FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 15, 2020

Contact: Andrew Heath, Executive Director, 717-824-2281

Downtown Bentonville, Inc.

Downtown Bentonville, Inc. Cancels MAY First Friday Event, 

Looks to Launch Drive-Through Saturday Farmers Market

Bentonville, AR – Downtown Bentonville Inc. announced it will cancel First Friday, originally slated for Friday, May 1st. The cancellation is in accordance with Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) guidance that residents avoid social gatherings of more than ten people amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. will also cancel all Wednesday Farmers Markets scheduled for the entire month of May. 

The organization is working alongside Bentonville city officials to convert its Saturday morning Farmers Market to a drive-thru model to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The goal is to have plans in place for the modified farmers market to take place in May.   

“We’re working to quickly innovate to support the 40+ food producers and vendors that rely on sales throughout our farmers market season,” says Andrew Heath, Downtown Bentonville, Inc.’s Executive Director. “Our Saturday morning farmers market not only contributes to the economic stability of our region, but it's a popular social event that produces a strong sense of community. We need that feeling of togetherness now more than ever in Bentonville, but we must continue to address safety measures, as we face this crisis head-on.”

Heath added that ultimately, he hopes restrictions will be lifted this summer to allow all farmers markets and First Friday events to safely operate once the pandemic is over.  

ABOUT DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE INC.
Downtown Bentonville, Inc., is a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen and enhance the Downtown Bentonville Experience for those who live, work, play and visit the area. 

For more information, visit www.DowntownBentonville.org