THE FREIGHT SHED, home to the Bath Farmers’ Market, may not open this weekend due to the extreme cold.
The recent cold snap could potentially impact the Bath Farmers’ Market for the first time in its history.
The winter market operates out of the Bath Freight Shed located on Commercial Street. The Freight Shed is not insulated, and the recent frigid temperatures have been tough on vendors.
The market is open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, and has never had a problem remaining open through the winter months in the past.
“We have a number of vendors who bring animals, and keeping them warm enough has been tough the last two weeks,” said Joan Detel, a spokeswoman for the market.
The market does have three heating fans — one on the ceiling and two located at ground level — she noted, but the lack of insulation and steady cold may be enough to shut down the market this weekend. Detel estimated the cold affected 10-12 vendors last week.
“Last week we had vendors who were unable to get the wrapping off of their produce until well after 9,” she said.
Detel said the cold has not affected business, as the market has been well attended throughout the winter. She also noted that it would be unprecedented to not open the market. As a result, there may be future talks on how to help heat the Freight Shed.
A decision would be likely Thursday, as soon as more information is gathered from vendors. With more cold weather projected for the rest of the week, it poses a serious threat that may close the market Saturday.
In the meantime, Detel is asking people to check the Bath Farmers’ Market Facebook page and BathFarmersMarket.com for updates on the market’s status.
chris@timesrecord.com
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