In just few weeks, Saturday Market returns to the Washington waterfront. That means area residents and visitors to the area will have access to locally produced fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, baked goods, relishes and other items.

Saturday Market is all about supporting the local economy. Saturday Market helps support the area’s agricultural industry, especially small producers, by providing them another retail outlet for their goods. Saturday Market provides consumers with the freshest of fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis and at reasonable prices.

But Saturday Market is more than just a weekend marketplace where farmers and others can market their goods. Saturday Market serves as a social medium. Saturday Market is a place where the community gathers to socialize, catch up on local events and compare photographs of grandchildren.

Area churches, civic organizations and nonprofit charities come to Saturday Market to set up food booths and conduct bake sales to raise money to support their projects, services and programs – and raise awareness about their projects, services and programs.

Saturday Market is the result of hard work by members of the Washington Harbor District Alliance. The WHDA has done a remarkable job of organizing and marketing Saturday Market.

Saturday Market traces it roots back to a farmers-market approach developed about 11 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 recent years as become a signature event on the Washington waterfront.

So, when Saturday Market begins a new season April 19, think about spending several minutes there to buy fresh produce, tasty jams and still-warm baked goods. You’ll be investing in your community, your neighbors and local food producers.

It will be an excellent investment.