A Day Off

“What are you going to do with your day off next week?” was the Question of the Day at market last week.Since Bethesda Central will be closed on Sunday, October 14 due to the arts festival, customers were curious as to how their vendors would spend their day.When there is no market due to inclement weather, there is not much of a chance for asking. But when a day with no market occurs on a sunny fall day with temperatures in the 70’s images of mountain hikes, long bike rides, sleeping in and a brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas tend to be the fantasy of choice. Unfortunately, it’s far from reality.Many of the Central Farm Markets vendors participate in both the Bethesda, Mosaic and other markets on Sunday, so when I casually asked, their response was, “I’ll go to another market.” For those of us who only attend Bethesda we allowed thoughts of leisure to linger before admitting that we will use our time wisely to address projects that require our undivided attention for several hours.“I’ve got so much that needs to get done before winter,” said Rob from Young Harvests.Brian, over at Zeke’s, had grand plans for a mini vacation until his phone broke. “When did phones start costing $800 to replace? And that’s not even the newest model!” He’ll still get away, just not as grand as originally planned.Audrey at Bending Bridge Farm is taking the time to head out-of-town to visit family. Nicole at Two Acre Farm is also devoting the day to family. “We have fall fest family days! We spend the day doing October festivals - hayrides, corn mazes, bonfires, eating lots of fall foods.”“It’s nice to have a Sunday off,” said Josh at Cipolla Rossa PizzeriaYes, Josh, I hear you on that one. Now if I can remember to shut off my alarm clock.Vendors aren’t the only ones questioning each other about what to do without the Bethesda market on Sunday. Just as we are set in our schedules, so are many of our customers.“What am I going to do?” was our shoppers’ collective groan when reminded there would be no Bethesda market on October 14.Savvy shoppers stocked up last week, but that’s not possible for some perishables or due to storage space.Here’s what you are going to do for one week - shop at one of Central Farm Markets’ other three locations.Pike and Westfield are right in Bethesda’s backyard, but you’ll have to shop on Saturday. Both are only five miles from the Sunday market location and both have ample parking. Many of the same vendors attend the Saturday markets - check the CFM website to see which vendors attend each market. If your favorite Sunday vendors aren’t at the Saturday markets, try someone new.If you are unable to shop on Saturday, but want to patronize your specific farmers, you’re going to have to take a drive, about fifteen miles to Mosaic Central Farm Market in Fairfax, VA. Again, there is plenty of free parking and familiar faces.What am I going to do? I haven’t decided. The fun side wants to spend the weekend in the city hitting up a show, going out to eat or visiting a museum before lambing season kicks off the following week. However, I think the practical side will win out preparing for a new batch of babies. Either way, I, along with all my fellow vendors, will be back in Bethesda on Sunday, October 21. See you then!