There is good news for people who love fresh fruits and vegetables. The Selma and Dallas County Farmers Market officially opened for the season on Saturday.

Under the steel and concrete shelter at Bloch Park, area farmers proudly displayed their large, brightly colored crops for waiting customers.

By late Saturday afternoon, still hours before the market was set to close, there were only a few vegetables left to be sold.

To get the good pickin’s, the farmers said, it is best to stop by the market early.

“People should be here about 6:30 a.m. or 7 a.m. to get a good variety,” said Dallas County resident Vernon Cranmore.

The Cooperate Extension programs of Tuskegee University, Alabama A&M, Auburn University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture jointly sponsor the Farmers Market.

Open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market offers a central place for the growers to sell their fresh crops.

Pat and Doug King say they have been a part of the Cooperate Extension for the past two years.

“Right now, we have corn, squash, and cucumbers,” said Doug. “We’re gong to have watermelons and peaches later on.”

Another good reason to get the market early is to avoid the summer heat. With temperatures reaching into the upper 90’s this week, an early morning visit makes it easy to spend some time in the shade.

“We had a nice breeze blowing all last summer,” Florence Cranmore. “It’s cool now, but it could get hot later on.”

Despite the heat, both the Cranmore’s and King’s say they have enjoyed being a part of the Farmers Market for the past year.

“We have a lot of stuff, and people just snatch them up quick,” Florence said. “We enjoy being a part of the Cooperative.”

As the summer wears on, there will be ample opportunity for Selma residents to get their fill of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Farmer’s Market will be open at Bloch Park from now until October 30.