The wind wasn’t the only thing brisk Saturday morning on Washington’s waterfront. Business at Saturday Market, the first of the 2011 season, was brisk within minutes of its 8 a.m. opening.

Although the local produce season is not yet in full flower, most Saturday Market vendors had little trouble selling what they had to offer.

“It’s springtime, even though it may not quite feel like it this morning, but it is always exciting to be back.” said Shawn Harding with Southside Farms, where strawberries were picked and packaged for Saturday Market. “We’ve got strawberries started early this year. Of course, tomatoes and other things will be coming in a little bit later. We’re looking forward to all the good produce – onions, turnips right now. Then, later, cabbage – just all the vegetables.”

Southside Farms is a veteran of Saturday Market and its precursors.

“We’ve been here since it started,” he said. “I remember coming  to the first market. … It was snowing one day. We were out here  in the snow.

Another veteran Saturday Market vendor was back in place Saturday.

“I am excited about it. Last season was a lot of fun,” said Rachel Midgette with Rachel K’s Bakery, adding that last season she enjoyed her regular customers coming by and the chance to meet newcomers to Saturday Market.

“I’m going to have a couple of different pastries that I didn’t have last year,” Midgette said. “Last year, I tried out a toaster Pop Tart kind of thing with fresh, local fruit in it, and I think that’s going to be a big hit. I’m going to have that more often.”

Midgette won’t be at the next Saturday Market, but she returns for the remaining Saturday Markets this season, which ends Oct. 15.

Taffy Marron with N.C. Pasta Co., distributor of Pappardelle’s Pasta Co.’s dried pasta products, returned for a second season at Saturday Market.

“We were here last year. It’s the best farmers’ market in the state,” Marron said. “It’s fun. It’s a gorgeous setting and the people here are absolutely super.”

Pappardelle’s pasta items are only sold at farmers’ markets, she said.

While most of the items sold at Saturday Market are edible or plantable, some items aren’t. That’s how it is with Sandra Cherry Jones’ items. Jones is an artist who paints on bricks, wood and canvas. From cardinals to magnolias to North Carolina lighthouse, Jones captures eastern North Carolina images on brick and the other media.

“It’s nice to see the red in the strawberries and the green in the greens,” said Charlene Hunter of Greenville. “I came across this place last year when I came to Washington one Saturday morning. … I liked what I saw and thought there were good prices on the produce being sold. … I left with several bags of fruits, vegetables and some jellies.”

Saturday Market begins at 8 a.m. and ends at noon each Saturday through Oct. 15. Some vendors who sell all their goods on any given Saturday may leave before noon.

Saturday Market occurs adjacent to the dock master’s office on the west end of Stewart Parkway on Washington’s waterfront. For more information about Saturday Market, call the Washington Harbor District Alliance at 252-946-3969.