The Farmers’ Market at Festival Park in Castle Rock is up and running this season with a number of precautions in place amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The festival kicked off June 14 with tents spaced 6 feet apart while employees working inside them wore masks. Shoppers were encouraged to “shop with your eyes” as they browsed fresh produce and artisan crafts.

Justin Adams, who is running the A Sign of Change tent with his wife, Jennifer, said 2020 is going “to be a long year.” The Monument couple ventured to the Castle Rock market for the first time in a couple years, he said, “just trying to get in front of the public anywhere we can.”

The pandemic left them out of work since March, he said. Being at the market on June 14 felt good, and he felt comfortable with the measures taken to keep attendees healthy.

“I think the public just need to know that we’re doing our best to keep it safe, to keep it safe for them to come see us,” he said. “Ultimately we’re here to serve them.”

At her Everything Fab stand nearby, Pat Schuessler sold cool ties, foldable dog bowls and car trash bags. June 14 was their first time at the Castle Rock market and their first day of the season.

She and her partner, Greg Duran, typically work at the Parker farmers market but branched out to Castle Rock this season. The pandemic has been stressful for her, she said, and she wants the public to know “we’re still here.”