ABRAM GARCIA

As I walked through the West Coast Farmers Market, the aroma of fried food swirled around me. The vendors and the shoppers, engaged in small talk as they loaded bags with fruits, handmade jewelry or even moisturizer, were interrupted by children demanding attention. 

As I looked around, I saw some vendors standing with their families and handing their children flyers, instructing them to hand them out to shoppers. Some vendors stood alone, looking slightly bored, but lighting up when shoppers approached. Some looked worried; maybe because the market was less bustling than it normally is. 

And as the early morning chill receded and rays of sunlight enveloped the stalls with warmth, I decided to talk to two of them. 

“I hope this year brings more money. More stability, more business, more money. And [that] health and family and everything [is] good, stuff like that. We come here every Sunday to the Farmers Market. We come from Fresno, the company is from Fresno, but I’m from Danube, California. It’s like 30 minutes away from Fresno. We sell oranges, other fruits and veggies too. The pandemic tanked business, barely getting by, you know. I’m scared that it will continue, that the coronavirus will continue, and people dying.”