The Farmers’ Market will return to the Botanical Gardens this Saturday morning.

Local farmers, fishermen, gardeners, cooks and artisans will be selling produce, farm-related items, plants and locally made or designed crafts directly to residents and visitors from 8am to noon.

The event will be held each Saturday until next July, except during the Annual Exhibition.

According to a press release, the Farmers’ Market has increased both its clientele and the number and variety of vendors at the market.

A café and relaxation area, child-centred activities and community artists will be part of the attraction with the event.

Environment minister Cole Simons said in a statement: “This is a wonderful way for individuals who fish, farm, cook or craft various products to make them available to the public. The produce and baked goods displayed are at their peak of freshness. My advice is to get there early.”

Secretary of the Farmers’ Market, Debrarh Swan, stated: “We are opening with a wonderful variety of items for sale. I wish to remind the public that due to the hurricane, fresh produce will be more limited than usual.

“Many farmers’ crops were newly planted when Hurricane Nicole arrived and there was significant damage. We are working hard to make this up, and in the meantime there are many other vendors that would be very glad to see you there.”

The objective of the liaison between the Farmers’ Market and the Bermuda Botanical Gardens is “to ensure the steady growth of the vendors and patrons and to facilitate an increase in community awareness of the Botanical Gardens” by:

• providing an economical market place at a centralised location where local producers can sell their goods and services along with other products approved by the Farmers’ Market Executive Committee;

• providing a centre of activity and a place where the community can gather, socialise and interact with each other;

• increasing the visibility, utility and versatility of the Gardens, showcasing plants found island-wide and natural beauty that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike;

• marrying two entities which complement each other both functionally and aesthetically.

For more information, contact Mrs Swan at 535-7973 or Ann Marie DeGraff at 333-6198.