Saturday's opening of the Bainbridge Farmers' Market is a such a major event that the sun has decided to come out of hiding for the first time in weeks. The forecast is for temperatures nudging 70, which should make for a perfect beginning to the Market's 2008 season.

Until now it has been an uncommonly chilly and gloomy spring. In spite of that the farmers are promising an impressive array of early crops. Rebecca Slattery of Persephone Farms is harvesting both purple and white sprouting broccoli, leeks, cardoons, nettles, chard, and lots of fresh eggs. She'll also be offering her wonderful mix of braising greens, and salad greens with edible flowers.

Brian MacWhorter of Butler Green Farms is bringing beets, bok choy, chard, kale, brussels sprouts, and his famous salad mix. And Amy's flowers will help brighten up the rest of your week, even if the sun goes back behind the clouds.

Mayor Darlene Kordonowy will throw the traditional (locally made at Port Madison Farms, of course) goat cheese into the crowd to officially open the market at 9 a.m. The lucky winner will receive a bag of market goodies, generously donated by our vendors.

Old-fashioned horse and buggy rides will be available all day, so bring the kids. And for your shopping pleasure, you will be serenaded by lively string music performed by Jeff Hollingsworth and friends from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This week you can expect to see an assortment of early spring crops and plant-starts for your garden as well as island-produced wine, clothing, all things glass, jewelry, photo prints and note-cards and metal sculptures.

The market will be open for the next six months with new produce becoming available as new crops ripen and are harvested so plan on making it a weekly stop to check and see what is new at the market. Goat cheese, jams and jellies and home baked breads and pastries are staples at each market and you can always find hot coffee, delicious breakfast and lunch items to keep you going, while you stop by and see what's new with area non-profit groups.  Stop by the manager's booth  to meet new Market Manager Susan  Anemone.

Patronizing your local farmers' market offers the opportunity to do your part to help preserve our land for sustainable agriculture and cut down on the use of fuel while adding more nutritious food to your diet as well. Plus, it's fun! Locals find it's a good meeting place to catch up with a friend, grab a cup and do some shopping while building community. See you there!