YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - At the Four Seasons Flea Market in Youngstown, there are signs of life.

People who went shopping for fruit, produce and essentials at the McCartney Road business say they are glad to see old friends.

In addition to seeing friends, people at the flea market shopping say it's nice to give local people a little business.

Daniel Wells told 21 News sales of plants are down significantly from last year. He and his wife own Wells' Nursery in Kinsman. 

"We just want everybody to know that business we get now, we really appreciate it. I mean it's never more important to support local businesses and small businesses, especially as we get through this hard time," said Wells.

The flea market was closed for five weeks outdoors and a total of seven weeks indoors, but soon vendors will be allowed to set up inside.

Four Seasons Team Member Maggy Lorenzi said, "If you notice behind me our spaces are 20 feet apart, not six to eight feet to help protect our vendors. We have a gentleman on the grounds who is our distance patrol. His job is to walk around and remind people to keep their distance. Our inside is not open today, and will not be open Wednesday, May 13th, following the governor's direction. Right now vendors are selling produce, plants, and essentials after Wednesday it will be full retail. Our inside vendors will be asked to wear masks unless they have a medical reason not to, as the governor has explained."

Lorenzi said inside the business, they have a commercial ventilation system.

She said they will be watching how many people are inside the store so it does not get overcrowded. 

People there appreciate growing signs of life, but are hopeful everything gets back to normal sooner rather than later.

"It's nice to come out here and support local people. I miss my friends out here socializing with them, sitting on a bench eating our little hot dog and french fries. It's just different now with corona going around all we can do it take it day by day and be blessed. I'm looking forward for the weather to be real hot, and for everything to be open. It reminded me of a carnival or a fair out here packed with so many people. I think it will be a while before everything will get back to normal. We just have to deal with it and enjoy what we can until it does," said shoppers Jazz and Carolyn Moncrief.