Farmers Market hanging in there

Except for food vendors, the Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces (FCMLC) was closed March 14-June 6 because of state public health orders in response to COVID-19, FCMLC Market Manager Tiffany Thompson told the Las Cruces City Council during its July 27 work session. Some craft vendors returned June 13, and the market is now occupying five blocks of Main Street downtown and is open 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday. It’s operating at 25 percent capacity, Thompson said, with about 10 feet between vendors. Masks are required. Handwashing stations are available at the northeast corner of the downtown plaza. “We are definitely struggling with the COVID situation,” Thompson told the council. She said the market is losing about $4,500 a month. Pre-COVID, the market had about 135 permanent vendors, 100 temporary vendors, 41 musicians (including one-half of those under age 18), three to six child vendors, animal services and several rotating nonprofits. FCMLC, a nonprofit, celebrates 50 years in 2021. Contact FCMLC at 575-201-3853 and fcmlcinc@gmail.com. Visit www.farmersandcraftsmarketoflascruces.com.