The Cowra Community Markets return this Saturday with organisers praising the behaviour of stallholders and shoppers at their first markets back with COVID-19 restrictions last month.
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Markets Co-Ordinator Melinda Barlow was very pleased with the crowd numbers.
"That was the first one back, it was fantastic. Very busy," Ms Barlow said.
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She hopes the second market will provide more of the same, with some new stalls and better adjustment to the restrictions.
"Once again you will be able to stock your fridge, freezer and pantry with fresh, locally grown and produced meat, fruit and vegetables, jams and preserves.
"You can furnish and decorate your home, buy a gift for that special someone, or simply treat yourself with some of the many items our stallholders sell.
"Why not grab some freshly baked goods to have with a cup of tea or coffee, or order up a fresh, hot bacon and egg roll or sausage sandwich from Cowra Community Chest?"
The second markets will follow the same COVID-19 restrictions as before.
Organisers are asking those who are unwell to not attend.
Hands must be sanitised at the entry gate, and social distancing guidelines must be followed at all times.
The community response to these changes at the first market was also very gratifying, with Barlow saying she was impressed by the adaptions.
"They all behaved quite well. They all did their hands on the way in, we had no one saying 'no I'm not doing it', tables were wiped down regularly, people didn't move the chairs.
"It was good, everyone was behaved."
The markets have had to undergo some changes in format in response to the procedures, such as the stalls being moved outside, from their previous indoor location.
All of the money collected at the markets goes towards helping local patients through the Cowra Community Chest.
"It's been a little bit slower," said Barlow of requests for assistance through the Chest.
"We haven't had a lot of people asking for help.
"Any interviews we've done have had to be over the phone instead of in the office, but we're back to being in the office now."
She says she was surprised at the number of people who are unaware of the Chest's services.
"I'm still surprised at the number of people who still don't know that Community Chest exists," she said.
"We just need to try and get it out there."
The markets are an integral part of spreading awareness about the Community Chest and its services throughout the region.
"We need to keep them going because it's the main fundraiser for Cowra Community Chest.
"Without the markets, how do we help the people of Cowra who are sick? We are trying to get the locals to support the locals."
The Cowra Community Markets are on the July 18, 2020 from 8am - 12 noon. For more information, please contact 0473 346 046.
