By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

The Helena Farmer’s Market will resume Sept. 9 and will extend through the fall of 2017.

There will be no market on Sept. 2 or Oct. 28, said Scott Newman, market director.

Returning vendors confirmed to date include: Evans Farms, Bee Creek Farms, Downtown Farm, Mark Brady, Mori Farms, The Rolling Scones, Smoked (hot sauce), Birminghammer (cutting boards and wood creations) and JnS Creations.

Offerings (beyond seasonal veggies and fruits) will include farm-raised pork, chicken and eggs, fresh baked goods, honey, several varieties of jams and jellies, and pickles—including two called Cowboy Candy and Cowgirl Candy.

Newman is also hoping to add farmers who produce fresh beef, mushrooms and tea, as well as a popcorn vendor. Also in the works, a coffee truck, The Neighborhood Brew.

Candra Dee Latte, of Latte Farms, who will also return, has unique products and fresh flower bouquets in mason jars.

Candra and her husband are parents of three children, ages 1, 2 and 6, and live a self-sustaining lifestyle.

“We have a small operation, about two acres in Jemison, where we grow everything from seed,” Latta said.

The flowers include Zinnias (Candra’s favorite), sunflowers and snapdragons. In their backyard, she grows herbs, also available at market, and vegetables.

“We have 200 tomato plants,” Latta elaborated, “Including Cherokee Purple, Big Boy, Celebrity, Cherokee Grape, Yellow Pear and Pink Lady.”

She makes a tangy tomato relish that she enjoyed growing up as a Southern child.

“I am looking forward to fall market, as by then we will also have new crops of collards, lettuce and Swiss chard.”

Latte also makes a variety of jams and jellies from local sources such as Mountain View Apples and Wesley Farms—peach, strawberry, blackberry and more.

“It’s important to me to use local products, when supplementing those we grow and I try to be different in my creations.”

Latte Farms also raises chickens and has learned about flock management.

She also has cookies and will offer an assortment of “holiday-themed items suitable for gift-giving.”

One unique product that I discovered in her booth is ginger syrup.

“I came up with this when I was pregnant and plagued with nausea. It is a great substitute for sugar in hot tea and calms an upset stomach.”

Come to the Helena Amphitheater on Saturdays, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and support this endeavor that brings wholesome and unique offerings to our community.