Off to Market we go!!!

April on the Southern Tier

The second week in April was our first Market. The trailer was loaded with 12 crates, a sideboard, kitchen table, 6 chairs, children's table and chairs and 400 pieces of inventory. The alarm went off at 4am and we hit the ground running. Just Off Pine was fully staffed for our first Market. Myself, volunteer 1, volunteer 2, and volunteer 3. We were all excited, nervous, tired, worried and slightly nauseous with anticipation. In the pitch black of early morning, we were on our way!

Twenty minutes into our forty minute drive, it started snowing. Thankfully, we had wrapped everything up tight, just in case of rain. However, by the time we reached our destination, it was a full blown white out with high winds and bone chilling temperatures. To be honest, we were so excitedly nervous, we hardly noticed the weather.

Crates unloaded from the trailer, we hurried across the parking lot to the Mall entrance to set up for our very first Market. On the way in, we were treated to several very complimentary comments about our crates. Other vendors turned and gave us approving looks as we cruised by as the wheels of our snazzy white crates hummed along. As we started to set up, a small crowd gathered to ask us who we were and where we found such marvelous crates. I was filled with such an overwhelming sense of happiness and pride. Just Off Pine had arrived!