The Wilson Farmers and Artisans Market will return to the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Pavilion on April 24 with 28 vendors.

“We are very excited with the response we have received to our call for vendors,” said market manager Meg Edwards. “Due to the increase in vendor participation, the number of vendors exceeds the amount of stall spaces under the pavilion. Thus, we are allowing vendors to use their own canopies alongside the pavilion. There will be more vendors than there have been in the last few years with more variety of products.”

For several years, the market has been a centrally located, open-air venue for farmers to sell home-grown produce, honey, eggs, meats, seedling plants and cut flowers.

Local artisans were invited to participate in the market in 2017, which broadened the number of vendors and widened the available products to include freshly baked breads and pastries, handmade jewelry, pottery, soap products and a variety of other items.

This year’s market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through Sept. 4.

The 2021 season will not have a drive-through option, as was established in the 2020 season to permit the market to open in compliance with COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

This year’s market will allow for traditional walking, browsing and buying, Edwards said.

Edwards said the farmers market will follow Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive orders establishing pandemic precautions, including the face mask requirement.

“Thanks to the Wilson County Cooperative Extension, we can provide a mask to anyone who does not have one,” Edwards said.

Unlike in past years, the market will not operate on Wednesdays.

“We are working toward strengthening the Saturday market first,” Edwards said. “At some point in the future, we’ll consider opening on Wednesdays as well.”

The market will feature nonprofit organizations on its opening day.

“The Imagination Station Science & History Museum will have animals, art by the animals and information about the museum and their upcoming events,” Edwards said. “The Department of Social Services will have information regarding Child Abuse Awareness Month and blue pinwheels to hand out to children.”

Wilson County Extension Master Gardeners members will be on hand to discuss plants and share information on rose rosette disease.

On opening day, Edwards said Casita Brewing Co. will host a barbecue fundraiser for the Imagination Station, which will start at noon.

“There will also be regular programming and collaborations with nonprofits and community groups,” Edwards said. “For example, on May 8, we will be hosting the Maggie Society with an event called Maggiepalooza at the Market. We have also scheduled other activities throughout the season, such as cooking demos, exercise classes in the park and other various family-friendly activities.”

Edwards said Projech 86 plans to rotate its food truck team at each market.

“Projech 86 is a team of four different local specialty food trucks, including Fat & Skinnys, Natural High Smoothies, Item9 Pizza and El Chambis,” Edwards said.

Two downtown businesses will join in to provide refreshments.

“Tig’s Courtyard will be there with their food cart every other market with coffee, refreshments and a variety of food options,” Edwards said. “Treat Yo’ Self will also be there every Saturday with coffee and delicious baked goods.”

Edwards said Beaufort County-based Washington Crab will join the market all season with a variety of fresh, local seafood offerings.

Food trucks typically draw a crowd on their own, she explained.

“Incorporating food trucks with the market positively impacts sales for our vendors,” Edwards said. “In addition, people coming to shop at the market can enjoy the food and drink offerings. The food trucks will be set up on South Street to be more integrated into the market.”

Kona Ice and Roasted & Toasted will be on hand May 8 for Maggiepalooza at the Market.

Edwards said the market is seeking vendors with dairy products such as cheeses and vendors with jams and/or preserves made in a certified kitchen.

Prospective vendors can sign up online at https://www.managemymarket.com/. For more information, email Edwards at farmersartisanmarket@wilsonnc.org.