First Monday Trade Days returning to Weatherford, but ‘please use common sense’

One of Weatherford’s renowned mainstays is returning this month as First Monday Trade Days will be held June 26-28. The popular event was canceled during April and May due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“With the governor’s new guidelines and the low case count recently in Parker County we felt that it was now safe to open back up,” said Jaycob Kirkpatrick, Weatherford’s assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Special Events.

Kirkpatrick said First Monday weekend is being moved up a week because Heritage Park, the site of the event, is also where the city holds its annual July 4th festivities. With the holiday falling on a Saturday this year, Kirkpatrick said the move became necessary.

“We cannot host both events on the same day,” he said.

Kirkpatrick said COVID-19 precautions set forth in Gov. Greg Abbott’s guidelines will be followed closely along with extra steps. These will include providing hand sanitizing stations, training staff to follow protocol, disinfecting restrooms and common areas, and posting social distancing signage.

Kirkpatrick said shoppers are asked to have hand sanitizer and use it before and after touching any surfaces, wash hands frequently, practice social distancing of at least 6 feet, and consider wearing masks and gloves.

“Please be kind and patient and please use common sense and keep our at-risk population in mind,” he said.

Kirkpatrick also said vendors are being asked to consider contactless or minimum contact payment options, monitor booths to enforce social distancing, set up one-way aisles, sanitize surfaces frequently, place markers at every 6 feet at the food court, and allow no drink refills or shareable condiments.