Woo-hoo! Pleasanton’s year-round Farmers’ Market opened May 9, 2020. We receive a delivery of vegetables and fruit every other week and supplement our fresh produce with quick trips to the market. But visiting the farmers’ market on Saturday was one of our weekly treats.
One thing I’ve been missing most is the fresh-popped kettle corn. When I heard the news, I planned all week how to keep myself safe. Blue skies and temps in the low 60s made it a perfect day for being outside. I left the house early to arrive before nine, the designated time for oldsters to shop.
I pulled on my gloves and face covering, slipped my camera strap around my neck, and crossed the street. Where vendors usually occupied both sides of the street like in the photo below . . .
on this Saturday they only covered one side. Instead of the vendors all squished together, there was plenty of space in between. This left plenty of room for lines to form and patrons to pass through. An X inside a circle marked the spot for people to stand while waiting for their turn to make a purchase. I looked to the west . . .
and then to east but “Eat the Best Kettle Korn’s” blue, screened-in tent was nowhere in sight. They must be around the bend.
Everyone wore a mask as was the rule. Even the policeman standing watch modeled proper behavior.
A vendor commented on how strange it was not to offer samples. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do besides stand there and wait for customers. Customers aren’t allowed to pick up the food or squeeze or pinch it to test its ripeness. Do not touch until you buy it.
Usually, there’s a person or several playing music and singing songs. There was no such activity this Saturday. Nor did I smell the aroma of popping corn or hear the corn kernels being stirred around in the metal kettle.
I turned the corner where the vendor booths continued the length of the parking lot. My shoulders drooped when I reached the end and realized there’d be no kettle corn for me.
I’ll have to wait a little longer to satisfy my craving for the sweet and salty popcorn. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my 3-pack of red heart strawberries and cartons of blueberries and cherries.
Although our governor loosened some COVID-19 restrictions this week for local areas that meet certain criteria, our county and the Bay Area do not meet the requirements. We must abide by the more restrictive orders. The only prohibitions the health department loosened this week was for construction, real estate transactions, and some outdoor businesses and activities so long as they follow social distancing protocols.
To the delight of local golfers, the Pleasanton Golf Center at the fairgrounds opened the gates.
The familiar thwack, thwack, thwack is back for those who dare, however chipping practice is off-limits temporarily.
That concludes my wrap up of the goings on in Pleasanton. How are things working out in your neck of the world?
Stay Safe
The Traveling Todds 
Am so glad your market was open, and that you had the chance to get out. We were interested in how they set up, and how the crowd/customers were controlled. We are waiting to see how the town festivals and flea markets will open here in Indiana, as we set up and sell at several each year. We are waiting to see how safe we will feel. Oh, and sorry the kettle korn guy was a no show. There is something about freshly made kettle korn….
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Thanks for your comment. I felt safe most of the time I was there. Some people just don’t get the 6’ distance, though. I’d find a spot to take pictures where no one was about and then people would walk real close to me. If you have your table between you and your buyers, that should help. And they the spots to stand to keep distance, but then people would walk in between. I hope it works for you down the road. But please be safe.
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At least there seems to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. They never closed the golf courses around the Phoenix valley (well, at least most didn’t close). Hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day!
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Mother’s Day greetings to you too. Are you spending any time with your kids? My daughter is coming over to drop off a gift. Wish we could share a hug, but we’ll wait a little longer. Sure wish that light would shine a bit brighter.
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We had a small family gathering yesterday … no hugging and we all sat a little separated. It was really nice to have a little normalcy for a change.
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Glad you were able to have a market outing even though it was different and there was no kettle corn. Our golf course also opened, so we do have a bit more activity to watch from our deck.
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New activity to watch is good. Watching our tomato and zucchini plants grow is our daily excitement.
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Hope they grow well.
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Thanks for this, LTodd. I wondered what social distancing at a farm market would look like in practice–very weird. Sorry there was no kettle corn, but glad you found berries and cherries. I love the farm market, too. Will have to see if they have one here. Here is an old post on FM in spring: https://justjoan42.wordpress.com/2016/04/03/lovin-the-local-farm-market/
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It was definitely a different experience with the face coverings and trying to keep my distance. For the most part, I felt safe.
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Thanks for the link, Joan. I could picture the veges displayed in all their glory.
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