Farmers market in season

The South Perry Farmers Market opened last Thursday in the parking lot at The Shop. The market is open every Thursday from 3-7 p.m.

Brian Estes, who’s in charge of the market, said between 20 and 25 vendors have signed up for the season.

“Our total capacity is 27 so we are almost full,” Estes said. “You will find any kind of fruit and vegetable, specialty herbs, anything that’s grown around here. It’s all local.”

The market season opened with a flower festival. Shoppers can expect more festivals throughout the season, Estes said. “We are planning a strawberry festival when they are in season,” he said.

Some of the highlights last week were bread and pastries from Arabesque Farms & Bakery and apple wood baked pizza made on site, by Veraci, in a great big terracotta oven.

“We do take debit and credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash,” Estes said. WIC coupons are also accepted. On market day there will be a board where volunteers may sign up. “One of our goals this year is to be more community oriented, to be a social gathering place in the heart of the neighborhood,” Estes said. “We want to collaborate with local businesses and services.”