MARSHALL — The season for fresh local produce, foods and more returns to Marshall.

The Marshall Farmers Market will open for the season Saturday morning, said market coordinator John Blake.

More than 50 vendors will be part of the market this year.

“That’s a full market,” Blake said.

This will be the third year in a row that the Marshall Farmers Market has been at capacity, he said.

“I would say it’s a very active market,” he said.

The Farmers Market will be held on Saturdays from July 5 to Oct. 25 in the parking lot between the Schwan’s office building and the Marshall Area YMCA. Market hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

“It’ll be every Saturday, rain or shine,” Blake said.

He said it’s been positive to see how the market has grown over the years.

The Marshall Farmers Market got its start in the 1980s, Blake said.

“We started on Third Street with eight vendors,” he said.

Today, the market has “quite a variety” of vendors, Blake said. The market’s current location in the Schwan’s parking lot has also helped it grow, he said. The lot has a good layout, and nearby parking for visitors, he said.

The Marshall Farmers Market also offers ways to help kids and families get fresh, healthy food.

“We will have the kids’ POP (Power of Produce) club again,” Blake said.

Through the POP program, kids ages 3-13 are eligible for a $2 token towards a produce item at the market.

“We’re really looking forward to that,” he said.

The Marshall Farmers Market also accepts EBT payments for SNAP benefits, and the Market Bucks program helps match some SNAP benefits to help customers buy local produce.

In addition to shopping, people can come to the Farmers Market to enjoy live music during part of the morning. Starting on July 12, live performances will be held from 9-11 a.m., Blake said.

“We have a varied lineup,” with everything from a string band performance to a drum show, Blake said.

Support from local businesses has helped make it possible to have performers at the market.