Columbia Falls Community Market returns May 14, but no beer, crafts

The Columbia Falls Community Market will continue this summer at The Coop, O’Brien Byrd said last week.

“People are looking for something positive,” Byrd said.

But there are a few caveats as the state eases back into some semblance of normalcy.

The first market will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 14. But there won’t be beer or other alcohol available, or live music.

The market will have produce from about a half-dozen farms as well as about a dozen food trucks. Families are urged to send one member to get produce and meals.

“The county (health department) doesn’t want anyone to linger,” he said.

Byrd said staff will manage lines and there will be multiple hand washing stations at the venue.

Once the state reaches Phase II, which allows for larger gatherings, the beer garden will likely return. Phase III, which allows for unlimited gathering sizes, though encourages social distancing, will look more like a normal market, Byrd noted.

The hope is that things will get better as summer progresses.