Shoppers who frequent the Power Plant Market Place in Andalusia could find vegetables available a little earlier than usual, manager Neil Dansby said.

The farmers market is slated to open on Sat., May 14, and Dansby said while the typical vegetables available this time of year are English peas, green beans and new potatoes, he has one vendor who expects to have squash and other vegetables soon.

Dansby has set the annual meeting for producers and vendors for 7 p.m. on Tues., May 10, at the market location.

Anyone interested being a vendor at the Farmer’s Market this year is asked to attend the meeting, and to call Janice Shakespeare at 222-1274.

“We want to try to get growers, producers, and vendors there – anybody that has products they want to sell,” he said.

Dansby said the market first and foremost seeks vendors selling fruits and vegetables.

“We also have others who do canned goods, and baked goods,” he said. “But it needs to be linked to farm goods in some way.”

Those interested in selling canned or baked items at the market are encouraged to attend Tuesday’s meeting, where they will have an opportunity to participate in a food safety certification course. The certification is for five years, and the course addresses sanitation and packaging.

Dansby said all vendors are welcome, even if they only come once or twice a year.

“If you have an overabundance for a week or two, we have plenty of room,” he said. “Your overabundance may be someone else’s need.”

And there’s one thing people really need, he said. Homegrown tomatoes for tomato sandwiches.

“They’re guaranteed to make you live longer because it makes you feel better,” he said. “The first true, homegrown tomato of the summer, is a blessing. It’s a wonderful occasion.”

Beginning May 14, the market will be open from 7 a.m. until noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays.