Many people may have forgotten what rain was, but to the delightof Lincoln County Extension Director Rebecca Bates, the fewdroplets of precipitation Tuesday may provide a bright outlook forthe Brookhaven Farmers Market in the weeks to come.

The farmers market will begin Friday and continue every Fridayuntil Nov. 19 in Railroad Park.

While people seeking fresh produce can expect to see most of thesame vendors as the summer market, they will have to shop at adifferent time. The market, which usually open in the morning, willopen at noon this fall and close at 4 p.m.

“(We) thought we’d give it a try because people are so busy in themorning,” Bates said.

Bates hopes the new time will allow people to visit the marketafter people are done running their morning errands, dropping theirkids off at school or while on their lunch break during work.

“Friday is supposed to be a great day. Bring your lunch and enjoybeing outside,” Bates said.

Market-goers can expect to see six to eight vendors on Friday,Bates said. Some items for sale will include Patti Alderman’s freshbread, Joyce Woods’ baked goods, Jamie Mauthe’s dairy products andBobbie Riggs’ bean sprouts.

“It will be a variety, but just not the amount of produce we’re useto. I hope it will pick up,” Bates said.

What Bates hopes will pick up is the amount of rain Brookhaven hasseen. The lack of precipitation threatens to put a damper on thisyear’s market.

The extension director said that if there is a continued absence ofrain, it would affect the amount of produce available, which couldultimately shorten the farmers market season.

However, Bates said community support could ensure the brightcolors of fresh produce and the smells of baked goods in RailroadPark until November.

“We’ll remain open as long as we have items for sale and customerscoming to buy them,” Bates said. “Without the customers, we don’thave a market.”

Bates is expecting the regular crowd as years past and is choosingto remain optimistic about this year’s market.

“We have so many customers that miss the market,” Bates said. “I’msure we will have a good market, and it will get larger with moreproduce.”

If more produce becomes available, Bates said people can expect tosee broccoli, cabbage, fresh greens, sweet potatoes and other fallfavorites.

“I’m excited to get vendors back,” Bates said. “I’ve missed myfresh sprouts and breads.”