On the river . . . outdoors! This Sunday marks the opening day for the summer Providence Flea — back for a trial run of five Sundays in August. Note that the day has been shortened to four hours: 10am to 2pm. (Facebook event.)
Organizers have worked out a detailed plan conforming with the ‘Reopening RI Plan’ Covid-19 guidelines and they need everybody to cooperate. The market will be smaller, capped at 38 vendors, and there will be more distance between vendors for their safety.
The market area will be roped off with clearly marked entrances and exits to comply with attendance limits and one-way traffic requirements. No more cutting through between vendor tents.
We’ll be encouraging use of contactless payments (credit/debit cards, online payment services, pre-order and pre-payment of products) and rounding to the nearest dollar to avoid the exchange of cash and coins.
The Flea had three rows of vendors last summer. We’ll only have two rows this year to accommodate physical distancing. All vendors will be facing the river and sell from the fronts of their tents only.
What about the food trucks:
We’ll have fewer food trucks and some of them may require pre-ordering, which can still be done on site at the Flea, for contactless pickup. Customers will have to use the 6-foot rule and physically distance if there is a line at a truck. There will be no eating allowed in the market, but you can still have a physically distanced picnic anywhere you can find along the river .
This may be a great opportunity to stock up on cool summer-weight masks. Yes please.
10am to 2pm, Sunday, August 2, 345 South Water Street, (directions)