The "Bringing Light to the Market" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just got back from Central Market in downtown Lancaster. I was impressed. They are almost finished with the $7 million renovations to the 122-year-old market house that they started over a year ago. Some of the renovations you can't see, such as the heating and cooling systems which are all new, but there are some that are noticeable as soon as you walk in one of the entrances. There are actually windows above some of the doorways. They were always there, but were covered for the last 40 years with the heating units. The new heating units were moved into the two towers that are on the south side of the market. The inside of the market used to be rather dark, especially on a rainy or cloudy day. The couple hundred lights that they used to have suspended from the ceiling have been replaced with 40 high efficiency lights. The ceiling is now lit with lights that shine on the wooden beams that grace the ceiling. I just stood inside the door for a few minutes and looked at all the new features. Time to check out the stand holders and see if any have what I came after. My favorites are the bread lady, candy stand, Willow Valley Bakery, and the Amishman with the items in jars such as pickles, honey, beets, etc. The renovations to the exterior are almost complete, also. The sconces at the entrance doors will be removed and replaced with in-ground lights along the perimeter of the building that will shine up the side of the building. Can hardly wait for that. Think that will make a neat photo! New pavers, benches and planters will finish the exterior. Plans are for the grand opening to occur the first Friday in June. Lancaster had celebrated "First Friday" for a few years now, and this should really bring out the people. What's really neat is that "strawberry and company" will feature my Polaroid prints of the city along the sidewalk, outside the market. Now, if only Kathy's Seafood hadn't closed their market stand. She always saved me a piece of Chilean Sea Bass on Fridays. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: south side of Central Market with one of the two towers as well as the tall Griest Building in the background, interior of the market building showing the bright lights and windows, the olive stand, the Amishman's stand, and the sconces that will disappear shortly with the completion of the exterior.