Extend Your Stay at the Birmingham Farmers Market 2013

The Farmers Market season is here, and this year, patrons will get a little extra time to take in the atmosphere, home-grown fruits and vegetables and whatever else more than 50 vendors have in store. The opening day of the market, now in its eleventh season, will feature everything from baked goods and prepared foods to plenty of flowers.

According to city spokeswoman Marianne Gamboa, the hour change was in direct response to patrons who wanted more time to enjoy the market while also taking into consideration church services and other Sunday activities. Organizers said visitors can expect to find rhubarb, parsnips, and a large variety of greens and herbs in May. While will be more vendors of fresh fruit and vegetables should be expected later in the season, there should be dozens of flower vendors to start the season too, with many patrons stocking up for Mother's Day on May 12.

Other special events at the Farmers Market this year include:

• Health and Fitness event, June 23
• Corn Festival, Aug. 11
• Harvest Festival (previously Hay Day), Sept. 15
• End-of-Season Celebration, Oct. 20

Visitors for Sunday's opening can enter a raffle to win tickets for Mom to Fisher Theater’s "Catch Me If you Can." And those among the first 100 patrons receive a free canvas bag to begin your shopping. Kids will also get a free balloon Sunday.

The Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday in the municipal parking lot on North Old Woodward Avenue. For more information, visit birminghamfarmersmarket.org.

Do you have your own Farmers Market photos? Upload them directly to our Pics and Clips gallery, or email them to Editor Art Aisner at art.aisner@patch.com.