The Summer Street Stroll farmers market that usually opens in May has been postponed until the first Thursday in June, according to Barton County Public Information Office Donna Zimmerman.

In making the decision, three factors were considered: the health of the vendors, the health of the customers, and the willingness and comfort level of the consumers to come out and purchase products.

The vendors, the Barton County Health Department and the City of Great Bend will re-evaluate in a month to determine if the new start date is still appropriate.

Katelyn Sigler at the Health Department and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes said they are working with vendors to find safe, alternative ways to get fresh produce to the people who want it.

Hayes added that both the Summer Street Stroll and the farmers market that traditionally takes place in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot are on city grounds, which means vendors need to get permission to sell items on the property.

“Because public lands are closed at this point, it makes things a little different this year,” Hayes said. “Right now, especially with the stay-at-home order (being extended to May 3), we will need to keep evaluating and discuss together what is best for our community.”