Ocean Springs Fresh Market gradually welcoming back non-farming vendors

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV) — One of downtown Ocean Springs’ weekly traditions has remained open during the coronavirus pandemic, and with the loosening of some restrictions, it’s seeing a gradual return to normal.

Folks gathered at the Ocean Springs Fresh Market on Saturday morning to buy farm-to-table food and an assortment of other market items.

Classified as an essential service, the market had to shift to allowing only farming vendors over the past few months, but is now starting to welcome back non-farming vendors at a gradual pace.

Market co-founder Diane Claughton says allowing more vendors back gives a big boost for their small businesses.

“This is safer. You’re outside, which is definitely safer than being indoors, and you’re helping support small businesses, which let’s face it, 55 percent of the people work for small businesses,” Claughton says.

The Ocean Springs Fresh Market is open every Saturday currently from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of the historic L & N Depot.