The Lock Haven Farmer's Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce and other items.

Story by Scott Johnson, The Express, www.lockhaven.com.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - A summertime tradition is back.

The Lock Haven Farmers Market kicked off its season Saturday morning, and smiles were evident in the courthouse parking lot at the corner of Main and Water streets as many were able to sample fresh fruit and vegetables and homemade crafts.

"I like the fresh produce and I like to support the small businesses," said Angelic Hardy of Lock Haven, as she left with bags full of fresh produce.

Kevin Boyce of Flemington said he came down to see what was available and plans to do it more often, especially for the fresh food.

Mark Gorley of Lock Haven said he's at the farmers market every week it's in operation. "It's local, and there are fresh fruits and vegetables. And, I like the conversation," he said.

The market will be open every Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to noon until Oct. 31. While the amount of vendors was small on opening day, the list promises to grow as more locally-grown produce comes into season.

"We have about 10 vendors signed up for the season. We've really grown the farmers market and we're really excited this year. We're going to have a really good season," said Downtown Manager Maria Boileau. "Vendors will come and go, depending on what they may have. We may not have a lot in June, but it will pick up in July and August. The strawberries are out now."

Indeed, the strawberries are out, and the full allotment brought by Roy Fisher of Valley View Farm Store, East End, was sold out by mid-morning.

"We have eggs, baked goods, strawberries and some craft items. We have a little bit of everything," Boileau said. "Most are local farmers or local vendors and they also sell crafts and flowers ... It really is a little bit of everything."

This is the fourth year in its current location, after spending many years on Vesper Street and in the parking lot adjacent to City Hall.

Boileau said there is no fee for the vendors and the only regulation imposed is approval by the U.S. Department of Agriculture if selling baked and canned goods.

Those who would like to participate should call the Downtown Lock Haven Inc. office at 570-748-1576 or KCNet at 570-893-8111.

Barry and Renee Gummo of Port Matilda have been coming for the last six or seven years, and they are known by their trademark rainbow-colored umbrella that covers their stand.

"This town has received us well," said Barry, who's stand included locally-grown onions, lettuce, tomatoes and flower arrangements. He promises to have more fruit from Way Fruit Farm in Port Matilda in the near future, and is already raving about the sweet corn coming up at his farm.

"It's already this high," he said, raising his hand about a foot over the table.

Even though they have to drive almost an hour to get to Lock Haven, Renee said they enjoy coming to the market.

"It's how we spend our Saturdays," she said. "We have our regular customers."

In addition to the Lock Haven event, the Gummos sell items at the State College and Snow Shoe farmers markets.

Boileau noted KCnet is hosting a Web page for vendors and the community at www.lockhavenmarket.com, where people can not only view what's available each Saturday, but also make requests for future items.