Four farmers’ markets in Polk County offer weeklong opportunities to buy fresh, buy local.

With Saturday’s Columbus market traditionally being the first to kick off the growing season early in April, three other Polk County markets are now open beginning this week: Tuesdays in Green Creek and the Fire Department from 5 – 7:30 p.m., Thursdays on McGowan street in Tryon from 4 – 6:30 p.m., Fridays in the West Main parking lot in Saluda from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Saturday market in Columbus is in the Womack building parking lot from 8 – 11:30 a.m.

New to the markets this year is the acceptance of Visa/MC and EBT cards through a program grant associated with Polk DSS. Also, dogs that bring their masters to market are encouraged to relax in supervised pet-sitting stations.

Polk farmers’ markets are opening with record number vendors who offer something for everyone in the spirit of keeping commerce local. Visit www.polkcountyfarms.org for an interactive look at current market vendors and what they sell or to sign on to become a vendor.

– article submitted by Carol Lynn Jackson