A Message from Mayor Rosenthal

Friends and neighbors,

Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, the Village is closely examining all special events and observances to ensure the health and safety of residents.

In light of social distancing and safety concerns, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule Family Days.The annual festival traditionally held on July 3 and 4, will hopefully be held later in the year with fireworks and the same community traditions we look forward to every year.

Thank you to the Family Days Commission for all of the work you have put into planning this year’s event and look forward when we can celebrate again.

The American Legion will not be holding the meaningful ceremony at Jewett Park and the Deerfield Cemetery this year. But please remember the sacrifice of so many who lost their lives protecting our country.

On a more positive note, I’m pleased to announce that the Deerfield Farmers Market will open as scheduled on June 13 with a focus on health and safety. The State of Illinois has specifically identified farmers markets as “essential businesses.”

This year, the Farmers Market will move away from its focus on “food, friends and fun” to a market that is dedicated to providing food in a safe, open-air shopping experience. This will require the elimination all of our social and civic activities as well as limiting the number of vendors.

To provide for better social distancing, the Farmers Market will move to Park Avenue just north of Jewett Park Drive. Thank you to Farmers Market Director Nancy Anderson and her volunteer team for all of their time and effort to make this happen.

Farmers Market Committee and Village staff are using guidelines provided by the Illinois Farmers Market Association to develop rules for vendors and patrons. The new rules will space out vendors, limit the number of patrons allowed to shop at one time, require face coverings and provide increased sanitation.  Patrons will not be allowed to touch the merchandise. Shoppers are ask to limit one person per household. Dogs and will not be allowed.

I know this is not the Farmers Market we are used to every Saturday, where we gather with friends and family to enjoy the fun atmosphere while shopping. We will be able to continue to operate the Market this year only if all participants follow the new rules.

Thank you for your continued practice of following the measures that will keep all of us safe.
 

Stay safe,

Harriet