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Town’s July 4th parade cancelled Learning to say ‘thank you’
Observer file photo
Revelers at last year’s July 4th parade will have to wait until 2021 to celebrate the annual town tradition again.
Fireworks show may go on By Jason Starr Observer staff
Deferring to restrictions on large gatherings in Gov. Phil Scott’s ongoing emergency public health order, the Williston Selectboard on Tuesday cancelled the town’s
annual Fourth of July parade. A majority of board members, however, hope to salvage a fireworks show to celebrate Independence Day. “I think people need something to look forward to,” board member Joy Limoge said in a video-conferenced board meeting Tuesday. “I am pretty desperate to see some good cheer and happiness in the community.”
The board tabled a decision on the fireworks until June. Recreation and Parks Director Todd Goodwin said he would need to order the fireworks at least two weeks in advance. He noted that Independence Day celebrations in Richmond, Colchester and Essex have already been cancelled. Board member Jeff Fehrs said he would not support the town hosting a fireworks show on the Fourth. “I think we need to err on the side of caution and cancel or postpone it,” he said. “I just don’t see how this is going to be possible. Even if we are allowed to hold larger gatherings, I’m having a tough time seeing how it’s a good idea … One option is to have one hell of a Fourth of July next year. If it happens, fireworks viewers would be asked to either remain in cars or view the show with families members rather than congregating in groups, Limoge said. “That’s common sense,” she said. Earlier this month, the Friends of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library canceled its annual July Fourth book sale fundraiser. Other events that typically take place July 3-4, such as a 5K fun run, town band concert and ice cream social may be held in August or September, Goodwin said.
Restricted farmers’ markets to open in June ‘We have no idea what to expect’ By Jason Starr Observer staff
Trips to farmers’ markets this season will feel more like grocery shopping than a community get-together. The Richmond Farmers’ Market opens for the season June 5, and a new market at the Isham Family Farm in Williston opens for its innaugural season June 16. The food-sampling, music, dancing and family activities that have come to define the modern Vermont farmers’ market will be on hiatus. A chance to support local growers and craftspeople, and have an alternative to going to the supermarket, will remain. Arianna Matthews-Salzman is a Richmond native who took over as co-manager of the Richmond Farmers’ Market in February. She hoped to reinvigorate the weekly Friday evening event to how she remembers it as a child. Two weeks after she started, the rise of
the coronavirus pandemic put all of her plans on hold. Just launching the market for 2020 would take all of her focus. Moving toward opening day has required following and communicating evolving guidance from Gov. Phil Scott’s administration aimed at ensuring the safety of vendors and patrons. It’s meant changing locations to allow for more physical distancing and continuing to accept vendor applications throughout the season. Market-goers can expect a one-way flow through vendor tables from entrance to exit — no going backwards. Masks will be required of vendors and patrons, and frequent hand-sanitizing will be available and expected. Preordering and prepaying from various vendors on the farmers market website (www.richmondfarmersmarketvt.org) is encouraged. The first half hour after the market opens at 3 p.m. each Friday will be reserved for elderly and vulnerable patrons, Matthews-Salzman said. Plans are for the market to be open 3-6:30 p.m. weekly through Oct. 16. The location has been
adjusted to the open fields at Volunteers Green on Bridge Street, down from the upper bandshell. Matthews-Salzman is hopeful that people will find the shopping experience to be a better alternative during the pandemic than going to an indoor grocery store. But she’s unsure if turnout will drop because of the lack of music and family activities. “We have no idea what to expect,” she said. The Isham Family Farmers’ Market is located on Oak Hill Road in Williston and will run Tuesdays 5-8 p.m. for 10 weeks starting June 16. The vendor lineup will include purveyors of flatbread pizza, ice cream, CBD products and distilleries. As in Richmond, the farmers’ market will have one-way foot traffic through the vendor booth lineup and hand-sanitizer will be available. “Sadly, we had to cancel a great lineup of local music, as well as all children activities due to the COVID-19 restrictions for gatherings,” Mike Isham said Tuesday in an email to the Observer.
Observer photos by Ben Apfelbaum
Signs made by local families were placed on Old Stage Road on May 6 to honor educators during Williston’s annual Teacher Appreciation Week.