Betty Black and Martha Sue Wilson are shown with a variety of plants available for purchase at the Cotton Market. A lthough summer does not officially begin until June 21, the Cotton Market Park on Cotton Avenue is already a

busy place. Local vendors, along with those from the

surrounding area, are loading their wares and setting up shop 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday of each week.

Items available for purchase vary each week but have included fresh squash, strawberries, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, peaches, jams, jellies, snap peas and assorted plants.

“I’m really pleased with the market. The vendors are so satisfied they don’t hesitate to say they will be back the next week. The traffic has been pretty good, and I think will get better as more produce gets ready,” commented Art Johnson, Millen Better Hometown, sponsor of the market.

From left, Brookes Brinson, Dan Rushing and Linda Newton display items for sale at the Cotton Market Park last week. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett) Local citizens are encouraged to bring their produce to the market to sell. There is no fee to use the Cotton Market.