Parked cars have been banned in 14 roads and squares in and around the town centre from 6a.m. to 8.00p.m., roads are barred and diversion signs have been erected. Cars were parked elsewhere yesterday afternoon and evening. The market traders erected their stalls early in the morning, complete with rain covers and canopies. Apparently many of the brocante (second-hand) stalls did not appear at all. Food stalls were set out with chairs and tables getting damper by the minute. The beer van and accompanying tables and benches were set out. At midday, one brave soul sat on a bench and held up her umbrella while eating a kebab and supping a soft drink from a can; three others stood under the beer van canopy, having their food and glasses of beer from the narrow counter. A few people wander about and purchase goods throughout the day although there are spells when, apart from the stallholders, the fair is deserted.
The place outside our front door (from a first-floor window) - an area that is usually crowded with people chatting, laughing, eating and drinking.
A sad contrast today.
There is an exhibition of painters’ work in the salon at the Mairie and another exhibition in the salle des fetes. Perhaps the good people of Damvillers and the surrounding area have taken shelter there, although I suspect that a lot, like me, have remained indoors hoping for an improvement in the weather this afternoon. It’s so chilly, we put on the central heating and the improvement looks unlikely as showers join up in a steady drip and raindrops bounce in the puddles.
A few more people venture out after their midi in a parade of umbrellas and/or glum faces. I join them in a leather jacket with hood so that I don’t have to juggle umbrella and camera. My back doesn’t like the damp and seizes up, with the rest of me at a slight decline, like an old woman. Oh, of course, I am an old woman! Just don’t like to be made to feel like one…I take a couple of photos and head back home, no longer in the mood to take in the exhibitions.
The streets are usually packed with stalls but a lot have packed up or are in the process of doing so and some small and larger vans drive slowly in between the stalls. It will not be easy for them to get out.
It just needed another 24 hours of a good old Indian summer…obviously not in the Weather Man’s plans!
A lot of work and planning goes into these events and it’s sad when they turn out to be such a disappointment. Some would even say, a wash-out.
That looks miserable! sometimes the weather just doesn't play ball. the photos capture the scene clearly!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alison. Such a disappointment after weeks of sunshine! All the fault of the jet stream apparently - again.
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