By David Hamilton

NATCHEZ — Downtown Natchez will debut a farmers market this Saturday open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon.

Organizers plan to reopen the market every Saturday during those hours through the end of August.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said a bevy of local foods would be sold on Saturday, including fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, seafood and dairy products such as butter, cheeses and non-homogenized milk.

“It’s going to be wonderful to be able to purchase heirloom tomatoes and fresh carrots that people have grown locally in this entire community,” Grennell said.

The city plans to set up the market on Commerce Street, blocking off the area between Main and State streets.

“We ask that residents living on Commerce Street between Main Street and State Street please move their vehicles so we can have unencumbered access to Commerce Street,” Community Development Director James Johnston said.

Market coordinator Eddie Burkes has led the effort and wants the market to establish a relationship between local farmers and consumers.

“I encourage people to come out and support these local farmers and their endeavor to create a fresh produce for people to enjoy,” Burkes said.

Burkes said crafts made by local artists would be sold as well.

“People in the community will be able to buy local so the money can stay right here in the community,” Burkes said.

In addition to supporting local farmers, Burkes said members from Alcorn State University would be present to provide nutritional information to visitors.

“It’s an educational branch as well,” Burkes said.

That element embodies one of the market’s slogans: “know your farmer, know your food.”

Burkes said he hopes the farmers market will encourage attendees to return to Natchez after seeing what the city has to offer.

“It’s just going to have a nice, wonderful community atmosphere,” Burkes said.

Sponsors of the event include the title sponsor Home Bank, The City of Natchez, My Brother’s Keeper, Hop On and Hop Off City Sightseeing and The Natchez Democrat.