SALEM - The Saturday farmer's market in downtown Salem has just begun to pick up speed after a sluggish and damp few weeks building a following since first opening on June 27.

Josh Furlong and Jonathan Hull are the organizers behind the market that runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. every Saturday in the McCullough plaza just west of Troll's Jewelry Store. Furlong said last Saturday was the best one so far with between 150 and 200 people showing up to make purchases from the 15 regular vendors they have registered so far.

With the weather finally breaking and showing some sun, Furlong said gardens, including his, were "popping right now."

He said, "We're starting to get some sun. The first couple of markets were slow but there were people with umbrellas (encouraging) and last week was the best one. Everyone sold out."

With business picking up, they will be adding a market on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. but it will be more of a curbside affair rather that blocking off the parking area behind Timberlanes where vendors usually set up.

Furlong said they have one vendor on Wednesday so far and was looking for two or three more.

"There's an abundance of produce," Furlong said adding the vendor open on Wednesday was "doing well." He said there are plenty of tomatoes, green peppers and corn is just coming in strong.

"Vendors are starting to sell out, he said.

"They're happy ... it's another outlet for their goods."

Furlong said they have vendors from Salem and the surrounding area including East Palestine, Calcutta, Austintown and a "bake sale Lady" from Lake Milton.

He said the produce prices are cheaper "by far" than at grocery stores plus shoppers have the advantage of speaking to the grower about what may have been used (pesticides) on the vegetables.

Right now tomatoes, green beans, onions, hot peppers, fresh eggs, Zuccini and squash are moving pretty well along with apples and peaches.

He expects pears and other items soon as the growing season peaks.

Also available are home baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies and bread along with handmade wood carvings and handmade quilts.

The markets plans on running until mid-to-late October to take advantage of the apple cider, pumpkin, corn stalk and maple syrup season.

Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net