Though it's early in the season for produce, local farmers markets are starting up this weekend.
The Fulton and New Bloomfield markets will be open Saturday morning with some produce, baked goods, plants and crafts.
The Fulton market, located on Fifth Street in front of the Callaway County Courthouse, is set to last from 8 a.m.-noon. The annual Morels and Microbrews festival will begin nearby on Court Street as the farmers market wraps up for the day.
Fulton Farmer's Market president Manda Saleny-Larsen said visitors can expect a bigger market this year, with new vendors including at least one food truck.
Additionally, during the second Saturday of each month, the market will allow direct-sales vendors to set up a booth.
Saleny-Larsen said the market is purchasing re-usable shopping bags to offer to shoppers.
Low-income seniors older than 60 are also eligible for Missouri Department of Agriculture vouchers that can be used at the Fulton market. Participants are issued $50 in vouchers to be used to buy fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and herbs from authorized farmers at the market between June and October.
"We want to better help citizen customers," Saleny-Larsen said. "We're trying to bring a lot more ideas and to reach out more to our community."
The New Bloomfield Farmer's Market will run from 7:30-11:30 a.m. in the school bus parking lot across the street from New Bloomfield Elementary School.
Jane Hurtt and Nancy West help organize the market.
"People call it the 'friendly market,'" Hurtt said. "Some people just come and talk. They like to be here."
Sponsored by the New Bloomfield Civic Association, the market welcomes local vendors and hosts a giveaway drawing each week.
"We have the same vendors all lined up to come," West said. "They're all excited to get here."