Farmers market looks to keep customers cool

Summer months have long posed a challenge to the vendors of the Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market — fewer tourists and hotter temperatures.

Market managers want to address one of those issues.

“We’re looking at a way to cover the street,” said Phil Pagano, operations manager.

Pagano has been investigating a microfiber sheet, similar to a sail, that would attach to light posts. The market is concentrated on Lemon Avenue, from First Street to State Street. The microfiber could stretch that entire length, covering all the vendors and their customers.

“In the summer, people come down, buy their produce and then leave, because it’s too hot,” Pagano said. “(The microfiber) will shield the sun and rain, and maybe (customers) stay longer.”

Although he did not have a firm price on what it would cost, Pagano said his rough estimate is about $15,000.

Contact Robin Roy at [email protected].