Friday Lunch Next to a Roller Coaster

My favorite part of doing the Belmont Park market was that Kate & I both had Friday off from our other jobs & we were able to sleep in.  Normally we both got up around 6am & were gone before 6:45.  But, on this Friday we didn't have to leave until 8 or so.

We were also excited to hit the ground running on a market that was just starting out.  People love new events & it seemed like Mission Beach after Memorial Day would attract plenty of vacationers.

When we arrived in front of the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, Brian directed us to our spot in the shadows of the historic attraction.  

"If we break $500 today, were riding the roller coaster afterwards," I said.

The setup was much easier than OB, with a lot more space in between tents & we had a designated parking spot for vendors right across the street.  I had stocked up on bread & cheese Thursday before to kickball & we were ready to rock three of Brian's markets in a row.

"What is this?" we got asked a few times by people walking into the park.

"We sell grilled cheese," I told a confused family of five.  

That turned out to work in our favor at Belmont Park.  There were a lot more families & when they went inside & saw the prices for a cheeseburger or tacos, they realized they couldn't beat one of our $4 OBC grilled cheezers.  And, the $1 ice cold cans of Sprite, Coke & Diet Coke were a hit on a warm day.

It was slow at first, but things started to pick up as lunch time neared.  We got a few construction workers & some teenagers who worked at the amusement park.  We had a short line of people waiting but this time we were ready.  Kate had buttered bread the night before & it saved us a substantial amount of time.  

But, time was not on our side in Mission Beach that day.

"Alright, guys we gotta cut it soon." Brian was walking around telling all of the booths.  "We gotta be all packed up & outta here by 1:30.  They need this parking lot all clear.  Sorry, but they're real adamant about it."

We were forced to turn off the grill & turn people away.  I'm sure if we could've stayed open for another 30-45 minutes Kate & I would've been riding that roller coaster.  

Oh well, I thought.  Next week should be better & we have the rest of the afternoon off!