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‘Mentally nutritious’ — Lincoln farmers markets ready to make their returns

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Farmers Market

Claire Kuenne (left) pays Loretta Burkey at the Haymarket Farmers Market in May 2020. Customers are urged to “shop with their eyes” this year to minimize contact at the market.

JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star file photo

Zach Hammack

A trip to your favorite farmers market may look a little different amid the coronavirus pandemic.

When the Haymarket Farmers Market opened later than usual last May for its 35th season, gone were many of the trademarks that draw hundreds each Saturday morning to downtown Lincoln.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic — just then in its third month — there were no vendors hawking free samples. No live music, either. Shoppers were encouraged to come alone or in small groups and follow a one-way path through the market. Get your goods and go.

But a year later, and with vaccination numbers climbing and revised COVID-19 health directives released this week, the market will look more familiar.

“There will probably be more normalcy,” said Justin Daniel, environmental health supervisor at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Some of the guidance is the same — vendors and customers should wear masks when interacting with others. Social distancing should continue. Booths should be spaced 6 feet apart (although that’s down from the 10-foot suggested spacing in 2020).

But some pre-pandemic aspects will return, which brings a measure of relief for Linda Hubka, manager of the Haymarket Farmers Market.

Come May 1, the market’s opening day, bands will be jamming at Iron Horse Park. Food samples and food trucks will return. Balloon animals will be handed out. In short, the market will be more of the family-oriented event that many know from before COVID.

“We’re in a better situation,” Hubka said. “We hope we can just put this all behind us and get back to normal.”

Hubka said there is plenty of space to social distance and hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the market. Shoppers are still encouraged “to shop with their eyes,” she added — just ask the vendor to hand you the item you want. And digital payment methods allow vendors and customers to minimize contact, though cash is accepted.

The market is also honoring vendors’ seniority when it comes to space, even if those vendors didn’t set up shop in 2020. Hubka said about 10 of its usual vendors didn’t participate last year.

And along with concerns about the pandemic, the limited number of events in Lincoln meant lighter crowds.

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“It was tough,” she said.

Expect more of a full house this year, Hubka added, even if a cold spring might mean a slower start to the season for vendors. Opening day also coincides with the Nebraska Football Spring Game, serendipitous timing for the market.

Takeout family-sized meals prove successful for Lincoln restaurants

The Sunday Farmers Market in College View is inching closer to normal this season, too.

The market, which opens Sunday, will bring back live music and picnic tables, and customers are allowed to purchase and eat food on site. It plans to host about 60 vendors, from those selling baked goods to others offering wagyu beef and to-order broiler chickens. Those numbers are up from last year, according to market manager Lindsey Weber Riskowski.

“I would say there was a definite decline both in vendors and customers last year,” she said.

The market worked closely with the Health Department to implement guidelines, including encouraging mask-wearing and providing hand sanitizer stations. Just as in the Haymarket, vendors will be spread out to encourage physical distancing. 

The fact markets operate outside helps, Daniel said, since the Health Department encourages holding events and activities outdoors if possible to minimize COVID-19 spread. 

Weber Riskowski said farmers markets, in addition to offering fresh produce, present a safe way for the community to come together after a year of social isolation for many.

“Being outside is safe and being around other people is mentally nutritious,” she said. “It’s just a weekly little ray of hope that we can give to the Lincoln community and the Nebraska community at large.” 

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Retro restaurants: Do you remember these Lincoln favorites?

Grisanti’s

Grisanti's

The original sky-lit entryway of Grisanti’s in 1987.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Food Village

Food Village

Food Village had something for everyone at East Park Plaza in 1981.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Club Car

Club Car

Owner Scott Wiegert stands outside the Club Car Grill & Bar, formerly a Chartroose Caboose, in 1987.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Dreisbach’s

Dreisbach's

OK, this one isn’t in Lincoln, but look at all that beef! Bob Branson selects the choicest cuts from the original walk-in cooler at Dreisbach’s in Grand Island in 1982.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Terrace Grille

Terrace Grille

Diners appear to be sitting on a veranda in ancient Greece at the newly renovated Terrace Grille in the Cornhusker Hotel in 1995.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt

I Can't Believe It's Yogurt

Lisa McDonald (left) and Stephanie Hay help a customer at I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt at 14th and O streets in 1991.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Eddy’s

Eddy's

Eddy’s at 48th and O streets had seen better days before it was demolished in 1984.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Restaurante El Mexico

Restaurante El Mexico

Partners Laura Halterman (left) and Octavia McPhail stand outside their new Mexican restaurant at 1228 P St. in 1987.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Anna’s

Anna's

Joan Biasucci mans the helm of the Captain’s Quarters at Anna’s Restaurant in Cedar Creek in 1991.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Brittany’s

Brittany's

The bar at Brittany’s, formerly the Lincoln Underground, once graced the former Hob Nob Pub. Pictured in 1983.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

HMS Brown Baggers

HMS Brown Baggers

Owners Sherl Jensen (left), Eldonna Hazen and MaryAnn Mellor stand in their second HMS Brown Baggers location in 1989.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

The Fisherman’s Shoe

The Fisherman's Shoe

Hip new coffeehouse The Fisherman’s Shoe opened at 16th and O streets in 1969. From the original caption: “A youth who works there describes it as ‘a place to go other than the straight places.’ It’s name derives from Peter, Jesus’ disciple. One youth said: ‘Peter was a cool cat. Jesus was always on his back. He — like us — couldn’t do anything right, but he was okay.'”

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Help us out…

Help us out...

This 1973 photo was filed without a name. Does it look familiar to you? One reader has identified it as Misty’s. Another says it’s Saint George and the Dragon.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Grampy’s

Grampy's

Road work in 1979 forced the temporary shutdown of Grampy’s Pancake House.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

1st Avenue

1st Avenue

Sandy Hays and Juli Durst prep for the lunch rush at 1st Avenue in 1990.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

The Bistro

The Bistro

So many restaurants have come and gone throughout Lincoln’s history, including The Bistro, which closed its doors on Sept. 26, 1991, after 10 years in business. It’s been a good run, but this concludes our look back on Lincoln’s culinary history. Until next time, Bon Appétit.

Lincoln Journal Star file photo

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @zach_hammack

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