ARNPRIOR – Like farmers’ markets across the province, Arnprior’s market has announced it will be delaying this season’s opening.

“We are sad to announce that due to COVID-19 the start date of the Arnprior Market has been postponed and is tentatively set to open on John Street on July 5,” market organizers released in a statement May 1.

The market, held downtown on John Street, was expected to open May 17. With the delay, organizers have instead decided to open with a “virtual market” on that date on the market’s Facebook page.

“We are excited to be helping you access all your favourite vendors’ products from the safety of your home until July 5 by launching our virtual market which is set to open on May 17,” organizers said.

Several of the Arnprior Market’s vendors are West Carleton-based businesses and farms.

Limestone Acres farm has been an Arnprior Market vendor since the market’s inception and is disappointed they will not be open for business this May

“We are sad we won’t see our regular, weekly customers at the market this spring,” Limestone Acres’ Amanada Gillespie released in a statement. “We will still be growing all kinds of fresh produce here on the farm so stay tuned for market updates and other announcements during the season. Stay safe everyone.”