POINT PLEASANT — Now that summer is nearly here, it is once again time for the Mason County Farmer’s Market.

The farmer’s market, which is located under the Bartow Jones Bridge in Point Pleasant, is slated to open Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon. From there it will be open each Saturday as well as on Wednesday, starting in July.

According to Bill Keebel, market master, a variety of fresh produce can be found at the farmers market including green beans, tomatoes and sweet corn. Fruit also is available. However, he said that the market constantly changes.

“You never know what will be brought in,” Keebel added.

Keebel encouraged others to buy from the farmer’s market, and described the produce 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 travels several miles to get here ... you can (decrease) your carbon footprint when you buy local.”

In addition, Keebel said buying produce locally helps the area’s economy.

According to Keebel, this marks the 12th year for the farmer’s market, which has grown considerably since its start. Keebel described the market as being successful in the past, and said that this year should be no different.

“Things are growing good now, and we should be getting stuff in soon. It should be a good year with the rain we’ve had,” he said.

For more information on the farmer’s market, call Keebel 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.