Homegrown fruits and vegetables have become a permanent part of downtown Vicksburg’s scenery this summer, but the number of visitors to the downtown Farmer’s Market has fallen off.

“It’s been going pretty well,” said Vicksburg Farmer’s Market volunteer organizer Mary Beth Lasseter, “but we just want to remind people we’re here. We’ve got the booths and we’ve got the growers; now we just need Vicksburg to come over and shop.

“Crowds have dropped,” she said. “Heat, vacation and the fact that it’s not new anymore have added to that, but was expected because it keeps us in line with other farmer’s markets across the state. We need a consistent base to be able to sell in Vicksburg.”

Lasseter said the number of people buying fresh produce and baked goods while being entertainment has dropped since the June 14 opening that went off with a bang.

That first day drew more than 1,000 people, and on July 2 the market expanded to twice weekly due to the high demand.

The number of participating farmers has remained steady, Lasseter said.

Farmer’s markets have grown extensively in recent years, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports over 4,300 farmer’s markets are currently operating throughout the nation and 49 operate in Mississippi.

Aug. 3-9 was declared National Farmer’s Market Week, a week dedicated to farmers across the nation.

“Shopping at farmer’s markets is an excellent way for consumers to support our local farmers and our communities,” Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Lester Spell said in a news release. “The vitality of farms across our state is good for local economies, good for consumers and good for Mississippians.”

Events for the Vicksburg Farmer’s Market include a stuffed tomato recipe contest and a tasting party on Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Willingham’s, 1305 Washington St.

The event is free and will feature samples and baked goods from local bakers as well as pottery by Daisy Anderson.

The Vicksburg Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 4 until 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 until 11 a.m. For additional information call 601-634-9484 601-634-9484 or visit www.vicksburgfarmersmarket.org.