Oconee Farmers Market Back for 2012 Season

It's back and has the potential to be bigger than ever. The kicks off its ninth season on Saturday.

This year organizers say the market will be more visible than in the past because it is moving across the street to the front of the .  Originally the market occupied the front lawn of .  to back to accommodate for more vendors.  Now, it will again be seen by passersby on Main Street.

"This will hopefully give us a lot more visibility and make people more aware and they stop and by and spend," Vice President of the Market Russ Page said.

The number of vendors for which there is space for is almost limitless, according to Page, because it can spread throughout the the entire parking lot of the front of the courthouse, down the road to the left of the Courthouse, and occupy the regular parking lot behind it as well.

"I think we’re all quite excited about the new space," he said.  "The weather’s been nice lately and it's supposed to be a good day."

What you can find on Saturday

Page won't have any of for sale just yet; that's coming in July.  But he will be there this weekend to support fellow vendors.

This year the market has hired a full-time manager to keep up with operations.  President Cindy Pritchard has stepped into the role and is handling everything from public relations to day-of tasks.

Vendors will be bringing a variety of cakes to the market on Saturday, according to an email from Norris, including blueberry cream cheese and caramel.  There is always free coffee, too.

Here is a list of some of the other items that will be available this week:

• Pork rinds
• Beef jerky
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Chard
• Escarole
• Spinach
• Green garlic
• Lavender shortbread
• Fresh, dried and dehydrated
• Strawberry jam
• Assorted herbs-both fresh cut and potted in 4" and gallon containers
• Raw and scented shea butter
• Black soap
• Assorted sea salts
• Handcrafted beeswax lip balms and candles
• Birdhouses
• Squirrel feeders
• Flowers
• Colorful hanging baskets
• Japanese maples
• Peonies
• Hostas
• Heuchera
• Sedums and much more!

The Red Oak Southern String Band is slated to perform.  The market opens at 8 a.m. and breaks down around 1 p.m.

Lee Becker of Oconee County Observations reports will be available at this year's market.

Have you visited the Oconee Farmers Market?  What items do you like to purchase there?