After a yearlong pandemic-related hiatus, Smithfield’s Spring Country Vintage Market is returning.

The Smithfield and Isle of Wight Visitors Bureau plans to hold the event at the Isle of Wight County Fairgrounds on May 1. Tickets went on sale online March 19 for two sessions — one from 8 a.m. to noon and another for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the early session are $10 per person, and afternoon tickets are $5 per person.

One thousand tickets will be available for each session — possibly more if social distancing and public gathering rules are further relaxed before May. Masks will still be required in accordance with state guidance, and social distancing measures will be in place. Cheryl Ketcham, the visitor bureau’s special events coordinator, said the May event will be the area’s first major festival since the pandemic began last spring.

“We are hoping to have around 100 vendors,” Ketcham said. “So it’s a big event, with vintage items, repurposed items, antiques, food trucks. And the best part is we’re at the fairgrounds so we will be able to limit the number of people according to state guidance and also be able to spread the tents apart so you’ll be able to shop without being crowded.”

Tickets sales will be online only. If you don’t purchase ahead of time, you’ll need to get on your phone when you arrive at the fairgrounds. Ketcham said eliminating cash handling and crowds at the gate is one measure officials are taking to protect everyone’s health.

Officials wanted to do the 2020 spring market and a similar event in the fall but ultimately, both were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But in recent weeks, tourism officials have slowly begun to reintroduce small scale events.

In the new normal, “we have a renewed appreciation for the little things,” Ketcham said. “We used to be so busy with so many different activities and they were all taken away from us. It’s exciting to finally have an activity that we can plan for and actually attend this spring. Hopefully it’ll be a beautiful spring day, hopefully we can get outside and have some fun.”

Vendors are still being sought for the vintage market. Email cketcham@isleofwightus.net for more information. Visit genuinesmithfieldva.com to purchase tickets for the vintage market and for information about other upcoming events. In case of bad weather on May 1, organizers have set a rain date for the following day.