Brown County Farmers Market kicks off its 2013 season at the Community Garden Spring Festival this year, offering fresh, naturally grown produce from area growers, as well as plants, foods, crafts and other wares.

Recently renamed and reorganized as part of the Brownwood Area Community Garden, the Farmers Market is actively recruiting new vendors. According to the organization’s president Richard Ashton, membership in the Market is $35 per year, plus a $5 table fee per market day.

“The Farmers Market is a very old tradition whose time has come again,” Ashton said. “We’re changing locations this year to make the Market easier to find and we plan to increase the variety of things for sale. We want area growers and crafters to take a serious look at being part of our Market. This is going to be fun.”

Beginning April 27, the Farmers Market will open each Saturday at 9 a.m. on the County Courthouse Square, at the corner of Fisk and Broadway South. The new location offers ample parking and a well-shaded market area. The Market will continue through September.

The Brown County Farmers Market is a certified member of the Texas Farmers Market Association. According to USDA data, the number of farmers markets has more than doubled since 1994. Farmers markets, now an integral part in the urbane/farm linkage, have continued to rise in popularity due to growing consumer interest and farmers willing to sell direct and tell their farm story.

Farmers Market consumers have access to locally grown, farm-fresh products and enjoy the opportunity to personally interact with the farmer who has grown the produce. Many markets in Texas include both conventionally grown and organically grown fruits and vegetables. Many markets also have flowers, baked goods, meats, eggs, and value-added type products.

The Farmers Market, music, art and ladybugs will be the mix April 20 for the third annual Spring Festival at the Brownwood Area Community Garden. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.

A Garden Store will offer a unique mix of indoor and outdoor items, and garden-themed door prizes will be given to Festival goers at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.

Also on the slate of activities for the Community Garden’s Spring Festival is a Rain Barrel program at 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Brown County Master Gardeners Association. Fifty-five gallon barrels plumbed and ready for installation will be for sale to those who attend the program for $50 each.

This year’s Festival will also feature the work of various artists from the Brownwood Art Association. The Garden had a bumper crop of gourds last year and area artists are turning them into works of art that will be offered to Festival goers.

A “Ladybug Flyaway” is scheduled for 12 noon and thousands of ladybug beetles will be released into the Garden for a summer of insect control and pollination. Children attending the Festival can participate in the Flyaway.

Live music will be provided by the local group Sun Duo and others. Brisket sandwiches, tacos, baked goods and drinks will also be available at family-friendly prices.

Admission to the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s Spring Festival is free, and parking is available at the Salvation Army building at 403 Lakeview Drive, between Commerce Street and Belle Plain Avenue. Handicapped parking only is available behind the Central Texas Opportunities office at 1500 Dublin Street.

Pictured above:  Kids gather around garden coordinator Daniel Graham to help release thousands of ladybugs at the 2012 “Ladybug Flyaway” at the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s 2012 Spring Festival.