WORCESTER — While it might be a little more expensive this year, it seems more people are stocking up on food and drinks for their fourth of July celebrations.

Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean marketplace in Worcester said they’re always busy around the holidays. The marketplace has been in the city since 1975, selling homemade, local and international specialty foods. 

Miriam Hyder, owner of the marketplace says this fourth of July is busier than last year’s. Her customers tell her they're excited to host a get-together again. 

​“Definitely busier, busier than last year,” Hyder said. “We’re some people’s last stop before the cape and Maine, so you’ve got the people leaving town and then a lot of the people that are doing the Worcester stay-cation. We’re very lucky to serve our community, be in Worcester for almost five decades, and to be part of people’s families, part of our family.”

Hyder said in addition to their homemade dips, their other big sellers this year are their meats, wines and craft beer.