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Old Brooklyn
Community Development Corporation
The Challenge
The Old Brooklyn Farmers Market isn’t just about fresh produce; it’s about fostering connections between neighbors and creating a vibrant community atmosphere. In normal years, this market buzzes with energy—vendors sharing their harvest, families gathering, and the hum of local musicians playing in the background. But then 2020 came along. With a pandemic upending everyday life, the market faced a significant challenge: How do you keep the market open while keeping people safe? The answer? A dash of creativity and a whole lot of community spirit.
In the midst of a global pandemic, the market’s future was uncertain. Social distancing, safety guidelines, and health concerns were all new territory. The Old Brooklyn Farmers Market team needed a way to maintain its essence—the personal touch and neighborly interactions—while adjusting to the realities of COVID-19. The question wasn’t just about managing logistics. It was about making sure the market still felt like home for the community. This is where SOS stepped in, ready to turn a daunting situation into a chance for creative problem-solving.
The SOS Solution:
Creativity In Crisis
At SOS, we thrive in moments like this. Challenges don’t stop us—they spark innovation. We knew the goal: preserve the market’s spirit while keeping everyone safe. Our first step? A complete reimagination of the market’s layout, designed not just for safety, but for connection in a new form. Instead of barriers and “keep out” signs, we embraced a playful design. Chalk art turned pathways into whimsical trails that encouraged social distancing in a fun, non-intimidating way. Bright, colorful markers guided visitors through the market while maintaining the friendly, welcoming atmosphere people loved.
To make shopping easier and safer, we introduced a click-and-collect system. Visitors could pre-order their produce and goods, then swing by for a quick, contactless pick-up. This not only kept things moving smoothly but gave customers peace of mind—shopping locally without the worry.
We didn’t stop there. SOS also helped coordinate socially distanced live music performances and spaced-out cooking demonstrations, transforming the market into a lively experience while keeping everyone safe and sound.
“We have been a proud supporter of Night Market Cleveland since its inception. It has become a signature event in our city, drawing thousands of residents and visitors and showcasing the distinctive culture, community, and creativity of the St. Clair Superior, Campus, and AsiaTown districts.”
– Michael Murphy, CMO, Cleveland Foundation
“I had such a lovely experience collaborating with the staff who took the time to make me feel heard and went above and beyond to provide a product I am extremely happy with.”
– Megan Anderson, Craft Beers & Conversations
“I loved the staff - they were welcoming, vibrant, and very informative. There was also a huge variety (and amount) of wonderfully different Asian foods. We’ll be back!”
– Linda Brown, Asiatown Food Tour attendee
The Impact:
A New Kind of Togetherness
While 2020 was challenging for everyone, the Old Brooklyn Farmers Market didn’t just survive—it flourished. Vendors saw steady engagement despite the restrictions, and shoppers appreciated the thoughtful, creative measures that made them feel safe without losing the joy of a market day. The hopscotch paths and brightly colored signs weren’t just practical—they added a sense of fun that people desperately needed during such uncertain times.
The adjustments we made weren’t just about keeping things running. They brought the market closer to its community. Vendors shared how relieved they were that SOS managed to find solutions that didn’t sacrifice the market’s warmth, and shoppers loved that their Saturday morning ritual was still intact, albeit with a bit of distance.
Why SOS?
At SOS, we know that a project is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about nurturing what makes a place, event, or experience special—even when circumstances throw unexpected hurdles in the way. For the Old Brooklyn Farmers Market, it wasn’t enough to simply keep it open. We wanted to ensure the market retained the charm and sense of community it’s known for, while also keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
By blending practicality with creativity, SOS turned a challenging moment into a chance to bring the market closer to its community, even from six feet apart. The Old Brooklyn Farmers Market emerged from 2020 not just intact, but stronger and more connected than ever. And we couldn’t be prouder to have been a part of that journey.