Visit various vendors this summer at The Market for an opportunity to experience locally produced goods and produce.
Every Thursday until August 15, the College of Agriculture hosts The Market, an open-air farmer's market at the Ag Heritage Park, located at the corner of Lem Morrison and Donahue Drives. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Parking is available along the road and across the street.
Laura Herring, Market manager of four years, said The Market could have nearly 25 vendors during peak times this summer.
"Vendors must grow or produce all items themselves," Herring said.
"Goods sold at The Market include vegetables such as corn and tomatoes, different grains, locally produced honey and goat cheese," Herring said. "The Market has one organically certified vendor."
Visitors can find poultry and eggs, and the fisheries department occasionally attends to sell shrimp.
Herring estimates 300-500 people come to The Market each week.
Rain or shine, vendors will set up shop each Thursday.
Exceptions are made if heavy storms pose a danger to visitors and vendors.
Rod Havens, local blueberry farmer and owner of Blueberry Havens, has been attending The Market since it opened in 2005.
"I have more customers than I can service," Havens said after selling out his stock of blueberries at The Market, which are $5 per quart.
He donates half of his profits each week from The Market to Habitat for Humanity and the Auburn 4-H Club.
Havens has been growing blueberries for 30 years on his 220-acre farm. He estimates he has approximately 20,000 plants on the property.
"It takes four to fives years for blueberries to grow," Havens said. "I prefer to have the blueberries handpicked. I'm always needing pickers to help out."
Havens, a former therapist and retired counselor for Auburn High School, has been selling his blueberries commercially for 22 years.
He runs the farm on his own, hiring contractors to pick the blueberries.
Havens also allows people to pick the berries themselves for $7 per gallon.
"I don't make much money," Havens said.
"But it's what I like to do."
Havens hasn't raised prices on his blueberries in a few years.
"I feel like we're paying enough with all prices going up elsewhere," Havens said.
The Market will be closed July 4 for the holiday.
The website has a list of fresh goods for the week, as not all items are available every week because growing seasons vary.
Links to recipes for the different weekly goods and links to the different vendors' websites can also be found online.
Those interested in becoming vendors can contact Laura Herring at herrilm@auburn.edu or by calling 334-321-1603.
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