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After a spring and summer fraught with event cancellations, the Harbor District Market in Washington is offering something to look forward to this Halloween. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31, the Market will host its inaugural Fall Festival, giving area residents a chance to enjoy a community event and get a head start on holiday shopping.

In addition to a variety of vendors, each selling local produce, crafts and artisanal goods, the event will also feature three musical groups throughout the day, offering live music all day long.

“Our local small businesses, artisans and farmers really need support, so we wanted to do something to bring in the community in a safe environment,” Washington Harbor District Alliance Executive Director Meg Howdy said. “There also might not be as much trick-or-treating this year, so our vendors are going to have candy already put together so kids can come through in their costumes in a safe spot, as well.”

While executive orders limiting indoor gatherings remain in place statewide, Howdy says the market is not in any danger of exceeding those limits, as the event will be spaced out over the course of eight hours. Other safety precautions such as one-way shopping, mandatory masks and social distancing protocols will also help ensure a safe event for everyone participating.

“One of the great things about our location is that it’s a huge space,” Howdy said. “We’ve got over 10,000 square feet that allows for social distancing while getting people out and about.”

While the event is still more than a month away, Howdy is working on securing vendors for the festival now.

“We would love to see some more farmers,” Howdy said. “Farmers always get the top opportunity at our market. All of our vendors have to sell locally made or grown items. We don’t have any commercial products.”

Later this year, the Harbor District Market will also host its Christmas Market, Dec. 3-5. Anyone wishing to sell produce or handmade goods during either event may contact Howdy at info@harbordistrictmarket.org.