HARTFORD — Residents in the Bend Area will soon have the opportunity to buy fresh produce.

The Bend Area Farmer’s Market, located on Hartford Hill in Hartford, is slated to open Tuesday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. From there it will be open each Tuesday until Oct. 31.

The market will contain a variety of fresh produce such as green beans, tomatoes and sweet corn, according to Bill Reebel, market master. Fruit also will be available. However, Reebel emphasized that the market changes frequently.

In addition, the Bend Area Farmer’s Market will be slightly different from the market in Point Pleasant because it is an Amish market, Reebel said.

“The Amish will operate the market,” he added.

Reebel encouraged others to purchase produce from the farmer’s market, and described it as being fresher than what would be found in grocery stores.

“The key is to buy fresh, buy local,” he said. “The stuff at other stores travel several miles to get here ... you can decrease your carbon footprint when you buy local.”

According to Reebel, the buy fresh, buy local campaign is being celebrated nationwide. In addition, Reebel said that buying produce locally helps to stimulate the area’s economy.

Reebel anticipates this year’s market to do well, as the current weather has contributed to plant growth.

“Things are growing good now ... it should be a good year with the rain we’ve had,” he said.

In addition to the Bend Area Farmer’s Market, the Point Pleasant Farmer’s Market, located under the Bartow Jones Bridge, is open 8 a.m. until noon Saturday. Both markets accept WIC and senior vouchers.

For more information on the farmer’s market, call Reebel at 304-674-5633 or e-mail pepperking@suddenlink.net. For more information on local farmer’s markets, visit www.foodroutes.org or www.wvfarmers.org.