Unseasonably cold and snowy weather has forced officials for the first time to postpone the St. Paul Farmers Market opening day.
The popular market, at 5th and Wall Streets in St. Paul's Lowertown district, had been set to open the last weekend of April as it normally does. But this year that date has been pushed back to May 4, manager Jack Gerten said, even though the weekend forecast calls for warmer weather.
"With the unpredictable weather of the last few weeks, we just couldn't take the chance with the growers," Gerten said.
Monday's snowstorm only underscored concerns that nighttime temps this week will continue to be too low, he said.
The winter market will still be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday inside and near Golden's Deli.
This year's market will feature changes to make shopping easier, such as vehicle pickup lines, pedicabs, new signs and volunteers providing directions, Gerten said.
When it resumes, the Farmers Market will be open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, through Nov. 23.
Kevin Duchschere
