This year's cool, wet spring delayed the start until mid-July. Although the early wet weather and subsequent heat have taxed the vegetable crop, most of the produce looks nice, he said. Vendors set up in the parking lot on the site of the old Ben Sherman's store. Their numbers fluctuate with the cycles of the season and the availability of produce. Most come from Hastings and Adams County.
Many shoppers return week after week to pick up a fresh supply of produce.
They get to know each other and the vendors, so the Saturday morning market becomes a community-building event, Schiefelbein said. The market probably will continue through the fall melon and pumpkin harvest. New vendors are encouraged to join the market. They set their own prices but are expected not to disrupt the market by getting too far out of line, Schiefelbein said. Some customers buy vegetables for canning or freezing, but many simply want fresh stuff for the table, he said.