By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

A beautiful morning dawned on Saturday, June 3 for the opening day of the 2017 Farmer’s Market. As I arrived early at 7:30 a.m., vendors were still in the process of setting up, but it was obvious that a new look is greeting market lovers and shoppers via the displays, signage and product labels.

There was the tried and true produce from Boozer Farms and Evans Farm, who have been with the market since its inception. From Evans Farm, I enjoyed the tender yellow crookneck squash, green tomatoes and fresh strawberries.

Other vendors present who have been with HFM for many years were BB’s Breads (Sourdough Breads — Cheese, Chocolate Chip, Pecan Cranberry, Cinnamon and Plain); Brady’s Naturals (Fruit, Pickles, Jams and Pepper Jelly, Fresh Blueberries); Frios Gourmet Pops and On-Site Sharpening (knives, tools and other blades).

Newer and new include Skull Girl Soap – Soaps, Candles & Bath Bombs; JnS Treasured Creations – Pallet/Wood Signs, Furniture & Home Décor; Emily’s Heirloom Pound Cakes; The Rolling Scones Bakery & Catering; Vincent Gardens – Honey, Creamed Honey, Flavored Honey, Eggs, Pecans & Candies; Downtown Farms, Bessemer AL – Pastured Eggs & Poultry, Pastured Pork; Smoked – Shain Miller BBQ Sauce; By George – 4^th of July themed T-shirts; and The Birminghammer – Cutting Boards, Knives, Coasters, Woodworking.

Rooski’s Food Truck was on hand as well as All About Fun Inflatables.

Due to a previous commitment, I sadly had to miss seeing Chef Chris Hastings and hearing Thomas Trussell. Leah Rose will perform on June 10.

On June 10, Chef Chris Vizzina, Corporate Chef at Red Diamond Inc. will be on hand for his latest demo.

June 17 will feature Walter Caron of Nino’s Restaurant, and on June 24, Brian Puckett will give a farm-to-table demo.

Peaches & Ice Cream Day will be July 1 and Tomato Sandwich Day, Aug. 5.

As a former volunteer with the Helena Farmer’s Market since the first, I was delighted to see faces old and new, congratulate Market Director Scot Newman and I want to invite all to come by each Saturday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. through Aug. 23.

The Helena Belles greeted all who attended the first 2017 Helena Market Days. They also offered face-painting for children.