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Not every event in Portland is being called off because of coronavirus.
Despite the slew of cancellations and postponements that followed Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's four-week ban on large public gatherings, Portland Saturday Market and Portland Farmers Market will continue as planned.
The statewide ban caps event attendance at 250 people, but makes exceptions for stores and shopping centers.
Related: Here Is a Running List of the Major Portland Events Cancelled Due to Coronavirus.
As an outdoor market, Saturday Market—referred to as "the largest arts and crafts market in continuous operation in the United States," held weekly in Old Town at 2 NW Naito Parkway—has been assured they are exempt from the ban, says Marketing and Promotions Coordinator Makaylaa Clancy.
"We are doing everything we can to be in touch with the city, mayor and governor if the decision changes," Clancy says.
In the colder months, Saturday Market can draw crowds of 5,000 people. Clancy says organizers are "making sure, as much as possible, that things are clean and safe," and adds that hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the market.
Portland Farmers Market, held at the South Park Blocks on the campus of Portland State University, is also taking extra precautions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vendors will be spaced farther apart, and food samples will only be available upon request. Extra hand-washing stations are being installed as well.
It could all be for naught, though: Aside from concerns about "social distancing," Portland might be getting snow tomorrow, too.