, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.
This content has restricted access, please type the password below and get access.