Five Rivers MetroParks is working with vendors, volunteers and the 2nd Street Market’s staff to gradually resume operations of the indoor space at the 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St. Starting Saturday, July 17, the indoor space at Market will reopen on Saturdays only and resume its pre-pandemic hours for that day, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Many of the current outdoor famers market vendors that typically occupy an indoor booth will resume operations indoors.
“The timeline for reopening will be progressive,” said 2nd Street Market Manager Lynda Suda. “We will start with Saturdays and then will continue to add additional days as customer base and vendor capacity allows.”
The Market’s staff are currently working with vendors to determine which ones will return to the indoor Market starting July 17, including prepared food vendors.
“We recognize the Market is one of the few places in downtown Dayton where people can access fresh, healthy food, so it was important we stay open in some capacity throughout the pandemic,” Suda said. “Welcoming vendors and the public back into our indoor space allows us to provide a wider range of products to the community and helps support more small businesses.”
Through a partnership with local nonprofit Homefull, the EBT/SNAP exchange will resume indoors. The Market also will continue offering Produce Perks, a matching program that qualifying shoppers can use to maximize their purchases on produce.
Upon opening the indoor space, the Market will continue to work with vendors to assess their capacity to be able to return to pre-pandemic operations. This includes an understanding of how and when other businesses in the downtown area plan to fully return.
Face coverings will not be required but encouraged for those who are not fully vaccinated, and disposable masks will be available at the Market’s entrances. To be cognizant of people’s comfort levels, indoor seating will be spread throughout the building, providing people with more personal space.
Shoppers can expect a number of outdoor farmers market vendors to remain outside, relocating to the north side of the building along East Second Street. The outdoor farmers market vendors offer fresh produce, artisan wares, pantry staples and more.
Because the outdoor farmers market will relocate to the north side of the building, only handicapped parking will be allowed in that area. Visitor parking will be available in the back of the building, with overflow parking available at the Steam Plant.
The 2nd Street Market is one of many downtown businesses working hard to serve the community, inviting people to reconvene, recharge and reconnect with downtown Dayton.
“The Market was an anchor for the revitalization of downtown Dayton nearly 20 years ago,” Suda said. “We’re honored to be here for the community as we begin to return to normal after a historical event that impacted our city, country and the world.”
The 2nd Street Market helps Five Rivers MetroParks meet its conservation mission and serve as the region’s conservation leader by providing the community access to fresh, local food, which is less taxing on the environment and often healthier.
For the most up-to-date information about the 2nd Street Market – including future information on special events, vendor updates, live music and more – visit the Market’s Facebook page or metroparks.org/localfood. Visitors also can call 937-228-2088 or email [email protected].
