Juniper Hill Farm staff sell vegetables at the Saranac Lake Farmers’ Market in October 2020 in Riverside Park. (Enterprise photo — Amy Scattergood)

SARANAC LAKE — The Saranac Lake Farmers’ Market is set to open its 2021 season this Saturday.

The market takes place at Riverside Park downtown, at the corner of River and Main streets, and operates rain or shine every Saturday through mid-October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Since starting in 2009, the Saranac Lake Farmers’ Market has grown to one of the most vibrant markets in the region and the largest in the Adirondacks.

“This year over 40 local small businesses are represented including seven new vendors that will provide locally made soaps, art, ceramics and prepared foods,” said Kelly Hofschneider, a volunteer organizer for the market. “Returning vendors will also bring back their highest quality art, woodworking, vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, wines, brews, fermentables, pasta and baked goods.”

“Saranac Lake has continued to be a community that, more than ever, supports and values our local farmers and producers,” said Adam Hainer of Juniper Hill Farm, one of the market vendors. “The atmosphere of the market every Saturday in Saranac Lake provides an ideal venue with music, activities and a wide variety of vendors where people can get to know their farmers and producers.”

Music will once again take over the band shell in Riverside Park. Local musician Joe Dockery will be filling the first market with laid-back, toe-tapping tunes.

“The Farmers’ Market does a wonderful job of bringing people into the village on Saturday mornings,” said volunteer market manager Jake Vennie-Vollrath. “Many of our vendors were unable to participate last year due to pandemic-related safety restrictions,” said Vennie-Vollrath, “but vendors are looking forward to being back providing the community with local products in a safe manner while adhering to CDC guidelines.”

The market has free spaces available for nonprofits and community organizations. There is also an “entrepreneur tent” available to new and aspiring businesses seeking to get the word out about their locally made products and expand their customer base. Contact the market volunteer organizers for more information at avgfarmersmarkets@gmail.com.