OPEN FOR BUSINESS — The Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to help Tia Graham and others involved with the Brooke County Farmers Market kick off the summer season at its new location at 535 Charles Street, the corner of Sixth and Charles streets, on Wednesday. -- Craig Howell

WELLSBURG — The Brooke County Farmers Market returned for the summer Wednesday with more than a dozen vendors at a new location: the corner of Sixth and Charles streets at 535 Charles St.

The market can be found at the downtown Wellsburg location from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Wednesday through Sept. 3.

Tia Graham, its organizer, noted it’s open an hour later than last year at the request of many customers who visited the market after work.

She added since the Wellsburg Bridge was completed, the market has drawn patrons from southern Jefferson County and the new site is even closer to the span and not far from state Route 2 at Wellsburg’s south end.

Graham said in addition to adding a few food trucks to the many vendors, she’s looking forward to offering special attractions, starting with a Kids’ Day theme next Wednesday.

The event will include a display of local emergency vehicles, miniature train rides, face painting and craft activities, all free for children.

Graham added there also will be local agencies offering information about services available to families.

She said there are plans for live music and yoga sessions for other weeks.

Many attending the market’s opening commented on the shade offered by the tall trees that stand over the grassy lot.

Among vendors new to the market are Dave and Lori Browning of Browning Farm & Field of Colliers.

Lori Browning said as the season progresses, they will be offering “tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, the usual suspects.”

On Wednesday, they were selling home-made vanilla extract and jams and scones made with hand-picked black raspberries from their farm.

At another booth, Andy and Jenna Harms of Harms Honey of Colliers were selling honey and candles, lotion bars and lip balm made with beeswax produced by the hives they keep.

Andy noted a variety of honey is produced from the various nectar collected by bees.

Among the honey sold by the Harms includes that produced from the nectar of tulip trees and other plants blooming in spring and a darker variety originating from Japanese knotweed, a plant that grows on the banks of rivers and creeks.

Andy said beekeeping is a hobby he took up five years ago and one he’s happy to say pays for itself through their sales.

Also on hand were the Hervey family of Family Roots Farm of Wellsburg, who are known for their maple syrup and related products.

But Fred and Cathy Hervey and their son-in-law and daughter, Charlie and Britney Farris, also grow assorted produce there.

On Wednesday, they brought some cucumbers, zucchini, kale, and green tomatoes.

Britney said ripe, red tomatoes should soon be on the way.

She said kale can become quite tender if kneaded, like dough, and also loses its tenderness, tasting more like spinach.

In addition to using it in salads, some people oil it, season it with salt and bake it to crate a tasty, healthy snack.

Another farmers market regular is Ruth Brown of Ruth’s Pets & Plants of Wellsburg, who brought four varieties of salanova lettuce, rhubarb, radishes, carrots and many hanging baskets with colorful flowers.

But she may be known best for her baked goods, including assorted pies, cookies and breads.

The Brooke County Farmers Market welcomes other vendors, who may contact Graham through its Facebook page or by e-mail at brookecountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture requires that goods sold at the farmers market be produced within a 50-mile radius, but vendors need not be Brooke County based.

Senior citizens 60 and older who fall into certain income levels may obtain vouchers for purchases from farmers markets, roadside stands and other community supported agricultural programs.

For information, call the Brooke County Senior Center at (304) 527-3410.