LEWISTON, Maine — Many farmers' markets around the state are nearing the end of the selling season. For vendors and people alike, the markets are usually a regular Sunday stop.
Frequent shoppers, like Paulette Dingley, are already looking forward to next year. From the sweaters she wears to the food she keeps in her fridge, Dingley loves to support small businesses.
"I shop local as much as I can," Dingley said.
When the Lewiston Farmers' Market opens each May, that's where you'll find her on most Sundays.
"It's just a nice, friendly, like laid-back atmosphere and everybody's just really nice," she said.
Dingley has been a regular for so many years that she has made friends. Both Carol Segal and Debra Mongeau are vendors she has built relationships with through supporting their businesses.
On Sunday, Dingley was saying goodbye to them, as it was the second to last week of the market.
"It's always sad to see it go, but by then it's pretty cold," Dingley said.
She'll definitely miss Segal's fresh baked goods, but Segal said she was about to run out anyway.
"I sold out of my soups already. This is my last week because I'm selling all my freezer items," Segal said.
Segal grows the ingredients for her products at her farm during the summer, but during the winter the farm goes dormant and she gets a break.
"I'm ready to be done. I go away for the winters," she said.
For many of the vendors, the breaks are extremely important.
"It gives me a chance to restock," Mongeau, owner of Mainely Soap, said.
Mongeau spends the time making her bath and body products, which are vital to keeping her household running.
"It's really my only source of income, I don't have a website," she said.
Although Mongeau needs the time away, it doesn't mean she won't miss being out selling.
"I'll miss the people. That's what I'll miss," Mongeau said.
The shoppers will miss her, too, but they're already making plans to be back when May comes around.
"I think it's really good for our community. It helps people who live in our community and local businesses give back to the community," Dingley said.
There is one last chance to get to the market if you still want to go. Next Sunday is Lewiston's last one of the season. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.