One of the most welcome signs of spring in Lawrence is the opening of the Lawrence Farmers’ Market.

The market got off to a chilly start last Saturday in the parking lots on the east side of the 800 block of New Hampshire, where it operates from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. each Saturday. The fun moves to a parking lot in the 1000 block of Vermont from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday.

From now until mid-November, local residents have a chance to buy some of the area’s freshest food and finest homemade goods at the market. Fresh produce is just one aspect of the market, which also features locally produced eggs, honey and meat along with cut flowers, plants and a number of body care and craft products.

As anyone who has ever gone to the market knows, the shopping is only part of the attraction. Especially on Saturday morning, the market is a veritable melting pot of Lawrence, drawing a broad cross-section of people from the city and the surrounding area. In fact, conversations with vendors and other visitors to the market sometimes can make it difficult to get through the market in a timely fashion.

No problem. The market is a great way to spend a little time enjoying the specialness of Lawrence. Other communities have similar markets, but it seems unlikely that many are as vital and fun as the Lawrence market, which has been operating since 1976. From fresh greens in the early spring, to pumpkins in the fall, the market is full of seasonal delights.

The Lawrence Farmers’ Market is a great way to support local growers, get some great local food and see a lot of friends. What more could you want?