As the Henry County Farmers Market in McDonough hits a milestone this year, vendors are enjoying continued success by introducing their products to local residents.

  Frank Hancock, agriculture and natural resource agent for the University of Georgia Extension Office, has overseen the Farmers Market since its inception at Heritage Park. He said the market, now in its 10th year, is “off to a good start” this time around.

“The crowds are increasing weekly, with a whopping 245 shoppers last week,” said Hancock. “The vendor presence is strong with 13 vendors each week. The tomatoes are ripe, and you better get here early so the tomato vendors won’t sell out before the close of the market.”

  Hancock said the Farmers Market will soon be expanding its offerings as well.

“A new vendor, Lisa Walker, will be joining us this week with USDA beef, pork, and chicken,” said Hancock.

  Vendors at the Farmers Market come equipped with a variety of items from their own gardens. Gary West of Westworthy Farms in Locust Grove, who offers vegetables and heirloom tomatoes; Ava Mangham of Circle M Farm in Molena, Ga., with items including tomatoes, honey, squash, zucchini, peppers and kale; Jake Carter of Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, offering strawberries, blackberries, peaches and ice cream.

  Farmers Market vendor Zeke Skrobot and his wife Linda own Blue Arbor Farms and Bakery in Covington. Skrobot said he has enjoyed participating in the venue at Heritage Park.

  “It’s growing each week,” he said. “This is by far the easiest one to set up with, because it’s a covered location. Each week, the sales increase. The staff there is also very welcoming and helpful.”

  Narrow Way Farm principal owner Russell Brydson produces seasonal vegetables for the Farmers Market. James Weeks of Nu Sunrise Farms in Griffin brings seasonal fruits and vegetables, tomatoes and goat milk products to the venue as well.

  Additional items at the market include: jams and jellies; quail & chicken eggs; massage oils; wind chimes; soaps and lotions; handmade purses, towels and keychains; teas, candles, spa wraps; woodburned products and walking sticks.

  For more information call 770- 288-8421.