On the Market.

So, this week has been a bit unusual what with the awning replacements going on, and the bit of chaos it’s caused with their huge cones and yellow tape creating barriers that often blocked some business areas. Thomas Market was open today, however, as it was yesterday, unlike the beginning of the week when yellow tape marred their entire storefront. The soda and snack machines weren’t accessible though due to the painters that were supposedly going to be painting only at night. Oh, and there was that memo that the workers would clear out for both Friday and Saturday traffic, which apparently didn’t apply to today, and will officially start tomorrow. Now that that’s been cleared up, the new word is that the majority of the work will now be taking place Sunday through Thursday. Though don’t let that discourage you from coming to visit. There will still be bands every Sunday, thanks to Ukrops, just look for everyone on the second block of the market for now while the first block is receiving it’s new face.

Please, please come visit the market and even if not to shop, to say hello. We’re sort of starved for attention down here on the market. Business has sadly taken a downturn since the renovations have begun, and it’s getting mightly lonely. Also, this is probably a good time to bring up the “morgue.” Well, at least that’s what many of us vendors refer to it as. It’s basically those lonely last few tables by Mark Woods, in front of where Confetti’s USED to be and beside the new, soon to be 202 Market Restaurant, which incidentally, was conducting interviews today and looking mighty spiffy through the bit of glass they had uncovered. Anyhow, back on topic, some of the more unfortunate souls selling their wares may be destined to the “morgue” as the last table option available should they not want to set up in the parking lot on a Saturday. Today there were three of us there with Mark and we hardly saw a soul. The “morgue” typically is a much lower traffic area, and therefore, I would simply like to encourage you to visit the “morgue” on Saturdays to check out whoever may be hiding down there. Often you can’t tell if there’s anyone down on that last table or two at all, and it’s very sad for someone ever so fabulous to be completely missed simply because they are not seen. And just for reference, we vendors also fondly refer to the second block of Market Street as soon as you cross Kirk Avenue, as Vinton. Visit Vinton, too.

Anyhow, I have two wonderful mentions today. Julia O. Light was present today with some lovely pink tulips and purple wood hyacinths (above) all looking quite stunning in clear, glass vases. She plans to be present on the market in her usual spot right on the corner of Kirk Ave. and Market St. every Friday and Saturday, weather permitting of course, as long as she has flowers to offer. The flowers seem to change as often as weekly so be don’t be shy about stopping by. Julia also sells her homemade black walnut cake for $1.75 a slice. I’m a bit fond of Julia as she likes to refer to me as “bright eyes.”

Jan, of Walter’s Greenhouse, was also present on the market today. She was in “Vinton” right beside Julia as her usual spot by the Science Museum was being painted. Saturday, she’ll be back beside the Science Museum as usual, however she’ll most likely be baking in the sun under the absent awnings. At least the flowers will be happy though, right? If you’re a sweet enough soul, maybe you’ll swing by to drop off an “on the house” bottled water. Anyhow, look for her during the week in Vinton if you can’t seem to locate her by the Center in the Square. And, whenever it is you decide to hunt her down, be sure to check out the gorgeous animal shaped topiaries (above) she has to offer. I was informed the very cool frog topiary sold today, but she still has a very cute rabbit and a turtle as well.