By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Alabaster Farmers’ Market will return for a third year in mid-June, offering locally grown produce, artisans, vendors and music.

The summer Farmers’ Market will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 11, and will be held from 8 a.m.-noon each week through Aug. 6. All Farmers’ Market events will be held next to the Alabaster Senior Center off 11^th Avenue Southwest.

The market is a partnership between the city of Alabaster and the Sowers of Seed nonprofit organization, which provides summer lunches to students who otherwise may go hungry.

Common sights at the market include corn, peaches, locally made honey, fried pies, tomatoes and more.

The majority of the fresh produce is provided by Shelby County and Chilton County growers, while other local farms provide meat and other items each week.

All proceeds from the Alabaster farmers’ market are used to help Sowers of Seed provide summer meals to children in need.

Sowers of Seed founder Lynn Coleman said the market has seen much success over the past few years, and is looking to continue the trend this summer.

“The city provides the marketing, the tent and the manpower, and we are really thankful for them and their help,” Coleman said, noting signs will go up throughout the city promoting the market after CityFest.

New this year will be a “Market Sprouts” area for kids featuring activities, live animals, farm equipment and more throughout the summer.

The following artisans and musicians will perform at each market:

June 11

Musician:

Jazz musician (TBA)

Artisans:

Janie Moffatt (Crocheted beach/market bags)

Lori Miller (Therapeutic soaps/salts)

Lanelle Fry (Mama Spirit Jewelry)

June 18

Musician:

Over the Mountain

Artisans:

Becky Cochrane (Mango Tree Soaps)

Beth McCandless (Recycle Art)

Beau Cottrell (Beauvine Leather)

June 25

Musician:

Robert Robinson

Artisans:

Janie Moffatt (Crocheted beach bags)

Lori Miller (Therapeutic soaps/salts/lotions)

Barbara Corley (B. Corley Designs)

July 2

Musician:

Jazz musician (TBA)

APH Radio broadcast

Artisans:

Becky Cochrane (Mango Tree Soaps)

Beth McCandless (Recycled Art)

Beau Cottrell (Beauvine Leather)

July 9

Musician:

Barbara Snyder and Josh Arnold

Artisans:

Lori Miller (Therapeutic soaps/salts/lotions)

Barbara Corley (B. Corley Designs)

Beau Cottrell (Beauvine Leather)

July 16

Musician:

James & James

Artisans:

Becky Cochrane (Mango Tree Soaps)

Anita Brantley (This ’n That by Anita B.)

Beau Cottrell (Beauvine Leather)

July 23

Musician:

Larry Tidwell

Artisans:

Lori Miller (Therapeutic soaps/salts/lotions)

Beth McCandless (Recycled Art)

Barbara Corley (B. Corley Designs)

July 30

Musician:

Carter Benedict

Artisans:

Becky Cochrane (Mango Tree Soaps)

Lanelle Fry (Mama Spirit Jewelry)

Beau Cottrell (Beauvine Leather)

Aug. 6

Musician:

Jazz musician (TBA)

Artisans:

Lori Miller (Therapeutic soaps/salts/lotions)

Beth McCandless (Recycled Art)

Barbara Corley (B. Corley Designs)