Farmer's market downtown will debut Saturday

The city is hoping for a bumper crop of vendors and buyers at Saturday's opening of the Gaffney Station Farmers Market.

Vendors from Cherokee and surrounding counties will be selling fresh produce, including corn, beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, squash and cucumbers.

The farmers market is located in the city parking lot near the old post office at Granard and Frederick streets.

The farmers market will be open Saturdays from 7 a.m. until noon and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 29.

Local Clemson Extension agent Alana Willingham said the ongoing drought may affect the assortment of produce, but she's optimistic the farmers market will become a popular shopping destination for local residents.

"The city hopes this takes off," she said. "The goal is to revitalize the downtown area and this is a way to get people downtown. Only produce will be sold at the farmers market. The city doesn't want flea market items."

Vendors must obtain a grower's certificate from the local Clemson University Extension office. A season long certificate costs only $20. Daily certificates are $5.