The 2020 pandemic and resulting lockdown has become a watershed moment for many local businesses.

But not all of them.

At the Hometown Farmers Market, the health crisis and its implications appear to have been merely a hiccup. The business, celebrating its 70th year, has come roaring back

“We’re in full swing,” said owner Susan Biege early Wednesday morning as she coordinated details with dozens of vendors turning out to set up shop, selling just about everything from fresh meats to motorcycles.

But that’s not to say the indoor-outdoor market, begun in 1950, wasn’t affected.

The buildings closed on March 15, relegating the weekly market to just a few outside stands selling food and essentials.

As restrictions were lifted by the commonwealth, the market has steadily gained momentum.

“Every week, we’re seeing more and more vendors,” said Biege. “Of course, we’re sticking to the health guidelines such as the 6-foot spacing.”

In fact, virtually all of the vendors and customers wore masks on June 3. In addition, the market has signs posted at regular intervals to advise attendees of proper protocol.

On top of that, the market has a public address system which reminds customers throughout the day to wear their masks, along with advising about other health and safety issues, such as no pets allowed.

By June 10, as restrictions eased and more counties shifted from quarantine red to yellow and green stages, more attendees could be seen without masks although the precautionary use of masks was still the norm.

Biege said the return to full business has been smooth with no complaints. On occasion, distance requirements might be impacted just a bit, same as in a supermarket. But for the most part, all attendees are being polite, courteous and mindful of others.

“There are a few areas where it tends to get congested,” said Biege.

Longtime vendor Gloria Faust of Andreas, owner of Aunt G’s Pastries, located at a corner booth inside what was once Sky-Lanes Bowling Alley, said demand for her baked delights at the Market has been brisk in recent weeks.

“We sold out two weeks in a row and just about sold out in the third week.”

For Faust, that’s par for the course and a sign that the normal crowds have returned.

Husband Dale pointed out that the flow of customers can vary according to the weather.

“In the heat of the summer, it can change,” he said.

Gloria, agreed, noting how buyers alter their shopping patterns during the most humid days.

“When it’s really hot out there, they’ll come in here during the morning hours and try to be done before noon.”

The Hometown Market, known by locals as “The Auction,” has been a shopping staple for regional consumers for generations and a must-do on Wednesdays, the only day it opens.

“We’re here every Wednesday to get our produce. You can’t beat the prices,” said shopper Leslie Adams of Conyngham.

The market, Route 54, just outside of Tamaqua, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Shoppers can pick from a selection of produce - much of it locally grown, along with cheese, meats, fresh baked goods, antiques, collectibles, household items, clothing, plants, shrubbery, flowers, coins, books, crafts and more.

Biege said the actually anniversary date falls in August.

While the 70th year brought an unexpected development in terms of a worldwide health threat, “The Auction” appears to have weathered the storm.