COVID-19 social distancing guidelines result in alternative shopping, preventing business decline, and encouraging local involvement.

Over quarantine Clear Lake entered the trend of locally supported flea or farmer’s markets. Many have opened in the area and are a clear representation of community, fun and sustainable spending.

Clear Lake’s smallest market is down at Erma’s Nutrition Center in Nassau Bay. The typical turnout has about 10 vendors. Their specialties ranging from fresh produce to essentials oils. Its location is much less extravagant and aesthetic than others’, but the Erma’s parking lot does its job. The market will be held every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to two p.m.

A little further out in the opposite direction you’ll find the Bay Area Farmer’s Market located in the Baybrook Mall parking lot outside of the Duluth and REI strip mall. This market is at least two times the size of Erma’s and is very food based.

The options may include Cajun-Asian inspired snacks from What’s Crackalackin, local Kombucha from Third Coast Kombucha, pre-seasoned salmon from Robin’s Gourmet Smoked Salmon, and so much more. This market is held Sunday late-morning from 11 a.m. to three p.m.

Lastly, Pasadena’s Silver Sycamore puts on a farmer’s market every third Sunday of the month. This market is by far the most extensive and inclusive. The vendor specialties span from fresh produce, local cosmetics, or hand embroidered resale. Not to mention the location is stunning. It’s located at the Silver Sycamore event venue which has a beautiful old western theme and intricate landscaping. The next date is set for October 17th from 10 a.m. to two p.m.

Attending these markets not only boosts the involvement you have with your community, but the sustainability of small, local, businesses. “Vendors or customers, the people make you want to be there.” Third Coast Kombucha said, a frequent market vendor in the Bay Area. “There is nothing like being able to talk to the person or people that actually create the products we consume.”

If given the chance stop by and support some of these local markets when you can.