I didn’t expect when I unloaded my trunk of all my Market paraphernalia that I would be serenaded by Sinatra for the next five hours. This past Saturday I woke to my alarm at 5 am and began the ritual I started five years ago of packing up for the Downtown Farmers’ Market that sprawls across Court Ave. and its adjoining streets between May and October. This year was the first year my booth was not located on the south end of 5th Street. Instead I found myself setting up on 2nd Street, a less congested avenue that drew crowds to the largest cinnamon buns you’ll ever see and the smooth sound of Sinatra songs sung by the vocalist in the booth space adjacent to mine.
Over the years I’ve experienced both fair and foul weather at the Market and fortunately my debut this season featured sunshine from set-up to tear-down. Sunny weather always boosts my mood and helps wake me up (along with a large carafe of cold brew coffee!) which was fortunate because I’d never experienced sales like the non-stop action that visited my booth this weekend.
“Sinatra struck a chord with market-goers as they carried a verse or two down the street as did a couple of new items I added to my repertoire this year.”
Sinatra struck a chord with market-goers as they carried a verse or two down the street as did a couple of new items I added to my repertoire this year: vinyl stickers and on-the-spot custom pet portraits. The latter kept me so busy that I could hardly keep up with customers that came to my booth to browse my usual greeting cards and stationary sets. For the first time though I had help in the form of my boyfriend who arrived just as crowds were thickening and alleviated some of my workload. I especially appreciated his help reloading my Subaru at the end of the Market, but also his company in between sales and outside advice as to how I can increase my exposure (A bigger sign to promote pet portraits! Photo and art examples to show what I can do!).
For years I’ve done the Market as Sinatra sings, ‘my way.’ This past Saturday however was a welcome reminder that a little refresh goes a long way. And not only that, but for the first time ever, I don’t have to do it alone. I don’t expect Brandon to join me every Saturday, but it sure felt good this time to do it ‘our way.’