This Friday will see the return of a farmers market to Brookhaven with local croppers offering their harvests for the hungry public.

     The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. in Railroad Park and lasts until noon, and will occur consecutively every Friday after as well as on Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Amtrak station throughout the summer months.

     The market is in its fifth year in Brookhaven and has increasingly grown since its inception in 2008, said Mississippi State Extension Service Director Rebecca Bates.

     “People really enjoy getting to know where their food comes from,” she said. “It’s also a nice little social event where the community can gather together outside.”

     Green beans, squash, potatoes and vine-ripened tomatoes among other delicious locally grown fruits and vegetables are sure to be found at the market.

     Also look for homemade breads, cakes, cookies and local honey.

     In conjunction with the market’s Friday kick-start, Lincoln County will also celebrate its annual Dairy Day in downtown Brookhaven.

     If the free ice cream and chocolate milk is not enough to entice local residents to the event, there will also be a dairy recipe contest held at the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce office starting at 10:30 a.m.

     Contestants will compete for cash prizes and ribbons in three categories: Hors d’oeuvres, Main Dishes and Desserts.

     Dishes must contain at least one cup of dairy product and participants are required to present their recipe with their dish, Bates said.

     Representatives from the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association will be in attendance Friday offering information to local farmers as well as the general public.

     According to SUDIA’s website, Lincoln County is the third largest producer of dairy products in Mississippi behind Marshall and Marion counties.

     In addition to the Lincoln County dairy farmers on hand Friday, Bates explained she will be welcoming T and R Dairy from Amite County.

     T and R produces bottled milk, cream, butter and a wide selection of artisanal cheeses.

     “We hope the community will come out and welcome us all back,” Bates said.