It’s the first day of Spring, and what a glorious day it was! Today, I went back to my indoor farmer’s market in Saratoga, NY; I haven’t been to the market since the Saturday before Christmas.
We made the hard decision to keep me home from my market when the covid numbers were spiking in the Saratoga area and were also very high where we live. Vermont’s covid numbers had been relatively low compared to other started before Christmas and ski season.
Since I am immune-compromised and I hate driving in the wintertime, it was a good idea. As it turned out, there were only four Saturdays that there wasn’t yucky, icy weather. Marty didn’t want to risk my health, and I didn’t argue because I knew he was right about staying home.
We decided in mid-February that I would return on March 20. We figured the weather would be better and more people would have been vaccinated. I didn’t know then that I would have received my first vaccine as well, even better.
Last March, when covid literally stopped the world in its tracks, the market moved outdoors in the parking lot of the mall we used for our indoor winter market. Everyone was relieved there would be a market and cooperated with whatever needed to be done. Vendor tents were spaced far apart; hand sanitizer was available to everyone; purchases were set on a separate table, away from everything. Customers put their own credit cards into our square machine, so we didn’t have to touch their cards. Everyone was outstanding about social distancing and wearing their masks.
I know we were feeling afraid, unsure, and anxious, but seeing our regular happy customers be so frightened and freaked out was awful. The market followed the guidelines and mandates week after week because everyone wanted to keep the market open safely for customers. In the summer, once frightened people were getting used to the new “normal” as they began to smile and laugh behind their masks.
The market stayed outside until November and headed back inside the mall. Once again, people were scared to be indoors even though all the vendor booths were adequately spaced apart. Emily and Madison, the market administrator and her assistant, worked hard to make people feel safe at our market. They even started online curbside pick up for customers who didn’t feel comfortable shopping indoors. Some people stated loosening up, while others still had fear in their eyes. They came to our market because they wanted to shop with us instead of going to a supermarket. Customers wanted local food and liked knowing where it came from.
Today I was thrilled to be going back. I left before dawn since I had a couple of deliveries to make before the market. I got to the market early since I didn’t know where I would be setting up. Emily told me I could have my same spot; she didn’t like to move vendors around; it confuses the customers. Yay, Emily; we are super lucky to have her!
The mood of the market today was so different than before. It was lively and had great energy. You could see people smiling and laughing behind here masks again. The look of relief on many shoppers’ faces was priceless. A couple of my customers have been panic-stricken since the pandemic started, and it never let up. I asked one woman back in October how her week was, and she said, “how could it be anything but bad with what’s going on.” I honestly almost cried; it was so sad she felt that way.
The same woman came to my table today with a big smile and handed me her money instead of throwing it on the table like she’s been doing for last year. I asked her how she has been, and she proudly told me she had both of the vaccines. It was wonderful to see her so relieved and happy again.
Customers and vendors were happy to see me, I was ecstatic to see everyone. A lot of my regular customers read in the farmers market newsletter of my return and came to see me.
One of my regular customers named Richard was very ill before Christmas. He had a stroke the year before and was recovering, but something was wrong. I came home from the market that day heartbroken and told Marty that he was really failing. I was afraid he would die.
Over the last three months, I have thought of Richard often; I included him in my prayers and hoped he was ok. Today, he came up to my table with his wife, and he said, “Oh Julz, I’ve been so worried about you; I was hoping and praying you were ok.” I was lost for words; imagine that. I told him I was worried and praying for him too. I noticed he was doing so much better. His wife said he shocked the doctors with his recovery. Thank goodness!
It was fantastic being back; spring was in the air. I missed my customers, and they missed me. Many told me they thought of me and couldn’t wait for me to come back. All the kids that love our spatzle came right up to say hello. What a great thing to hear them say how much they missed me. ☺️
Marty and I are extremely blessed with a successful business and genuine, nice customers who love our spatzle and us very much. This is why we say we are spreading the spatzle love and started the business in the first place. ❤️
Hope penetrated the space at the farmer’s market today. Many people said they could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel and wake up from this horrendous nightmare. Thank goodness!
Wonderfully uplifting post! Thanks.