Downtown Farmers' Market opens Saturday

Pat Gregory Doyle of Raccoon Ridge Honey in Bainbridge displays some of her product during a Farmers' Market session last year.

The Downtown Farmers' Market returns this Saturday for a weekly celebration of local food and community on the square. Continuing its growth, the market promises a number of new vendors among familiar faces in 2011.

First-time vendors include Summer Cooper and Shawna Cooper-Burch of Clayton's Sunny Creek Farm, who will add to the produce selection. Monrovia's Kathy and Don Harris of Bags, Embroidery and More will bring quilted products and hand-carved wooden bowls. Robin Little with Grandma's Oven will sell baked goods.

Among many returning vendors is Bob Zaring, who is planning to bring rhubarb, radishes and asparagus, as well as greens likely starting on May 28. Tom and Nancy Zennie will be back with certified organic lamb and watercress this week.

Other vendor products to look forward to throughout the season include honey, beeswax, herbal products, jams, kettle corn, beignets, a variety of produce, eggs, beef, laundry soap, hand-forged blacksmith items and gourd art.

In addition to locally grown and made food and goods, the Downtown Farmers' Market will once again celebrate local musicians. The market is fortunate to have Tad Robinson lining up talent for the 2011 season. Anthony Mullis will open the 2011 season by providing music this Saturday.

The Downtown Farmers' Market, open from 8 a.m. to noon, will run from May 21 through Oct. 29 on the north side of the downtown square. For more information, contact Friends of the Farmers' Market Chair Cathryn Ensley at meetatthemarket@gmail.com or 720-7610.