Enjoy fresh produce and prefer it to be grown locally? If so, the opening of this year’s Saturday Market season on Washington’s waterfront is just for you.

This season’s Saturday Market, presented by the Washington Harbor District Alliance, kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday. You might want to get there early because about 1,400 bicyclists in town for Cycle North Carolina’s spring excursion to Washington this weekend could leave the Saturday Market booths’ tables and shelves somewhat bare.

Saturday Market provides opportunities for local residents to buy locally and opportunities for area farmers, growers and producers to sell their wares locally. It’s a win-win situation. The money local residents spend at a local farmer’s booth may help buy new prom dress for that farmer’s teenage daughter or a new baseball for that farmer’s 10-year-old son.

Several years ago, Petals & Produce was the first Beaufort County agricultural concern to participate in the Community Supported Agriculture program, according to the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service’s center in Beaufort County. It’s a program that more local farmers should at least considering joining.
That program and Saturday Market are just two ways area folks can support area farmers and producers.

Saturday Market traces it roots back to a farmers-market approach developed about eight years ago by Cam and Shirley Padgett of Chocowinity after they visited a similar market in Salem, Ore. The Padgetts served as co-chairmen of the forerunner to Saturday Market, which in past years was held on the third Saturday of each month from April through October.

Saturday Market includes the Washington Artisans Fair, where area artisans showcase and sell their artistic creations. Pottery, jewelry and seasonal merchandise are available.

Saturday Market also allows local churches, civic groups and nonprofit organizations an opportunity to publicize and raise money for their projects and programs.

Saturday Market is about meeting community needs, promoting local economic development and getting to know your neighbors. There is nothing wrong with that.