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| Kim Wiley Photo |
With February in the rear view and now rolling into March, I start to prepare for “The Season.” Just like the baseball boys with their spring training regimen to prepare themselves for opening day, I too start to prepare by stocking up on those items that are tourist-oriented such as souvenirs, hats, t-shirts, camping and picnic supplies.
There used to be a Trade Show in Ocean City right around St. Paddy’s Day that helped facilitate these type of purchases. However, the show has been cancelled, I guess because vendors are now buying things over the internet more and more. It doesn’t impact me too much because after several years I’ve got it down as to which suppliers I deal with on various purchases.
Overall, I try to shop locally and buy the bulk of my Buzzy summer stock from Maryland-based outfits. For instance, I like dealing with the folks at Chesapeake Custom Embroidery who have been very good to me thru the years in providing t-shirts, hats and other souvenir items. Camping and picnic supplies I obtain from George J. Falter a longtime distributor out of Baltimore. You’ll see Falter’s trucks all over as they are one of the biggest suppliers catering to convenience and small stores in the State.
I think of March then as a “Get Ready Month.” It was originally named by the Romans in honor of Mars the God of War. After laying up for the winter, the Romans would renew their warring ways in March when the weather broke. I’m not comparing my tourist-buying ways with going to war with them, but just the same, I do need to “gear up” for the season. (The Buzzy motto “Fleece ’em and release ’em” comes to mind.)
Nice little March song here for you from Susannah McCorkle: