Local farmers and producers have harvestedenough crops to return to downtown Brookhaven for the fall farmer’smarket.

    Mississippi State University Extension Service Director RebeccaBates said growers gathered recently to discuss the feasibility ofhaving a market.

    “I met with the board in September and we discussed whether to haveone or not,” she said. “And they felt like there would be enoughproduce to do a short, smaller market for the community.”

    Bates said weather played a key factor in the decision. Late summerheat and rainfall amounts placed a hold on organizing the marketuntil farmers could decide if their produce yields would beenough.

    “Usually the fall one is smaller because we don’t have everygrower, but a good number are committed,” Bates said.

    The market will open Friday in its usual place at Railroad Park. Itwill be open only on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anundetermined length of time.

    “It will be a short one,” Bates said. “It will probably last untilright before Thanksgiving.”

    Bates explained it really depends on when the farmers’ producesells out.

    She said what kinds of produce will be offered is hard to knowuntil the farmers open the market, but some standard items will beon hand.

    “The fall produce is usually lots of greens and some late summercrops,” she said. “Squash, okra, eggplant and greens. Bobby Riggsis coming back with sprouts and everybody loves those. I know I’mmissing them. We had a pretty heavy frost, too, so some things weredamaged. So we’ll just have to wait and see what all isavailable.”

    Baked goods will also be available for the fall market. Bates saidbakers usually bring different kinds of breads, cakes and cookiesamong other items to sell.

    Including bakers, Bates said probably a dozen or so vendors will beselling items for the market.

    Bates said the farmers and bakers are looking forward to returningto downtown for the market and enjoying the communityatmosphere.

    “We all enjoy it,” she said. “It’s not just about the selling. Weall miss the customers and everybody being together. We’re glad andlooking forward to opening back up this fall.”