On a mild, bright June 13 Saturday morning, hundreds of delighted Highlands residents returned to the Bowral Public School Market, which has been absent for three months.
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They did so at the temporary new location of the Bowral Bowling Club car park, which had provided the open-air venue for stall holders and organiser Page Coulson.
As of this month restrictions in the use of school facilities remain in place preventing use for anything other than educational purposes.
"I have been constantly in touch with the school throughout the period of suspension," Ms Coulson said.
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"Social distancing remains a critical part of our being able to operate and we are encouraged to see so many monthly visitors return as families, enjoying the fresh produce, beautiful flowers and plants and fine breads and patisserie.
"Given the State Government restrictions I contacted the Bowral Bowling Club who were most supportive, as have been my many long-term stall-holders, so many of whom are here today.
"If the current solid progress in infection rates remains unchanged, we are hopeful of being back at Bowral Public School for our July opening."
One of the longest-standing stall holders is French Patisserie owner Joel, who had his extensive range of authentic Croissants, Pain au Chocolat and specialist flower breads, right next to independent caravan coffee stall holder Van Morton.
The prominence of 3M Hand sanitiser on Joel's stall attests to the care that each person is taking to protect customers from infection.
Dean Wagner's remarkable, beautifully wrapped orchids were selling like hotcakes out of his van, brightening many homes in coming weeks and months
At the west entrance Joan Rooney, The First Aid Lady, was on hand with an extensive range of First Aid Kits, reminding us that after many weeks locked up, everyone should be checking the Expiry dates of the adhesive dressings and creams in home and business First Aid Kits.
She said that her Moss Vale-based business could provide top-up components, as well as complete kits.
Equally important was the reminder that those who are the appointed First Aid Officers in community organisations and businesses may need to update their training after nearly three months when such training services have not been accessible.
At the east end entrance Robertson Potatoes were once again on hand, with multiple varieties of fine locally grown produce, making one feel that life really is beginning to get back to normal.
Packed parking places, busy coffee shops and queues at cafés with outside seating observed in the centre of Bowral suggest it's not lost its appeal to visitors from out of town as well.
Mittagong Market is hopeful of reopening on Saturday, June 20. Check their Facebook site for details.
