UPTON, Mass. - Many local businesses are getting ready for their first taste of snow this winter ahead of this weekend's forecasted storm.

Dominic Goulette has been helping his dad plow snow for nearly 15 years and he's only 21.

"I love cars and trucks," Goulette said. "I mean, ever since I could reach the pedals he would let me mess around in his shop and the parking lot, even moving snow."

Snow time is go time for Goulette, who is hoping for a busy weekend full of snow. He will join his father and the team at Upton Truck and Auto clear sidewalks and driveways across Worcester County.

On Friday, hey put the finishing touches on their fleet of plows.

"Our mechanics were hustling down there to get everything ready," Goulette said. "I would say about a week to get everything ready to go for the storm."

Goulette said 2023 was a tough year for plow drivers, and he might be one of the few hoping for a lot of snow.

"Some people say they hate it," he said. "I actually love it. I love every second of it. I get antsy when I see one snow flake."

It wouldn't be a New England snow storm without people running out for their bread and milk. Friday, it was literally the calm before the storm at local grocery store Maker to Main.

"We saw a little of it yesterday," said owner Lynn Cheney. "And people are just starting to think about it."

Cheney said in the store's brief history, the days leading up to snow have been some of their best. But, the timing of this one is a bit unfortunate.

"Saturdays are typically a busier day for us anyway," Cheney said. "So not for nothing, I wish the snowstorm was happening on a Monday. But, you know, we can't control everything."

The store moved from downtown to the Canal District last year, which would make this weekend one of their first snow events in their new location.

"We're in an area that's nestled around so many apartments and residents currently," Cheney said. "So, there's a lot more walkability, people that will literally just come in on the daily, daily shopping essentially. I'm hoping that there's an uptick of people shopping locally instead of going to our larger grocery stores for the snow storm."

Cheney said Maker to Main will be open this weekend regardless of how much snow the area sees. She said she wants to be open to help those people who have to go out and are unable to stay home during the snow.