Rainy weather didn’t deter people from flocking to the Lawrence Farmers Market’s seasonal opening Saturday at a new location, 824 N.H.

While area farmers enjoyed selling more goods in bigger spaces, shoppers had the chance to catch up with friends and vendors.

“It’s like going to a party with your bed head,” Kathy Bruner, Lawrence, said while perusing a table of flowers.

The outdoor market, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this season, began this year in the larger space that can accommodate 102 stalls, almost twice the size of its former location, 1020 Vt., where the market still takes place Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Vermont Street location has room for 65 stalls.

Customers and vendors said Saturday that they appreciated the new space, increased parking and expansion of goods, which included organic and homegrown foods, flowers, meats and crafts.

“I would assume it’s more convenient for the buyer for sure,” Dianne Morgan, a local baker, said while tending her Lawrence Community Shelter booth. “And that’s who you want to impress.”

Mayor Mike Amyx, who rang the 7 a.m. bell to open the market, said he was impressed with the turnout.

“Downtown seemed to be really busy, really early,” Amyx said.

The atmosphere certainly was like a party. Bluegrass bands plucked away at banjos and guitars; people sat and snacked at the new Market Square area along Rhode Island, and farmers chatted about the rain.

Some merchants, mainly flower vendors, said they had their stock of goods depleted by hailstorms and heavy rain and winds.

Jason Littlejohn, a farmer from the Richmond area, said his collection of blooms escaped the storms last weekend.

“It didn’t hurt us at all. We got lucky,” he said.

Ted Grinter said he worried that the influx of rain would wash away his newly planted sweet corn crops, which have arrived at the market in July for the past three decades.

“We don’t need any more rain for a couple weeks,” Grinter said. “Then, we’ll be begging for it.”

For now, Grinter was satisfied with the extra space to sell the goods he did have, including a collection of metal art – big, intentionally rusty carvings of fish, suns and Jayhawks.

Typically, the collection is small and cramped by other vendors. But Saturday, the art stretched across four parking spaces with walking room between each row of art.

And the market may do some growing of its own.

About 50 vendors were at Saturday’s market, but organizers expect the business to pick up as the season progresses and selection of food and goods becomes broader.

Nicer weather should help, too.

“Next week, with the sun out, things will get better,” Morgan said.